Meet the mini-band: The cheap fat burning tool Instagram is OBSESSED with

If you’re an avid Instagram user, chances are you’ve seen the mini-band.

The small-rubber loop is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your workout more effective. And fitness influencers are jumping on board.

The bands boost muscle strength and functional performance, but how exactly do they work?

You use the mini-band above your knees or ankle. Doing this is mobilises your hips, enhances your performance and activates your gluten while reducing your risk of injury.

Even celebrity personal trainers swear by the band.

Canadian trainer Dalton Wong, whose celebrity clients include Jennifer Lawrence, Kit Harrington and Amanda Seyfried says he used the mini-band with all of his private clients.

The trainer told the Telegraph: “I designed the Mini Band Workout to help remove the barriers associated with exercise. For many women, their idea of resistance training is big dumbbells.

“But anything that challenges your body is resistance training. The bands can be used anytime, anywhere. You can do thigh exercises when the ads come on during your favourite programme, or you can work your triceps while you’re making a cup of tea. There’s no excuse.”

Here are four more reasons to jump on the band-wagon:

1. They strengthen the hard-to-work muscles

Your scapular muscles and glutes are the muscle groups that benefit most from the bands, so think a lot of squats.

2. They help you lose fat – fast

As your muscles are activated, this helps burn more calories. Bands can help to build muscle size and muscles require energy to maintain which can help boost your metabolism.

3. They perfect your form

For example, placing the band around your wrists while doing a push up can encourage optimal elbow angles.

4. They increase muscle activation

Bands place constant tension on your muscles, keeping the muscle engaged for the entirety of the exercise.

One study found using the bands can increase muscle activity by up to 15% more than if you’re using dumbbells.

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