Assistance vs. Resistance: What’s the difference?

For seniors, physiotherapists carefully choose exercises based on strength, mobility, balance, and individual goals.

Assistance band exercises help make movement easier by providing support or reducing the effort needed to complete an exercise. They’re especially helpful when rebuilding strength, improving mobility, or learning a movement safely.

Resistance band exercises work the opposite way. The band adds resistance, challenging the muscles to work harder and helping build strength, stability, and endurance.

The right type of exercise can make everyday movements like standing, walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of a chair safer and easier.

With guidance from a physiotherapist, resistance and assistance exercises can be adjusted to meet each senior exactly where they are in their recovery and fitness journey.