So you've packed for your trip and your suitcase is overflowing. Nothing more will fit in there, not even a set of exercise tubes. Does this mean you have to forget about working out, with the possible exception of maybe some pushups and crunches? Not if you slip a couple of exercise bands into your pocket or purse. You can recreate most well known exercises with the use of exercise bands, and they can be folded up so compactly that you'll never have to leave them behind. Exercise bands also can help you increase your range of motion in stretching or flexibility exercises, and they can be used in conjunction with Yoga and Pilates workouts (in fact, we've reviewed a video that combines Yoga with exercise bands). Exercise bands come in a variety of resistances so that you can better challenge different muscle groups. They also offer a different type of resistance training than free weights do, making them a useful component when you want to switch up your fitness regimen. Best of all, they cost less than your subscription to Shape magazine. So even if you love your dumbbells, have a few exercise bands on hand - they'll come in handy!