Top 9 Resistance bands
Resistance bands are perfect for strength training routines, rehabilitation programs, and improve heart rate. The varying resistance intensities help in strengthening and toning your core muscles.
The bands are cost-effective, and portable so you can work out away from your home or gym. It is a convenient option for a quick and intense workout for any age or fitness level.
We have reviewed the best resistance bands of different types, including resistance tubes, therapy bands, fit loop band, lateral band, and figure 8 bands various brands.
To make sure you purchase the best resistance bands online, you need to have complete knowledge. This is why we have made a detailed guide on how the resistance bands work, types of resistance bands, advantages of using these bands, top resistance band exercises, buying guide, top 9 best resistance bands, and frequently asked questions.
Hopefully, this will guide you in the selection procedure.
Top 9 Resistance bands
| Product | Best Price |
|---|---|
Multiple fitness levels |  |
Our Pick | |
Great Elasticity | |
Great strength | |
Improves muscle strength | |
Pull up style | |
Improve performance | |
Adjustable shape | |
How do resistance bands work?
The resistance bands are great equipment to work out. If you work out regularly, this shouldn’t be the first time you are coming across them.
These bands work by providing an external force that can be applied to the body, without having to hold on to extra weight. These bands are flat, but they can be looped to form various sizes, ranging from thin to thick.
The bands can provide resistance of varying intensity; light, medium, heavy, extra heavy, etc. However, the opposing force in the use of the resistance band is your body weight.
When fastened in place, all you need to do is either push, pull, or curl against the resistance of the rubber.
Advantages of using resistance bands
Using resistance bands have several benefits for you, and below are some of them:
Toning and strengthening:
The stretching of a resistance band creates tension in your muscle, which cause them to contract.
During use, the more the band is being stretched, the more intense its resistance gets, which makes the exercise harder. The resistance band can also be held in ways that would increase the tension.
Assistance in exercises:
The resistance bands can also help you progress with very difficult exercises.
For instance, if you want to get better with the pull-up exercise, all you need to do is simply attach the resistance band to the bar. You can then put it under your knee or foot to work your way up the unassisted version.
When the exercise is in progress, the band supports your weight. This makes it easier for you to carry out this exercise.
Stretching:
The resistance bands can also be a great addition to your routine if you are looking to work on your flexibility and mobility.
The band will make it possible for you to increase the range of motion and deepen the stretch by moving away from the body.
Lightweight and portable:
If you are looking to travel, this is one gym equipment that you can always take with you.
These bands are very lightweight and can be easily stashed in your suitcase or hand luggage.
They are suitable for almost everyone:
Resistance bands work on the muscles just like weights. The muscles are contracted to generate the force needed to stabilize and control the movement you desire.
The difference between these bands and weights is that they do not rely on gravity to produce resistance. This means that there can be a movement of the body, as well as an expansion of motion range in some exercises.
Rehabilitation:
These bands have been very effective for rehabilitation and sports. This is because the way the resistance bands apply pressure is quite different from the way that weights apply it.
Irrespective of age, you can have an effective workout session from the resistance bands. You can carry out as many exercises as possible while sitting.
They are inexpensive:
You don’t have to break the bank to get the best resistance band as they are affordable. You should remember that the thicker the band, the more resistant it would be, and the harder it will make the exercise.
Exercises you can do with the resistance band
Various exercises can be done with the resistance band that will benefit you. This is because they add an extra layer of challenge to your normal routine, but they don’t put pressure on your body as the external weights do.
With the help of the resistance band, you can also target smaller stabilizing muscles that you might not be able to work out.
It is for this reason that trainers use them to work the small muscles that line the hip.
Here are several exercises you can carry out with the resistance bands:
Resistance band bicep curls:
- Stand on the resistance band with both your feet. Hold the handles in each of your hands. Make sure your arms are extended, and the palms are facing forward.
- Then, you can slowly curl your hands up toward your shoulders. You should then squeeze your bicep and keep your elbows firm against the side of your body.
- You can then slowly lower your hand back to its starting position.
Resistance band bent-over row:
- You should stand with your feet on the resistance band, then keep your hip wide apart. Hold one of the handles in each of your hands, just by your side, with your palms facing each other. Make sure your knee is slightly bent and hinge forward at your hip level. This will keep your back flat, with your arms straight, and then placed under your shoulders.
- Then bend your elbows, with your band pulled towards your chest. While doing this, your elbow should be kept close to your body.
- Straighten your arms slowly, then lower the hand to its starting position.
Resistance band chest fly:
- You can do this by looping your resistance band around something firm behind you. Hold each handle and have your arm held straight out in a T. You should make sure that your palms are facing forward.
- Take a stance; one of your foot should be in front, while the other is behind. This will give you a staggered stance. You should make sure you are far away from the loop of your resistance band. This is to create enough tension in the band. This is your starting position.
- Then, you should slowly pull the band to make the handles meet in front of your body. You should ensure that your arms are straight, while your elbows can be slightly bent.
- You can then slowly extend release your arm back to the starting position. However, you should make sure that the band is not snapped back suddenly as it could lead to injury.
Resistance band good morning:
- First, stand on the resistance band with both of your feet, and be about a hip-width apart. On each side of your body, hold one end of the band in your hand with your palms facing each other. This is your starting position.
- Second, ensure that there is a soft bend on your knee, hinge forward at your hips, and push your butt backward. You should also fold your torso forward. You should stop when your torso is almost parallel to the floor. This depends on how flexible your hamstring is.
- Let your hips drive forward as you lift your torso back up and return to the starting position. Then squeeze your glutes at the top.
Resistance band chest press:
- Start by looping your resistance band to something firm behind you. Hold on to each handle and have your handheld out straight at the sides. Your elbows should also be bent at 90 degrees, with your palms facing forward.
- Now, achieve a staggered stance by having one foot in front and the other behind. You should stand forward enough from the loop so that there would be tension developed in the band. This is the starting position.
- Next, have the handles pressed slowly to the front and have your arms straightened, till your hands meet up in front of your body.
- Lastly, bend your elbows and pull the handles towards your chest, back to the starting position. You should make sure that the band does not spring back quickly to avoid injury.
Resistance band glute kick-back:
- To start, have a resistance band looped around your left ankle and arch your right foot.
- Next, have your right leg lifted and extended out behind you, thereby pushing against the resistance of the band. Try to get the maximum straight position for your leg.
- In very slow motion, try to bring your leg back to the starting position.
Resistance band glute bridge:
- Lay on the floor with your back. Your hands sideways and your knees bent. Have your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. You should then loop a medium-strength resistance band on your thigh, just above your knee. This is your starting position.
- Squeeze your glutes and abs, then push hard through your heels so that your hip is lifted a few inches off the floor until your body forms a perfectly straight position from your shoulders to your knees. You should hold this position for some time, then ensure that the tension in the band is maintained. This is to prevent the knee from collapsing in.
- Then slowly return your ship to the starting position.
Types of resistance bands
There are various types of resistance bands, and this is based majorly on the use they are recommended for;
Therapy bands
These are bands with no handles, and they are used mainly for rehabilitation.
Resistance Tubes
They are long tubes that are used in various stretching exercises.
Compact resistance band
These resistance bands feature a handle that is attached to the end of the band, and they are used mainly to work out the upper and lower part of the body.
Fit loop band:
These are the continuous loop bands that used mainly on the lower part of the body.
Figure 8 band:
The figure 8 band is one that has the shape of an 8 that has two handles. This band is used extensively on the upper body.
Ring resistance band
These are circular bands featuring two soft handles, used mainly on the lower part of the body.
Lateral resistance band
These bands are Velcro ankle cuffs that are connected by a band and can be used on the lower body.
Buying guide for your resistance bands
Variety:
You should know that the various bands are colored for the various tension level.
You can pick out a variety containing at least three of these levels – light, medium, and heavy. This is because the different muscles of the body would require different levels of resistance.
Size:
Before you make your pick, you should always ensure that you have the right size for the exercise you want to use it for. There are various sizes, and they are personalized for different exercises. There are small, medium, and large sizes. Consider this while buying.
Build quality:
The quality of the material used matters a lot. You don’t want a band that would snap after a couple of uses. It should be made of 100% latex. Check for the manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
Comfort:
You should make sure that the resistance band you will be getting is easy to use and very comfortable.
Some of the brands you find online have handles that are interchangeable, which means that you can always take them off to use different bands. Make sure the bands you get can be easily used, replaced, and of course, it would bring about pain.
Simplicity:
Make sure to keep it simple. There are various types of bands, but it would be best for you to choose a very simple one if you are just starting out.
When you are used to how it works, and how best to use them, you can always get the ones with more complicated designs.
Accessories:
You can only enjoy the use of accessories if you have different ways to attach them. If not, you should find something like a door attachment. You can also get ankle cuffs with them and some other accessories.
9 Best Resistance bands
1. Strauss Yoga Resistance Band – Multiple fitness levels
To help you work the best way to your fitness, Strauss brings about the yoga resistance bands, with which you can perform exercises on the hip muscles. This band is very useful in the burning of fat as well as body-building.
For pregnant women, this equipment can also be used to keep them fit. You can make use of it anywhere, either in the office or at your home.
For effective workouts, you might not need to get costly equipment. This is a very cost-effective means of working out at your convenience. It can also adapt easily to multiple fitness levels, and you can save space in the home.
With the use of this fitness equipment, you can develop your body faster. You get to burn more fat, and you will have a very slimmer appearance.
With the resistance bands, you will able to control your movement as much as possible. You can always use this for your yoga exercises, both at your home and in the gym.
It helps you enhance your muscle strength, your physical mobility, and your flexibility.
- They are made of high-density latex
- They come in three difficulty levels
- You can even use these bands for yoga asanas
- It helps in improving core strength and muscle tone
- It is made of good quality material
- Affordable
- The intensity level is not as high as the bands with 5 different levels
2. Fitsy Resistance Toning Tube – Our pick
This is the perfect equipment for you to build your muscles and shed fat. This is a top resistance band for workouts. Whether you are looking to build your muscles, lose weight, burn fat, fitness training, Pilates or yoga, this band can assist you in everything.
This tube targets all your muscle groups through a full range of motion, with increased strength and toning. You do not need any other equipment as FITSY resistance tube is just enough.
It is versatile and easy on your joints. All you need to do to explore the versatility of this equipment is to change your body position.
It also features cushioned foam handles, which make it comfortable to hold without slipping.
It also features a door anchor, which takes your exercise to the next level. With the door anchor, the number of exercises you can carry out is increased. The anchor is designed to be gentle on your band, to prevent it from tearing.
If you are a beginner or enthusiast looking to build your body and achieve more fitness goals, this is the best band for you. There is also a heavy tube for professionals.
- These bands are made from 100% premium quality natural latex
- It comes in a travel pouch which makes it simple to carry it around
- It has a door anchor which helps you do more exercises
- You can perform a variety of exercises with these bands
- It is very easy to use and handle
- It is super comfortable to train with these bands
- No negative points observed so far
3. Bulmarc Resistance Band – Great elasticity
These resistance bands can be used anywhere you want them, in the gym, park, home, hotel room, or even when you are at the beach.
This resistance band is made from premium latex, drawn right from the heart of the rubber trees in Thailand. This brand offers a great deal of elasticity, and resilience, you should never be worried about it breaking any soon.
- Made of premium latex which offers higher elasticity
- It comes in a kit and of different colors denoting various tension levels
- It comes with an E-book having 70+ exercises
- They are available at a reasonable price
- It has an amazing quality
- No negative points observed so far.
4. BodybandX Assist bands – Great strength
This band is made from 100% latex, and you can always be sure that they would last long since they are very durable.
The various strengths of bands that are made available afford you multiple levels of training resistance. You get more efficiency from combining various strengths of bands. This is one of the best resistance bands for building muscle.
You can build strength when these bands are used in combination with other gym equipment, such as the barbell, dumbbell, etc. With this, you can efficiently tone your body and make it more flexible.
These bands are great if you are going to be building muscles, shaping your body, and achieving gradual loss of weight.
- It is made of 100% tear-resistant material
- They are 35 centimeters in length
- The latex material used in its production is anti-slip and oxidation resistant.
- They are ideal for muscle building, body toning, and weight loss
- They have amazing elasticity
- These bands are 100% tear-resistant
- The quality of the bands could have been better
5. Joyfit Resistance Band – Improves muscle strength
This band can be used in isolation or in combination with other equipment to have maximum effect. With these bands, you are able to burn fats. You can also increase your muscle strength.
With this band, you get a consistent resistance as it is being expanded. They are made of eco-friendly materials and the highest quality rubber. These bands are extremely versatile and can be used for various exercises.
- It includes two ankle straps, cushioned handles, a door anchor, and other accessories
- It is made of 100% latex which makes it durable
- They come in different resistance levels
- It can be used to target various parts of the body
- They are very durable
- These bands can help you burn fat as well as increase muscle strength
- The stitches of the handle might start to wear off after some time of intensive use
6. Slovic Resistance Band – Pull up style
This resistance band from Slovic offers just the right amount of resistance in your workouts. It is suitable for both for pull up training, and for adding resistances to bench press, push up, squats, lifts, and other exercises.
The loop resistance band training offers a better range of motion strength and complete stimulation to promote muscle growth.
Since it is lightweight and portable, it can be taken anywhere you want. This allows you to exercise at places other than your gym or home.
It is available in three variations, with each having different levels of tension. This gives you the freedom to challenge yourself to different workouts and push your body to the limit.
- It is durable and flexible
- It is suitable for heavy-duty usage
- It improves your vertebral stability
- It is odorless and gentle on the skin
- It has good enough resistance to fulfill everyone’s requirement
- It can be used to concentrate loads on a certain body part
- Palms might hurt as there is no handle on the band
7. Alpha Forge Resistance Exercise Band – Improve performance
These bands from Alpha Forge can be used to perform a full-body workout. These bands are fit for both men and women, and the kit is suitable for your regular workout session.
It also has a lightweight jump rope that has an ergonomic design for easy handling. This band can be used for performing various exercises.
- It comes in a kit that includes a black resistance band and a hand grip strengthener
- The bands offer a resistance level of 25 lbs
- The band is 4 ft long and can be used to perform different exercises
- It can be used to perform a full-body workout
- The resistance band is highly durable
- The quality of the band could have been better
8. Credence Resistance Tube – Adjustable shape
This latex tube material features an adjustable shape and it tones your body, just the way you want.
It offers amazing flexibility and comfort with its ergonomic design. It comes with a very comfortable foam handle and you can always achieve your exercise goals within the desired time.
- The resistance tube is made of premium quality latex
- It comes with a foam handle which makes it easier to perform exercises
- They are very flexible and comfortable
- They help to shape and tone your entire body
- No negative points were observed so far
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my resistance band from rolling upwards?
If you don’t want to use resistance bands that would roll up when you are using them, then you should go for the ones with the right length and width.
Also, you can always place the resistance bands at the same level on each of your legs. You should also make sure they are not too high. Bands tend to roll up if they are too high.
2. What type of resistance band is best for me?
The type of resistance band you will use depends solely on the goal you are trying to achieve. If you want to work on your booty, then you can go for the resistance loop band.
However, if you are working on your upper body, it is best that you for resistance tubes with handles.
Otherwise, you can make use of a flat band if you are not specific about the goal you are trying to achieve, and you want something more versatile.
3. Can I tone my body with a resistance band?
Yes, you can. They are very helpful in toning the muscles of the body for strength and endurance.
In the case of toning, the resistance bands would do the same work as the dumbbells, but with the difference that there is no added weight. All your body needs to adapt to, in this case, is the pulling effect of the band.
4. How many calories do I get to burn with my resistance bands?
Well, the calorie individuals get to burn depends on the individual’s weight and the workout program.
If it helps, a woman of about 55 kgs in weight will lose about 150 calories of energy in a workout session that lasts about 30 minutes. The addition of the resistance band to your workout routine would help you in losing more calories.
5. How can I do squats with the resistance band?
You can achieve this by placing one of the resistance band under your feet and make a stance that is shoulder width apart.
You should hold each end with your hand. Pull at the handle of the resistance band, up to your shoulder and upper back level.
Then, carry out the squat by pushing your upper hips backward, while ensuring your back remains straight.
6. Why are bands used for deadlifts?
By adding resistance bands to your deadlifts, you are adding more weight to the regimen as against when you lift them alone.
With these resistance bands, the weights become heavier. In this case, you are not at risk of suddenly dropping the weight, but the work out becomes more tasking.
7. Is it good to use resistance bands for stretching?
Yes, these bands adapt very well to stretching, due to their elasticity. By making use of bands during the stretch, the exercise is deepened; hence, you feel more flexible.
8. How do I clean my resistance band?
There is nothing much to do to clean the resistance band. You can simply wipe them with a damp cloth.
However, you should avoid the use of soap or other cleaning products. This is because these products can make them lose their tightness and firmness. You should also have them stored away from places of extreme temperature to preserve their elasticity.
Conclusion
Resistance bands are a very helpful tool that can change the way you workout. It helps you reach your goals faster while being affordable and convenient to carry.
Even if you do not wish to focus your workout routine on these bands, doing a couple of exercises with resistance bands also helps a lot.
From the top 10 best resistance bands on Amazon, our top three picks are FITSY Resistance Toning Tube , BULMARC resistance band and BodybandX pull up Assist bands.
