I see people at the gym using elastic tubing of all colors to exercise their arms and legs. Where can I get some of this and what color should I buy? I think I’d like to try it for my knee. I do have some pain from weakness that just doesn’t seem to go away using the machines.

Many gyms or athletic clubs keep a supply of tubing or elastic bands for their patrons to use. Most of the time the colors do indicate the strength from weak to strong. Yellow is usually for mild resistance then red, blue, green, and black (greatest resistance).

If your facility does not offer this service, you can often find a supplier in the yellow pages. Look for businesses that sell medical supplies like wheelchairs, walkers, back supports, and so on. They usually keep a supply on hand for local physical therapists who do not stock their own or for patients who just need a single band, not the whole box.

Ask for a 36 inch piece — that will be long enough for most uses. The cost should be minimal for a single band (no more than a couple dollars). If you do not have a specific exercise program, see a physical therapist and get an exercise prescription that is best for you.

The therapist will guide you through a progression of intensity, number, and frequency of exercises. You don’t want to launch into a self-made program and over do it, aggravate and already existing problem, or bring on a new problem.