I'm a Flight Attendant, and This Is the 1 Piece of Workout Gear I Always Pack in My Bag

I used to work out with dumbbells constantly. Like many women, I was all about those booty gains, so I centered my routine on squats, deadlifts, and other glute-focused exercises. I always pushed myself to lift heavier weights, hoping to unlock faster results . . . and then I began feeling sharp pain in my wrists and hands. After weeks with no improvement, a doctor told me the tendons in my wrists were strained, and the dumbbells were likely to blame. I had to stop.

I tried exercising without weights, but I quickly became frustrated. I began working out less and less often, until one day I came across resistance bands on Instagram. I ordered a set of Peach Bands from Amazon, hopeful that they'd breathe some life back into my routine. A few days later, I received four colorful bands, ranging from light to extra heavy, tucked neatly into a little pink pouch.

Any lingering skepticism faded just minutes into my first session — my glutes were on fire. By the end of the workout, I felt incredible, and my wrists were no longer bothering me.

These bands are super effective, but they're also easy to travel with — an added benefit for a flight attendant. I take them to the gym to use during glute activation exercises and tuck them into my suitcase so I can work out from my hotel room anywhere in the world. They're so light and simple to pack, and I love that I can now squeeze in a workout on my layovers.

Not only do I see a difference in my body after using these bands, but I also see a difference in my relationship with working out. I used to pile on weight, which caused my form to suffer after just a few reps. Now I'm able to take my time and really focus on the way my body is moving. I honestly can't imagine my fitness routine without them. Keep reading for details.