LATEX LOOP
Latex loops are comfortable elastic bands. Their great diffusion stems from the affordability of the product combined with its versatility. Latex loops represent the most inexpensive form of elastics for toning and metabolic gymnastics courses with moderate muscle intensity.
Loop Band 0520-22-24 or Latex Loop 0511-12, what are the differences?
These are very similar elastic loop bands, both from the point of view of use and in terms of resistances.
- The Latex Loop Band 0520-22-24 are recommended for exercises dedicated to fitness and aesthetic goals. The range also includes light resistance (LIGHT) and the width of the elastic involves greater comfort. The length of 30 cm slightly facilitates the exercises and the insertion of the legs into the elastic.
- 0511-12 Latex Loops are more suitable for exercises dedicated to athletic preparation and physical conditioning. Are also offered in packs of 30 and 100 pieces for teams and high consumption use. The range not include light resistance: only medium and strong. The 25 cm length means that the elastic resistance is activated earlier than the 30 cm bands, an important aspect in the main exercises dedicated to conditioning: walking with the elastic (lateral walks), hip abduction and adduction, knee stabilization, general proprioception, etc.
The resistance of the bands is progressive. To allow a practical orientation between the different models we give two indications of resistance expressed in kilograms: the first refers to the force necessary for the elastic to begin to deform, that is to stretch, while the second refers to the force necessary to lengthen the elastic up to 100 cm.
| Latex Loop Band | Latex Loop | force necessary to start deforming | force necessary to extend it up to 100 cm |
| 0520 Light (silver) | 2 Kg | 7 Kg | |
| 0522 Medium (grey) | 0511 Medium (green) | 3 Kg | 9 Kg |
| 0524 Strong (black) | 0512 Strong (blu) | 4 kg | 11 kg |
These are indicative values, which we wanted to express in kilograms to allow for practical orientation. Therefore, the Latex Loop 0512, blue color, strong resistance, begins to stretch with a force equal to about 4 kg, reaching 11 kg when its elongation reaches one meter. This is a high resistance for the type of exercises usually performed with these tools and the figure of 11 kg should not be hastily confused with the weight used in lifting exercises.
The positioning of the Latex Loop
The most common use of these elastics involves exercises for the lower limbs, in which the gluteal muscles (small, medium, and large), ischiocrucials, and quadriceps are significantly “activated.” In this case it is usually placed at knee height, where the perceived resistance is medium, or at the ankles, where the perceived resistance is higher.
The principle behind this is nothing more than that of leverage, increasing the distance between fulcrum and resistance must also increase muscle activation to overcome it. The same principle can be used for the upper body, trunk and arms, thus creating an infinite number of possible exercise combinations.
The benefits and qualities trained
Whether placed in the upper and/or lower body, the response you get is increased stimulation of the neuromuscular system. In fact, its use is perfect for improving all qualities: speed – agility – power – endurance. The enormous benefits conferred by its use are mainly due to the global training it entails in that movements are not sectorized, isolating the muscles responsible for them, but motor skills as a whole are trained.
Application to athletic training and strength training
The Latex Loop is available in both strong resistance (code 0512) and medium resistance (code 0511), so it can be used by any type of user, but also in different ways depending on our goal. In specific athletic training, in fact, a light resistance is preferred for the improvement of reactivity, agility and speed because it allows to reproduce the same motor pattern of specific practice by adding a light resistance. To improve these qualities its use could be combined with other small equipment such as Agility Ladder and/or Balance Pad. Some of the most commonly used exercises include Banded skip, Lateral shuffle, Monster walk, 2in1 out.
For strength and power improvement, the use of the Strong Resistance Latex Loop (code 0512) is especially preferred. In this case it can be used in conjunction with specific exercises such as leaps, sprints and changes of direction. One of its strengths in fact is the ease of positioning, ankles and/or knees, allowing variations of exercises in the immediate without loss of time. In this way, the athlete can perform exercises with elastic resistance, thus performing a pre-exercise, and to follow the specific gesture. Not only free-body, the latex loop can also pair well with exercises to be performed with overloads. For example during the execution of a back squat it stimulates the neuromuscular system to maintain proper execution technique by maximizing glute activation and avoiding intrarotazione of the knees during the squat.
Finally, Latex Loops can also be very useful when used as a pre-race warm-up or as an excellent cool down, going to strengthen muscles and/or joints that need it.
Latex Loops in fitness and functional training
Latex Loops are also a great ally to include during toning and functional training classes. The elastic resistance in fact constantly stimulates our neuromuscular system to remain active in such a way as to “overcome” the tension created by the band. It in fact represents an auxotonic contraction, that is, a concentric contraction, in which muscle tension increases progressively as the muscle shortens (the prefix “auxo” in fact means “growth”). This occurs when external resistance tends to increase during the contraction (this is the case in rubber band training). As resistance increases, the muscle will then have to express a proportional increase in tension.
Adding Latex Loop in functional training circuits will improve intra- and inter-muscle activation, making us even more aware of the movements we are performing. In addition, with its use we strengthen the entire core: during the execution of any movement with the Latex Loop in fact we are forced to activate the entire trunk musculature in order to counteract any twisting movements that might occur. Some of the most popular exercises include Banded squat, Banded bridge, Clam shell, Hip abduction, Mmonster walk, Sumo walk but also Banded Push-up, Banded row and Hands walk.
Dimensions: Length 250 mm. Width: 30 mm
Thickness: 1,60 mm
Latex loop Blue STRONG resistance.
Maintenance
This product is made of Latex Material. This material has the tendency over time to deteriorate while the chemical agents responsible for the elasticity evaporate.
To prolong the lifespan of this product it’s possible to follow some simple steps:
- Avoid keeping the elastics in the open air, or especially under the Sun or strong lights: light emissions and UV Rays together with Air are accelerants for the deterioration of the Latex.
- If possible, after use store them in airtight bags.
- Avoid using the elastics anchoring them on racks or storages or any part with a sharp edge.
- To wash use only tepid water. Do not use cleaning products: alcohols, degreasers, oils, all are aggressive for this material.
- After washing and possibly always before use you need to cover the elastic in Talc powder. The Talc reduces a lot the deteriorating process, and helps in the use of the elastics, avoiding grip on hands or feet and giving also a more pleasant sensation.
- As soon as you receive the elastics, and then regularly every 2-3 months, after washing it with tepid water, you can proceed to the lubrification of the elastic using only silicon based lubrificants. This process can help maximising the lifespan of the elastic, avoiding the classic white coating that happens on elastics over time.
- Do not experiment cleaning or lubrificating the elastics with products, even those that can seem harmless: Vaseline oil for example is very damaging for the lates. Same way degreasers, anti-bacterials products may damage the chemical composition of the Latex in the elastics.
