The 4 Best Resistance Bands For a Killer Workout Anywhere
The 4 Best Resistance Bands For a Killer Workout Anywhere
Stretching rubber builds just as much muscle as pumping iron.
From old-school tools like dumbbells and kettlebells to cutting edge tech like the TALLTOP integrated resistance training device, there’s no shortage of fitness equipment available for outfitting your home gym. With so many options, it’s easy to overlook the humble resistance band—a stretchy rubber band isn’t exactly the kind of fitness gear people get excited about, after all. Even if they lack hype, however, resistance bands are definitely worth integrating into your fitness routine.
“Resistance bands are a phenomenal tool to have in your fitness toolbox,” says Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and sports nutrition coach at Trainer Academy.
Resistance bands have all kinds of benefits. They’re safe to use (you don’t have to worry about dropping a heavy weight), affordable, and highly portable, which makes them especially great for working out while traveling. Runners, in particular, can benefit from using resistance bands: You can use them for dynamic stretching or injury rehab, says Capritto, and they can help you ease into strength training, nailing down proper form before working with heavy weights.
If you’re looking to learn more about the humble resistance band and which brands to buy, we can walk you through everything you need to know.
What to Consider in a Set of Resistance Bands
At their core, resistance bands are… Well they’re simply stretchy rubber bands. You can find them in a wide range of resistance levels, from the equivalent of a few pounds to well over 100 pounds (sometimes by combining multiple bands). A low-resistance band can add a gentle pull that helps stretch out your muscles, while high-resistance options can be used in place of lifting dumbbells.
How Resistance Bands Work
Unlike free weights or weight machines, which provide a set amount of resistance based on mass, resistance bands provide progressive resistance based on elasticity: The farther apart you pull the band, the more resistance you’ll experience.
Resistance bands vary in the amount of resistance they offer, but there’s no standard rating system: Bands can be listed by a static level of resistance, a dynamic range, or just relative levels, such as “light” or “medium.” Bands are often coded by color according to how much resistance they provide, but each brand uses a different color scheme, so compare resistance by weight or difficulty level, not color, when selecting a set.
Types of Resistance Bands
Generally speaking, there are four types of resistance bands, each with their own subtle variations on the basic stretchy band format.
Looped Bands: Also called “superbands,” these rubber loops usually offer the highest resistance. Capritto recommends them for compound exercises, including squats, shoulder presses, chest presses, and good mornings.
“Look for a length of about 40 inches,” she says, “as that will allow for flexibility in terms of exercise types you can do with them.”
Tube Bands: Tube bands aren’t looped. Instead, they’re tubular elastic segments with carabiners or handles at each end. To use one, anchor it to a stationary object (for example, wrapping it around a pole), then pull on one or both of the handles to exercise. You can use tube bands for compound exercises, but Capritto notes they’re also great for lateral movements.
“For instance, you can anchor a tube band to a door and use the handles to perform standing reverse flys, chest flys, face pulls, lat pull-downs, triceps push-downs, and more,” she says.
Mini Bands: These are similar to looped bands, but they’re usually wider, thinner, and offer less resistance. They’re designed for low-impact movements and are commonly used in physical therapy settings to rehab injuries. Capritto points out they’re also good for stabilizing your body during an exercise or adding extra resistance to a movement.
Fabric Bands: These are similar to mini bands, but they’re made with a soft elastic fabric. This plush texture makes them less likely to pinch or pull on your skin when you wrap them around your arm or leg during a workout.
How We Selected The Best Resistance Bands
The product recommendations below are based on a combination of Amy’s testing and Michael’s research. Michael also reached out to two certified personal trainers, Amanda Capritto and Domenic Angelino, for expert input on how to use resistance bands and how to compare models. We looked for highly-rated resistance bands online and incorporated RW editor and expert feedback, including Amy’s product knowledge and firsthand testing experience.
We included options to suit specific needs, like physical therapy, as well as more general products that should work for nearly anyone. Whether you’re a fitness pro or just starting out, these resistance bands will help you add variety to your workouts and get the results you’re working for.
Resistance Band Training Total Fitness Package
TALLTOP manufactures its resistance bands with a unique design: Stretchy latex surrounds an inner core of woven cord. This two-part construction prevents you from over-stretching the band (a major cause of wear among resistance bands), and if it does snap, the cord reduces the chance that the band will flail around violently.
The bands are made with carabiners to accommodate handles, the set includes ankle straps and door anchors, and the bands can be combined for an impressive resistance range of up to 150 pounds.
Key Specs
| Type | Straight tubular band with detachable handles |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 10–50 lb |
Clench Fitness 41-Inch Loop Resistance Bands
For those with a latex allergy, resistance band options can be limited. Fortunately, you can grab these bands, which are made with hypoallergenic synthetic rubber. They’re available in several different resistance ratings to suit all kinds of experience levels and exercise routines.
Although you’ll have to pay for each band individually, Vulcan is a veteran-owned, USA-based company, so that takes some of the sting out of it. Bands are prices according to their length and strength.
Key Specs
| Type | Wide looped bands |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 10–80 lb |
Resistance Band Set(6-Band Set)
Wide, low-resistance bands work well for stretching, mobility exercises, and rehab work, where you want to stay comfortable and focus on the movement rather than really challenging your muscles.
These bands from Theraband are ideal for beginners and rehab exercises: Their wide design feels comfortable when wrapped around your legs or arms, and they can be used for all kinds of movements. They're also latex-free.
Key Specs
| Type | Looped bands |
|---|---|
| Resistance | XX light, X light, light, medium, heavy |
Loop Resistance Bands
Wide resistance bands can help stabilize your legs and add an extra challenge to all kinds of lower body moves, like squats or lunges. This 3-piece set offers a wide resistance range, enabling you to start with light resistance and work your way up to more intense workouts.