Are you having trouble deciding on the right set of resistance bands? Attempting to sort through all the information on the web can make your head spin. It’s not easy to find a buying guide and product reviews all in one place. The purpose of this guide is to make your purchase smoother than a baby’s bottom.
We put in the research to find the best resistance bands on the market so you don’t have to move a muscle until you get yours in the mail. Additionally, we added bonus information to give you a better idea of how to implement resistance bands into your strength training routine. First, you will see our stellar product reviews, and then you can read all about how to use the bands.
Inversion Table Reviews & Comparison Chart
Top Resistance Bands Reviews
1. Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set with Door Anchor, Ankle Strap, Exercise Chart, and Resistance Band Carrying Case
Out of all the resistance bands we analyzed, the Black Mountain Set received the most reviews on Amazon. It is one of the most popular sets and features the highest quality resistance bands.
The Black Mountain set gives you all you need to get the best resistance band workout period. When you combine the five bands included in the set (ranging from 2 pounds to 30 pounds), you get resistance measuring up to 75 pounds. The bands have cushioned foam handles to make your workout more comfortable. They are constructed with metal clips to provide more durability.
The Black Mountain set also includes a door anchor and ankle strap which allow you to diversify your workout. Need ideas for what to do next? Use the included exercise chart for inspiration. If you like to take your resistance bands with you to the park or the gym, use the carrying case. Customers love these bands and praise the ease of using the clip system as well as the soft handles (some bands don’t feature soft handles and can pinch your skin during a workout).
2. Exercise Resistance Loop Bands-Set of 4 Strength Performance Bands
This set really changes it up from your typical resistance bands. The Exercise Resistance Loop Bands actually ARE bands (resembling large, flat, colorful rubber bands) that can be looped around arms and/or legs without the need to attach handles. These bands aren’t made of rubber, however; they’re made of eco-friendly latex. This set of Exercise Resistance Loop Bands features 4 bands that are color-coded and labeled according to resistance weight. For a standard workout, use a single band. For a more intense workout, you can combine two or more bands to increase the resistance. This set comes with a great carrying case that makes the bands easily portable. Whether they’re using them for a regular workout or for physical therapy to build strength or recover from an injury, reviewers like how strong and easy-to-use these bands are.
3. Best Resistance Bands Loop Set ● Leg Resistance Bands
The Best Resistance Bands Loop Set also falls in the “loop band” category, featuring flat bands that don’t require handles to work out with them. This set comes with 5 StretchMe bands that each measure 12” by 2”. Are they strong? Manufacturers laboratory test them to ensure that they’ll stand up to repeated use and abuse. Need to take them with you? Use the included carrying bag. Also included is a free e-book with 33 illustrated exercises to get you started, as well as video workouts that are available to instruct beginner resistance band users. Reviewers use these bands for physical therapy or as an addition to their home gyms and are pleased with how much more durable they are than other bands they’ve used in the past.
4. Resistance Loop Bands – Exercise Bands Set of 4 for Working out or Physical Therapy
The manufacturers of these bands say that they’re good for workouts from P90X and Crossfit to Insanity and Beach Body. This Resistance Loop Bands Set features 4 high-impact bands that measure 12” by 2”. They’re labeled from “Light” to “X-Heavy” so you can tailor your workout to the resistance weight you need. Many people who have used these bands report that the lighter ones are extremely easy to use and that they found the heavier intensity bands to be the most useful for their workouts. These bands are made of eco-friendly latex and made to stand up to years of repeated use and stretching. Like many of the other sets, this one comes with a small, drawstring carry bag. This set comes with an instruction card, but users recommend looking up additional exercises online, as the card contains limited information.
5. DynaPro Direct Exercise Resistance Bands – Workout Abs, Arms, Legs, & Back! (Set of 3)
Unlike some of the other resistance band sets, Dynapro allows you to customize your workout gear by purchasing separate bands. This band is a medium-weight one that ranges from 15 to 20 pounds. Dynapro bands are truly professional grade and come equipped with features that other bands do not. For instance, if you need an even higher resistance, use the adjustable attachment featured on the band to shorten it and increase the level of resistance. With the bands adjusted to their longest, they measure in at about 5.5 feet long—a foot or two longer than most resistance bands that are sold in sets. The D-handles feature comfortable grips to accommodate a really great workout with zero pinching. While the band itself does not come with a door anchor, Dynapro does offer them as an additional accessory for purchase. Past purchasers have been extremely happy with the quality of these bands and use them to get a full workout without ever having to hit the gym. Note: You are only getting ONE band when you make this purchase.
6. Phantom Fit Resistance Loop Bands – Set of 4
Continuing on our quest to find the best resistance bands, let’s look at the Phantom Fit Resistance Loop Bands set. This set comes with 4 bands that are made of a durable, snap-resistant latex. Manufacturers say that if a band does snap, simply contact them and they’ll send you a replacement. The resistance of the bands ranges from Light to X-Heavy. At 10” long, these are a bit shorter than many other loop bands. They do come with a drawstring carry case, but users report that it can be hard to get the bands into (as it is long and narrow). Some reviewers complain that rather than stay flat, those bands tend to roll up during use, causing pinching and discomfort. Others reported that despite the manufacturer’s “snap-resistant” claim, their bands did snap. Although the manufacturer does promise replacements for broken bands, this has been a source of frustration for users who had to wait for a replacement to be shipped.
7. WODFitters Pull Up Assist Band with eGuide (4 Band Set)
Unlike the other bands we’ve looked at so far in our resistance band reviews, this WODFitters band can be used to assist you in doing pull ups. The red band ranges from 10 to 35 pounds; other WODFitters bands are available that range all the way up to 175 pounds of resistance. In addition to pull ups and chin ups, these bands are great to use in jumping, doing stretches, power lifting, and a wide variety of other exercises. Each of the WODFitters bands are 41” long. Users were extremely happy with these bands, with many of them reporting that the bands helped them do pull ups for the first time ever.
8. Limm Exercise Resistance Loop Bands – Set of 5, 12-inch Workout Bands
These 12” latex bands come in a set of 5 so that you can get a full, diverse workout using a wide range of different resistance weights. They’re conveniently labeled from Light to X-Heavy so there’s no guesswork as to which one you need. They come with a very small, drawstring carry bag to take the bands on the go. This set comes with a printed manual for beginner users. There is also a “Home Workouts” ebook available for Limm customers to download in order to get them started with their resistance workout routine.<a name=”B002L6WO5U”></a>
9. Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set (Five Bands Included)
Next in our lineup of resistance band reviews, this set comes with a total of five bands of various resistance strengths. The yellow band runs from 2 to 4 pounds and the red band, the strongest, is 25 to 30 pounds. Each band comes attached to cushioned D-handles to keep users comfortable as they stretch and work out. The Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set is made of high-quality, synthetic rubber and comes with a lifetime guarantee against any breakage. They’re durable and can stand up to any level of exercise routine, from gentle stretching and physical therapy-type activities to strenuous P90X and Insanity workouts. For workouts on the go, simply place the bands in the included drawstring carry bag and hit the road! Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with customers pleased with the quality and insisting that they would purchase this resistance band set again.
10. SPRI ES502R Xertube Resistance Band
The last in our resistance band reviews is the SPRI line of Xertube Resistance Band Exercise Cords. It’s always nice to be able to purchase individual resistance bands if one of your old ones has broken or if you simply need to add an additional one to your workout repertoire. SPRI allows customers to do this with their Xertube Resistance Band Exercise Cord. To be clear: you’re only getting ONE band/cord when you purchase this item. The green cord measures 44” and is considered “Very Light” resistance. SPRI also offers cords in longer lengths and greater strengths, with the heaviest one measuring in at 53”. SPRI resistance bands are made from high-quality, abrasion-resistant rubber that is design to offer progressive resistance as you pull. When you purchase an SPRI Xertube Resistance Band, you get a door attachment and a handy guide that demonstrates how to install and use it. Reviews of the SPRI Xertube Resistance Band are generally good, with people praising the price and portability of the band. Among the negative reviews are warnings about the nub-like ends to the bands. People have reported that the ends have flown out of the door where they were attached, as well as suddenly coming loose from the D-handles mid-workout.
resistance bands are made from high-quality, abrasion-resistant rubber that is design to offer progressive resistance as you pull. When you purchase an SPRI Xertube Resistance Band, you get a door attachment and a handy guide that demonstrates how to install and use it. Reviews of the SPRI Xertube Resistance Band are generally good, with people praising the price and portability of the band. Among the negative reviews are warnings about the nub-like ends to the bands. People have reported that the ends have flown out of the door where they were attached, as well as suddenly coming loose from the D-handles mid-workout.
Additional Information
People who are familiar with using resistance bands came here looking for resistance band reviews. Others might still want to know more about why they should add these devices to their workout routine. Now that we’ve discussed the best resistance bands, let’s talk more about how to diversify our workouts and why strength training is important.
Isn’t Cardio Enough? Why Do I Need Strength Training?
When we think of working out, we often envision running on a treadmill or jogging at the park. Cardiovascular exercise is incredibly important. It strengthens our heart and helps our lungs work more efficiently. It also helps us burn calories and get rid of those stubborn pounds.
But cardio simply isn’t enough. While doctors encourage cardio training, they also insist that it must be combined with a good strength training routine in order to be most effective. Why is this?
- For one, strength training makes everyday activities easier. Even if you’re not planning to bulk up, put on a spray tan and compete in a bodybuilding competition, strength training can greatly benefit your life. Ever struggle to lift that heavy grocery bag or move that piece of furniture that’s slightly and frustratingly off-center? Building your muscles can help make these tasks easier.
- Adding strength training into your workout routine also helps you lose weight faster. Weight and resistance-training helps increase the rate at which your body burns calories—not just while you exercise, but even while your body is at rest! Experts say that each pound of muscle burns 50 calories while it’s at rest. By adding muscle, you will literally be burning calories as you sit at your desk or binge-watch TV shoes on your computer at home.
- Another reason that cardio alone isn’t enough is that as we age, we start to lose bone density and muscle mass. Strength training to increase muscle mass is a no-brainer, but did you know that it can help you reverse bone loss, as well? Especially for people who are prone to osteoporosis, strength training is a must.
- The cardio benefits of working out aren’t just reserved for jogging and doing jumping jacks. It turns out that strength training can benefit your heart, as well. How is this? Well, your heart is a muscle (just like the other muscles in your body) and when you do ANY kind of a workout, it works harder. When it works harder, it gets stronger. So when you work the rest of your muscles during strength training exercises, you’re also working your heart. A healthy heart is a happy heart!
- Exercise helps your heart, but it also helps your brain. Just like cardio exercise, resistance and strength training helps reduce stress. This is an excellent remedy for anxiety and depression. It can also help sharpen your mind, especially as you get older. In addition to these brain benefits, strength training helps improve your balance. This is not only due to a sharpening of brain function, but also an improvement in muscle strength and reaction time/ability.
- As if all of that wasn’t enough, strengthening your muscles can help reduce pain. Various joints in our bodies can get thrown out of whack when muscles in those areas aren’t strong enough to support them. This is true of our knees and shoulders, but it’s particularly true of our backs. If the muscles that support the back aren’t strong, this puts more stress on the spine. This can result in dysfunction, discs that pull out of alignment, and nerves that become painfully crushed. As we strengthen the muscles that work to support the back, we take the pressure off of our spine…reducing pain and giving our backs a huge relief!
Where Do Resistance Bands Fit In?
“That’s great,” you’re thinking. “But there is a whole assortment of weight equipment at my gym. I’ve even got an entire set of dumbbells at home. Sure; they’re gathering dust at the moment. But why can’t I clean them off and use them? Why do I need resistance bands?”
Everyone has a preference when it comes to how they exercise. You should definitely do what you enjoy doing (as this is the best way to keep you motivated and working out regularly). But resistance bands can add a dimension to your workout that you simply can’t get with machines or free weights. Let’s first consider free weights and how they use resistance to build our muscles.
Free Weights and Gravity
Free weights provide resistance and help build muscle. How do they provide resistance? By using gravity. Imagine lifting a dumbbell. The resistance you feel is from the force of gravity—and it pulls the dumbbell downward. This is great if you are working your biceps by curling the dumbbell up and down. But what if you’d like to work a different muscle group and move the dumbbell from side to side? You’ll still encounter the up/down pull of gravity, but you won’t encounter any addition side-to-side resistance.
Resistance Bands Don’t Need Gravity
Now imagine that you’re doing the same sort of biceps curl, but this time, you’re using a resistance band that you have anchored underneath your foot. As you pull upwards and move back down, you feel resistance created by the band itself. There is no weight involved, so gravity isn’t part of the equation. The great thing about this kind of workout is that you can change the direction of the band. You can move it diagonally to work different areas of the same muscle or you can reposition it altogether and pull it sideways.
The bottom line is that when you’re not reliant on gravity, it greatly expands the angles at which you can work out, as well as the areas of muscle you can target. That’s not to say that there is no place for free weights in your workout, but that resistance bands can be a great addition to increase the angles at which you can work your muscles.
Muscle Curvature Matters
Something many people aren’t aware of when it comes to working out with resistance bands is that the motions we perform with them tend to be curved motions. This is helpful because our muscles are curved, and therefore our workout motions mimic the natural curve of our muscles. Resistance bands use more muscle fibers throughout the entire range of motion of each exercise. The fluctuating resistance provided by bands is also a plus. The farther you stretch a band, the more resistance you will feel. As you release it, you’ll notice less and less resistance as it returns to its starting point. This wide range of resistance provides an excellent workout.
Safety and Expense
You’ve probably seen people lifting heavy weights at the gym. If they’re being smart, these folks have a spotter to help them if their muscles give out and they can’t safely get those weights back to the floor or on a rack. This isn’t an issue with resistance bands. If your muscles start feeling weak or shaky, you can simply release the bands without severely injuring yourself. Do this with free weights and you likely won’t be working out for a while (either because you’re hurt or because the gym asked you not to return).
In addition to being safer at high weights, resistance bands are much less expensive than free weights. And best of all? They’re light and take up practically no room. You can tote resistance bands with weight resistance of over 100 pounds anywhere with you. There’s no way you could do that with over 100 pounds of free weights.
What About Workout Machines?
Machines are great. Once you know how to use one, it’s easy to get a consistent workout every time you step up to it. Many machines provide a variety of adjustments not only for desired weight, but for the height and size of the user, as well as what kind of workout they’d like to do. Because machines guide the weights along a given path, this reduces the risk of injury.
Sometimes, though, having to go through all of those adjustments to set the machine up can be a deterrent to working out. If you’re not motivated to work out in the first place, this can further discourage you. And that’s if the machine is nearby. Because exercise machines are often big, bulky, and expensive, many people don’t have the budget or space to have them at home. Going all the way to the gym can be a further deterrent to actually accomplishing that workout.
Resistance Bands: Quick, Space-Saving, and Inexpensive
That’s why many people love resistance bands. After researching the best resistance bands, you’ll find one that you love—one that’s easy to use. Many exercises can be done without the use of any additional accessories or adjustments. You may need a door anchor to do routines where you need to pull your band down from above, but this is still quick and easy. You won’t have to deal with all of the pins, knobs, switches, and gadgets involved in getting a workout machine set up and ready to go.
Resistance bands are also very inexpensive when compared to workout machines. Best of all, they take up so little space that you can use them or stash them away anywhere. This makes resistance bands a must for any home gym. They’re also light and portable, great for traveling. Try that with a giant weight machine!
As with free weights, we’re not suggesting that workout machines don’t have their place in a good workout routine. However, for those who are intimidated by these machines, don’t have a gym membership, and can’t afford to have machines at home, resistance bands are the perfect solution. They’re great for people who do use machines, as well, because weight bands enable you to add variety to your workout.
How Do I Choose Resistance Bands?
“Ok. I’m convinced. Strength training has huge benefits…and I’m definitely excited about adding resistance bands into my workout routine. But—wow!—there are so many to choose from! Where do I start?”
Our resistance band reviews have likely given you an overview of some of the very best resistance bands. Still, though, looking through those reviews reveals a wide variety of resistance bands in many different shapes, lengths, and strengths. How do you go about choosing the best resistance band for you? Here are some tips for those who are new to choosing and using resistance bands for legs or any other form of usages.
First: Consider Your Workout
The first thing to think about when choosing resistance bands is what kind of workout you’d like to do. The most common kind you’ll see are the narrow, tube-shaped bands that may have a D-handle attached on each end. These are great for a wide variety of arm, lower-back and ab workouts. Some people want bands that they can attach to a pull-up station in order to help them do chin ups and pull ups. If this is what you’d like, be sure to find bands that specify this functionality. Using other bands for pull-up assistance may result in injury and/or band breakage.
Another kind of band you’ll come across are often called fit loops or resistance loops. These bands are like giant, flat rubber bands that you can fit around your arms (no handles needed!) or legs to provide resistance as you move.
You’ll need to consider what areas of your body you’d like to work in order to determine what bands (or combination of bands) will work best for you. Once you figure this out, looking at resistance band reviews can help you figure out which band you should purchase.
Second: Look for a Set
Unless you’ve already been working out with resistance bands, it can be hard to know at which weight level you should begin. You’ll notice that our resistance band reviews feature several different resistance band sets. These are helpful because they allow you to start out with lighter resistance in order to avoid injuring your muscles with your very first workout. If the resistance is too light and you don’t feel like your muscles are getting the training they need, move up to the next level. You’ll find that you need to use different bands for working different muscle groups. For instance, your biceps are bigger, stronger muscles that will require a stronger band than your triceps, which tend to get worked a lot less and aren’t typically as strong.
In addition to a wide variety of bands, many sets come with accessories to make your workouts more diverse and easier. For instance, several of the sets we reviewed come with door anchors that allow you to attach your bands up high so that you can pull downwards on your bands while working out.
Third: Resistance Bands Sets are better than Individual Bands
It’s a good idea to be aware of and realistic about your fitness level so that you get a band that will give you a good workout without being too intense for your abilities. If you’re frail or working to recover from an illness or an injury, you should consider an extra-light band to give you a gentle workout. Bands with light resistance are suggested for people who are using the bands for physical therapy. Medium bands up the intensity a bit and work best for a woman who is just beginning her training, as well as older men.
As we move up the scale in intensity, we reach heavy bands. Men who are just getting started with training will find that a heavy band works well for building their strength. These bands are also great for active, trained women. Extra-heavy resistance bands will provide a challenging workout for active men, as well as women who are incredibly strong. At the most extreme end of the spectrum, ultra-heavy bands are ideal for women who engage in bodybuilding, as well as men who are fit and strong.
If you get a band that’s too light, you won’t get an effective, satisfying workout and will end up disappointed. Get a band that’s too high in weight resistance and you’ll over-stress and possibly injure your muscles if you’re able to use the band at all. This is why resistance band sets are such a good idea. No matter your fitness level, you can tailor your workout to suit your needs.
Fourth: Handles Help
Many users complain of bands that have no handles. These can be hard to grip and they pinch when they’re stretched, causing workouts to be uncomfortable and even painful. Bands with attached handles eliminate this issue. If you buy a set, look for one in which each band has its own set of handles. Some sets come with a single pair of handles that you must attach and detach to each band as you change them. While this isn’t the hardest thing to do, it can slow down your workout and act as a discouragement to using the bands.
Make sure the handles are padded and comfortable. Some bands feature handles that are made of hard plastic—beware of these, as they can be painful to use. You’ll also want to make sure they’re the right size for your hands (as handles that are too large or small can also make your workout more difficult).
How to Safely Use Your Resistance Bands
As with all workout equipment, resistance bands come with a layer of safety precautions and warnings for proper use. This might be surprising for workout equipment that is so light and looks so simple to use, but there are some things you should be aware of when using your bands.
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Start Slow; Use Good Form
One of the concerns when it comes to using resistance bands is muscle injury. As is the case with any workout routine, start using the band that is the most appropriate for your fitness level. Follow instructions regarding the specific exercise you’re doing to ensure that you don’t strain a muscle by pulling it in the wrong direction. Use good form. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. Always make sure to grip the resistance band handle securely in the center of your hand as you pull.
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Take Care When Anchoring Bands
Another concern when using resistance bands is having them pop loose and fly at you. As mentioned above, always be sure you have a secure, tight grip on the band or handles as you work out. When you do exercises that involve you to step on a portion of the band and pull it upwards, be sure that the band is secured completely under your foot. When using a door anchor, double-check that the band is tightly anchored and that the door is safely shut before starting your exercise.
Tips to Avoid Resistance Band Breakage
The biggest worry when using resistance bands is having one break unexpectedly. There is a slew of articles about this online. With a bit of caution, you can better ensure that you never encounter this issue.
• First, always check the condition of any resistance bands you use. This includes bands at your local gym. Don’t assume that just because they’re at a gym that bands are in good shape.
• When you buy bands, buy high-quality ones. This is why it’s always good to check reviews to be sure you’re getting the best resistance bands. People will tell you if their bands have broken prematurely or during regular use; pay attention to those reviews!
- Use your bands properly. One of the big reasons bands break is because people do things such as shortening excessively to get more resistance out of them or using a band for chin up assistance that was not made to perform this function. Even if you’re working with a trainer, learn what kind of exercises are appropriate for a particular band and stick to those guidelines. Never overstretch your bands.
- Wear proper footwear. Using resistance bands while in your bare feet are a bad idea. Wear good athletic shoes that have soles that won’t damage the band. Wearing shoes will also help keep the band from slipping out from underneath your feet as you exercise.Be nice to your bands. You know how we suggested above that you shouldn’t wear shoes with soles that might damage your bands? Don’t do ANYTHING that will put undue stress on your bands. Don’t use them on floors with abrasive surfaces. Store them properly and keep them out of sunlight and harsh elements. Don’t wear jewelry while using them. Keep them away from moisture. Do not use your bands in or near swimming pools (as the moisture and chlorine will provide a double whammy of damage on your bands).
Add Resistance Bands to Your Collection Today!
At this point, you can see why adding a set of resistance bands to your training is a great idea. Additionally, we offered reviews for each of the best sets of resistance bands on the market.
Once you’ve chosen your favorite set, just think of all the different ways you can use your new set of resistance bands and soup up your routine. Once you start experiencing significant strength gains, you can work your way up to a higher intensity workout. You may add muscle in spots you never thought possible!
