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Best Resistance Bands

Updated January 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
DynaPro Resistance Bands
DynaPro
Resistance Bands
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This set of training bands is perfect for building up your strength with various workouts and exercises.

Pros

The bands use latex and are snap-resistant. The lightest band provides 5 to 10 pounds of resistance while the heaviest provides between 35 and 50 pounds. The set comes in two sizes.

Cons

There are some issues with the bands rolling up while in use.

Best Bang for the Buck
SPRI Resistance Band Kit
SPRI
Resistance Band Kit
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Great Versatility
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With a variety of different resistance options, there are countless ways to train with this versatile tube kit.

Pros

Five tubes with various resistance levels. Comes with handles, straps, a door anchor, and an exercise chart. Metal clip system makes switching tubes and accessories quick and simple.

Cons

Some issues with the quality and comfort of the ankle strap attachments.

Xtreme Bands Pull Up Assist Resistance Bands
Xtreme Bands
Pull Up Assist Resistance Bands
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Trusted Brand
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This band is an exceptional pick thanks to its ability to generate 125 pounds of resistance.

Pros

Great for powerlifting or stretching, these exercise bands provide the resistance you need to get the workout you are aiming for. Especially helpful when doing bodyweight pull-ups.

Cons

Edges are stiff and can cut into your hands according to some users.

Serious Steel Fitness Resistance and Power Lifting Band
Serious Steel Fitness
Resistance and Power Lifting Band
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Heavy-duty
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Extremely strong and made for strenuous workouts. The high price is worth the investment.

Pros

Built to withstand serious workouts, from pull-ups to weightlifting. Provides 25 to 80 pounds of resistance. Great for small muscle groups and moderate training of larger muscles.

Cons

A pricier choice and not as much versatility as some band styles.

Fitness Gear Resistance Tube Kit
Fitness Gear
Resistance Tube Kit
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Great for Travel
Bottom Line

You can take full-body strength training wherever you go with this lightweight and portable kit.

Pros

Convenient kit with minimal equipment that provides 10 to 60 pounds of adjustable resistance. Durable carabiners included. Easy-to-use clips for adjusting resistance and attachments.

Cons

Some concerns with durability of handles.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best resistance bands

Resistance bands offer a portable alternative to resistance and weight training. When you don’t have the time or easy access to the gym, a quality set of resistance bands can offer a great workout and a nice change of pace. Lots of people use resistance bands regularly as part of their exercise routine.

There is some variation between the types and styles of resistance bands that you’ll need to know before making a purchase. If you’re unsure of where to start, you’ve come to the right place.

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Strength training prepares your muscles for the challenges of everyday living. Sitting in the office at a desk can decrease muscle tone. Resistance bands offer an easy way to fight against muscle loss if you have a desk job.

Why choose resistance bands?

Perhaps you’re unsure if a new set of resistance bands would offer the types of benefits you desire. Here are just a few reasons why an exerciser might like to own a set of resistance bands.

Resistance bands can help you improve coordination

Resistance bands require coordination to hold them steady. They access the small support muscles that are often neglected in traditional weight training.

You can easily adapt fitness band exercises to your personal fitness level

Whether you use a lighter resistance band or change the position of the band, you can easily get a workout that is hard enough to challenge your muscles without damaging them.

Resistance bands are portable

They’re so lightweight and small that you can easily fit them in a carry on or travel bag. If you find yourself on the road and need a quick way to squeeze in some exercise, resistance bands are a great solution.

Resistance bands bring variety to your exercise routine

Unlike stationary weight machines that only have one or two exercise options, resistance bands can be used in countless ways. You can target hard-to-reach muscle groups and provide resistance in both directions, both on the push and release.

Resistance bands can reach almost any muscle group once you’ve figured out how to use them correctly.

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Did you know?
As far as exercise equipment goes, resistance bands are an inexpensive option, and they don’t require much storage space. You can store them in a drawer or at the bottom of a closet.
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Types of resistance bands

Fit tube or compact resistance bands

This type of resistance band works well for almost any exercise, including those that focus on the upper body, arms, and lower body. The latex tubes have built-in plastic handles, and some include webbing in the handle design. You can find them in different thicknesses that offer more or less resistance.

Clip tube resistance bands

These tube bands have a plastic or metal clip that allows you to change out the handles. They come in different lengths and thicknesses. Clip tube resistance bands offer the most versatility as far as the kinds of exercises that can be performed.

Figure eight bands

Figure eight resistance bands, also called bow tie resistance bands, are shaped like an eight and have a handle on both loops with a third handle in the middle. They are usually 20 inches long and work best for upper-body and arm exercises.

Ring resistance bands

As the name suggests, this type of resistance band is a circle with two handles across from each other. They measure one foot in diameter and are primarily used for the lower body.

Lateral resistance bands

Lateral resistance bands feature a tube band with an ankle cuff on either end. They are about one foot long and are used on the lower body.

Pull-up resistance bands

These thick resistance bands are shaped in a loop and are long and strong enough to help hold your body weight while doing pull-ups. They are best used in a gym or with a pull-up bar apparatus that has built-in anchor points.

Flat resistance bands

Flat resistance bands come in two subtypes: therapy bands and fit loop bands. Therapy bands are gripped with the hands, as there are no handles. They vary in length and are most commonly used for rehabilitation exercises. Fit loop bands form a long, continuous loop. Lower-body exercises featuring the legs, hips, and buttocks work best for this type of resistance band.

"Use your bands correctly. Excessive shortening for more resistance is not safe, nor is using resistance bands for pull-ups when they are not designed for that function. Incorrect usage can end in breakage of the band and/or injury to the user."
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Solo resistance band or set?

Resistance bands can be bought singularly or as a set.

When you’re first beginning, it’s best to purchase a set of bands, as you won’t know how much resistance you’ll need, and you’ll be able to perform exercises that work for the whole body.

Once you’ve used your set for a while, you may find that you need a specialized resistance band like a figure eight. At that time, you could easily purchase a specialized band separately.

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Caution
To prevent a resistance band from breaking, never stretch it more than two times its original length, and don’t store your resistance bands in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
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Choosing and using tension

A resistance band’s tension level depends on the thickness and length of the band. For the most effective workout, you should have bands at various levels.

  • Light tension bands are thin and provide about three pounds of resistance, though this will depend on the brand and model. They work best for rehabilitation and those with limited strength and flexibility. Beginners and those who are untrained may also want to utilize light tension bands.

  • Medium tension bands can vary from six to 13 pounds of resistance. Some beginners with good coordination will be fine starting at this level. Those of average fitness will feel comfortable here as well.

  • Heavy tension bands are thick bands that provide as much as 19 pounds of resistance. This may not sound like much, but resistance bands work differently than hand weights. Those who are already active and fit will probably be able to start at this level.

  • Very heavy tension bands provide the toughest level of resistance at around 23 pounds. You shouldn’t use this type of band unless you have some experience or have done weight training before.

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Expert Tip
For bicep curls, stand on a resistance band with one or both feet, hold a handle in each hand and pull toward your biceps, keeping your elbows tucked close to your body.
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Accessories

Having the right accessories can up the value of your resistance bands tremendously. They give you more ways to use your bands and target hard-to-access muscle groups.

Door anchor/attachment

These anchors have a loop through which you put the resistance band. At one end of the loop is a stopper that you shut on the opposite side of the door. You can then use the door as a focal point for your exercises. Be sure the door is securely shut (and preferably locked) to prevent accidents.

Ankle cuff with clips

Ankle cuffs adhere to the ankles with Velcro, providing a clip point for clip tube bands.

Handles

Handles come in different sizes, shapes, and hardnesses. You should check for comfort, as some are softer than others. The shape can determine the type of exercises you can do. For example, a bar handle lets you do lat pull-downs that can’t be performed with small, one-hand handles.

Wall mounts

Wall mounts are a permanent attachment that must be screwed into the wall. They give you a fixed position at which you can attach your resistance bands.

Storage bag

One of the benefits of resistance bands is their ease of portability. A simple drawstring storage bag can be used to keep all your bands together and packs easily for travel.

"Place anchors carefully. Resistance bands that come loose or escape anchors have been known to snap users. They can cause serious injury to the eyes or other vulnerable areas."
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Resistance band prices

Inexpensive

For around $25, you can find a set of flat resistance bands with a storage bag, some clip tube sets, and solo bands. Sets in this price range work well for beginners, as they don’t usually have a wide range of resistance options

Mid-range

For $25 to $75, you can buy clip tube resistance bands with several handle styles as well as fit loop bands that can be used for pull-up assistance. You’ll also see sets that include a wider variety of resistance levels in this price range.

Expensive

For over $75, you’ll find professional-grade bands intended for heavy use with pull-up assistance and full-body workouts. Sets may come with as many as 30 accessories or more. They also come with an increasing number of anchors and handles for versatility.

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Resistance and strength training can help you fight depression and reduce stress. Keep resistance bands in your office at work. They are easy to pull out for a few quick exercises on your break.

FAQ

Q. What are resistance bands made of?

A. Resistance bands are most often made of latex rubber. The rubber offers good resistance and easily maintains its shape. Some bands are made using a technique called latex bonding wherein the layers of rubber are heated, then glued together. This forms a strong bond that retains shape and flexibility.

Q. What do the different colors of resistance bands mean?

A. Different manufacturers may have different color-coding systems, but all bands of a certain resistance level within that manufacturer’s line will be the same color. Color is an easy way to know which band you need for different exercises.

Q. How do you use pull-up assist resistance bands?

A. These long loop bands must be anchored between two points under a pull-up bar. Once anchored, you place either your feet or knees on the band, and it lifts some of your body weight for you. Resistance bands provide a great solution for working your way up to doing full pull-ups.

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