The Best Resistance Bands

Many people find that resistance bands are easier on their joints, allowing them to reap the benefits of strength training while putting less strain on their bodies. Others prefer to use resistance bands as an addition to certain workout moves in order to increase the tension and resistance for a more challenging workout. Some find they are helpful tools for active recovery, increasing mobility, or reintroducing exercise after an injury. Whatever you use them for, resistance bands are a worthwhile investment and addition to most workout routines.

Buying Guide for Resistance Bands

Why should you buy resistance bands?

Resistance bands are an effective and portable way to add resistance to your workout and mobility routines. Adding resistance to stretches or bodyweight movements is a gentle way to increase the intensity of your workouts. They are gentle on your joints, but they deliver desirable results. With many different ranges of resistance, beginner or seasoned athletes can find bands that take their workouts to the next level.

What should you consider when purchasing resistance bands?

• Type: Some resistance bands can be used for any part of the body, while others are designed specifically for the legs or upper body. Make sure you pick the right type of resistance band for your needs.
• Customization: Some brands of resistance bands have handles or grips that can be removed and swapped out. Some bands themselves adjust to give you a tougher or easier workout.
• Strength: Resistance bands are almost always color-coded to show their equivalency in free weights; a red band, for instance, might correspond to lifting 20 pounds. The color coordination varies by brand and company, so double-check before buying to get the weight that’s right for you.
• Sets: If you plan on using your resistance bands for long-term strength building, investing in a set of resistance bands may be a wise choice so that you don’t have to keep buying a new resistance band every time you need a heavier weight.

How do you care for resistance bands to make them last?

Resistance bands are very easy to maintain, but simple steps for care can make them last longer and perform better. If you wrap them around a bar for assisted pull-ups or tricep pulldowns, be sure to unwrap them and just hang them. This simple step will let your band rest instead of sticking together and possibly breaking. If you want to clean them, use a wet wipe for spot cleaning and then dry them off. Hanging your bands is the ideal way to store them.

Our Picks for the Best Resistance Bands

Pros: This set includes five different resistance bands ranging from 10 pounds to 50 pounds. Each band is a different color, making it easy to identify which weight you’re using. The set includes a door anchor, handles, ankle straps, and a carrying bag to keep it all together. This complete system allows you to exercise every major muscle group in a variety of movements to keep your workout varied and effective. You can even stack the weights in any combination, reaching a total of 150 pounds. The bands are made of 100% natural latex. The set comes with workout suggestions to help provide education and inspiration for how to best use the bands.

Cons: These aren’t as long as other resistance bands, so they may limit some exercise variations.

Bottom Line: This set offers the weight options and movement versatility to feel like you’re working out in a complete gym nearly anywhere you are. The durable latex can withstand several intense workouts in a variety of movement patterns.

 

Pros: Specifically designed to train your glutes and legs, these three resistance bands target your muscles to create toned and sculpted muscles. Made from soft cotton with built-in latex grips, the bands won’t pinch, roll, or snap while in use. The set has three different resistance levels, making them suitable for challenges over time and targeting both large and small muscle groups. They’re easy to take with you and come with a mesh bag for even greater convenience.

Cons: This band still has latex on the interior, which may cause some irritation for users. The lightest resistance is more intense than other sets, so it may be harder for beginners than expected.

Bottom Line: These bands are designed to strengthen your glutes and leg muscles, and they do it well. The three levels of resistance allow you to challenge yourself over time and target both big and small muscle groups.

 

Pros: A sleek gradient of grey distinguishes the levels of resistance in this band set. It comes with handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor for greater versatility. The bands are five different levels ranging from 10 pounds to 50 pounds. The bands are also stackable, meaning you can combine them to increase your resistance even more. Many people appreciate the comprehensive exercise chart for greater workout variety.

Cons: These aren’t as long as other resistance bands, limiting some exercise variations.

Bottom Line: The exercise chart is a major draw to those looking to make the most of this set at home. The resistance variety and accessories make it easy to get a full-body workout, and the chart provides extra direction and motivation to get the results you want.

 

Pros: Ranging from extra light to extra heavy, this set of five loop resistance bands is perfect for those beginning their fitness journey or seasoned athletes. You can use the different levels of resistance to progress. The bands are made with natural latex, and the set comes with a convenient carrying bag as well as an exercise guide to help you best utilize the bands to target different muscle groups. This set of resistance bands comes in three color varieties.

Cons: The bands’ latex may be irritating to some, especially if used on areas where they could roll or pinch.

Bottom Line: This set of looped resistance bands comes with five levels of resistance, making them a solid choice for just about anyone looking to have an effective workout that’s also portable. The set comes with an exercise guide to take the guesswork out of working out and a carrying case that makes it easy to travel with.

 

Pros: Whether you’re looking for assistance with pull-ups or stretching, this set of four heavy-duty resistance bands is a great choice. Another purpose of these bands is to add resistance to barbell exercises. They can also be used for more traditional resistance band exercises and flexibility training. Made of 100% natural latex, they provide durable tension without an off-putting odor. This set comes in four different color choices.

Cons: Since these bands don’t have handles, they can be tough on your hands. Their purpose is more for pull-up assistance or adding resistance to barbells, so some of the more traditional resistance band exercises may take some trial and error to achieve proper setup for smooth movements.

Bottom Line:  If you want to use resistance bands of varying levels for reliable assistance with pull-ups, strength training, or for achieving greater flexibility, this is a great set. With four levels of resistance, progress is possible, and the natural latex is durable, making them last for a while, even with frequent use.

Final Thoughts

Resistance bands are a great way to add gentle-on-the-joints intensity and workout variety. They’re easy to pack and take with you almost anywhere. Whether you want to bring them on vacation or to the office for a lunch break workout, check out these resistance bands to add to your routine.