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When you feel like your own home workouts are getting somewhat monotonous, it’s time to change some things up. Adding some versatility can aid you stay consistent, but you would possibly feel limited if your own home gym space is on the smaller side. As well as, let’s face it, high-quality home gym equipment isn’t very budget-friendly. Subsequently, what are your options while you want something inexpensive, fairly small, and that provides you flexibility along with your full-body workouts?

We’ve found that resistance bands are a wonderful alternative for beginners and advanced trainees alike. You possibly can incorporate them into your strength training routines and cardio sessions and convey them together with you while you’re on the go. Nonetheless, not all resistance bands are alike. This is strictly why we’ve created our top picks for the very best resistance bands.

So keep reading to search out one that matches your preferences and doesn’t take up quite a lot of space!

Our Top Picks for the Best Resistance Bands

Best Resistance Bands Set: Living.Fit Resistance Bands

Living.Fit Resistance Bands

• Should purchase a set of 4, a set of six, or individual bands
• Loop-style design and 41-inch length
• Resistance levels range from five to 200 kilos
• Lifetime warranty

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Pros

• Includes door anchor and carrying case
• 4 to 6 different resistance levels 
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Doesn’t have handles
• Unable to purchase the bands in pairs 
• Bands not labeled with the resistance level

In case your resistance training routine includes doing numerous pull-ups, you will have a set of resistance bands that may perform proficiently. In any case, the last item you ought to worry about while doing upper body exercises is in case your resistance bands can withstand the pressure. But is it really possible to search out something that’s compact, inexpensive, and sturdy? 

Well, the Living.Fit Resistance Bands may check all of those boxes.

You should purchase them as a set of 4 for $29.99 or six for $79.99, which is sort of impressive, especially considering their practically unheard-of levels of resistance. The lightest band offers roughly five kilos of resistance, and the heaviest one offers 200 kilos of resistance. Given their range, these bands may very well be alternative for somebody who doesn’t quite know what they need yet or someone more advanced.

The Living.Fit Resistance Bands include a door anchor so that you may do various push-pull exercises. Nonetheless, what’s inconvenient about these bands is that you may’t buy them in pairs. As an example, if you happen to desired to add some bands to a barbell, you’d have to buy one other set or a person band. One other thing that’s a little bit of a nuisance is that the resistance level isn’t labeled on the band, so that you’d have to look it up every time until you memorize it.

While these actually aren’t the most cost effective bands on the block, they’re still an affordable price considering what you get. They’re prime quality and don’t have the rubber smell many bands include, which is a bonus. And we will’t forget concerning the lifetime warranty either. If a band snaps, Living.Fit will replace it!

Best Resistance Bands With Handles: REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands

Pros

• Budget-friendly 
• Three levels of resistance 
• No rubber smell

Cons

• Small handles 
• Unknown kilos of resistance 
• Less-than-ideal quality

Do you would like low-cost rubber bands for warm-ups, stretching, and rehabilitation? If yes, the REP Fitness Tube Resistance bands is perhaps alternative for you. For just $25, you’ll get a set that allows you to do different exercises that strengthen multiple muscle groups.

These tube bands provide three different levels of resistance: light, medium, and heavy. Each is a distinct color so you possibly can discover the extent of tension. The nine-millimeter blue band provides light resistance, the 12-millimeter orange band bears medium resistance, and the heaviest band (13.5 millimeters) is black.

Nonetheless, one flaw is that it’s still unclear how much tension you’re getting, as REP Fitness hasn’t disclosed this information. It also would’ve been helpful if the bands were labeled for easier identification.

Some of the appealing features, especially for somebody seeking to do bicep curls, is the band’s handles. Unfortunately, many may find these grip handles underwhelming. They’re not very ergonomically made, as they’re small and never very grippy. Consequently, they won’t feel as secure in your hands as you’d probably expect.

As well as, given their price point, you’ve gotten to query the standard, and fairly so. Although they’re said to be heavy-duty, the materials feel as if they were made at a bargain.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re a beginner or recovering from an injury and just need something that’ll get the job done, these will do. Plus, they don’t have that strong latex smell many bands are sometimes known for.

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Best Resistance Bands for Constructing Muscle: Rogue Fitness Monster Bands

Pros

• Purchasable as a set, pair, and individually 
• High-quality natural latex 
• Eight bands to select from
• Durable

Cons

• Pricier
• Overwhelming rubber smell

When you ask me, the Rogue Monster Bands have something to supply everyone. Whether you ought to use them in your own home gym or place them in your gym bag, these latex bands should deliver. With eight bands that span between 15 and 200 kilos of tension, you’ve got decisions, and also you’re not forced to purchase a set. I like that you may buy a single band or get a pair, as that means that you can really customize it to your needs.

For instance, if you happen to’re in search of beginner-friendly bands or some ideal bands for pull-up assistance, their 15 to 50-pound mini bands should do the trick. For lower body workouts, like squats and people targeting the calves, hamstrings, and glutes, the 65- to 100-pound bands can be best. Then, the much heavier 140- to 200-pound bands are nice to pair with barbells for deadlifts.

These are the kind of resistance bands you must have the ability to count on for a very long time. They’re not poorly made, so that you shouldn’t should worry about them cracking or splitting.

Nonetheless, as you would possibly imagine, the next price tag is attached to reflect the standard. Depending on the resistance level, one band could cost you between $15.50 and $61. To be honest, you possibly can get a set of 4 resistance bands for lower than the worth of one among their resistance bands, as most sets cost between $20 and $80. But even considering that, they’re still cheaper and space-saving than getting free weights.

Rogue also allows you to buy additional accessories to take your workout experience to the following level. They’ve got a door strap and handle you should buy as add-ons, so you should use the bands in any room of your own home with a sturdy door for stretching and mobility work.

Best Looped Resistance Bands: Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Band Multi-Pack

Pros

• Comes with eight bands
• Thicker than other bands 
• One-year warranty

Cons

• Pungent latex smell 
• Less exercise variability

The Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Bands are thick, well-made, and value for resistance band training. For lower than $60, you get 4 pairs of non-slip bands that include a one-year warranty. This speaks highly to Titan’s belief in its product, as you won’t find warranty coverage too often for bands.

These loop bands are color-coded for straightforward identification. Start with the red bands if you happen to’re a beginner and/or doing physical therapy and in search of light resistance, like 15 to 30 kilos. Whenever you’re able to advance or implement calisthenics, move on to the black bands with 40 to 70 kilos of resistance. You would use the 60 to 100-pound purple bands for strength training with heavy resistance or the 70 to 120-lb green bands for advanced resistance training.

You possibly can do many resistance band exercises with the Titan Fitness bands, but they’re somewhat limiting. For instance, you would use them with no problem during pilates and yoga, but I wouldn’t buy these if I desired to do pull-ups. The bands are only 12 inches long, which is somewhat short. One user even stated that getting these over their shoes is difficult, which slows down their workout. Subsequently, if you happen to want bands for pull-up assistance, search for some which are at the least 41 inches long.

Besides the noticeable latex smell, which should go away over time, and having barely less exercise versatility, these bands are built to last. Titan Fitness even claims they’ve wear-resistant performance, so that they shouldn’t lose their elasticity for some time.

Best Resistance Bands for Bodybuilding: Living.Fit Camo Resistance Bands

Pros

• Non-latex
• Multiple resistance options
• Includes door anchor and carrying case
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Cannot purchase individually
• No handles

When you’re a fan of camo, you’re in luck. These bands sport a cool design that is certain to face out in your own home gym or gym bag. Along with their interesting aesthetic, they’re also fairly inexpensive. For lower than $35, you’re getting a set of 4 durable bands. That’s principally like paying $8 to $9 per band. That is an affordable price, especially considering how expensive buying fixed or adjustable dumbbells can be.

Each band is 81.9 inches long, but if you happen to hold an end in each hand, it’ll be 41 inches on either side. That’s quite a lot of length, and that is what makes the bands ideal for doing pull-ups. Despite having different widths, comparable to the lightest one being 0.5 inches and the heaviest being 1.7 inches, they’re all 3.2 millimeters thick. Similar bands are around 4.5 millimeters thick, so these are on the thinner side.

The Living.Fit Camo Resistance Bands set just about caters to all fitness levels, but more advanced trainees might want something different, because the heaviest tension level is 125 kilos. This might fall short if you happen to desire a band with as much as 200 kilos of tension.

Nonetheless, this isn’t to say you couldn’t still get workout in. With 4 different resistance levels that range between five and 125 kilos, you’ve got options. As an example, the sunshine resistance red camo band may be used for stretching and increasing your range of motion, while the black camo and purple camo bands may be used for speed training and curls. The green camo band has between 50 to 125 kilos of resistance, which may be great for lower body exercises, providing you with versatility.

I can also’t forget to say that these bands are made with synthetic rubber, so those with latex allergies still have option. It’s neat, too, that these include a door anchor and carrying case, making them easily portable and providing you with options for where you should use them.

Best Resistance Bands for Seniors: Gritin Resistance Bands

Pros

• Resistance level marked 
• Priced under $10
• Very compact 
• Comes with a carrying bag

Cons

• Somewhat flimsy and never ideal for strength training
• Limited exercise options 
• Strong latex smell

As we age, our joints may change into less flexible, which might limit our range of motion. Nonetheless, using resistance bands, just like the ones by Gritin, will help minimize the impact of such age-related changes.

Gritin Resistance Bands are a few of the most inexpensive available on the market. For nearly $9, you’ll get five color-coded bands which are super lightweight and simply portable. The strain ranges from light to XX-heavy, but it surely’s not exactly clear how much tension in kilos that translates to. While that’s a bummer, the bands still stand out in other ways, comparable to being extremely beginner-friendly and simple to make use of.

One other factor that stands out to me is that these bands are clearly marked with their resistance level. A few of the most costly bands available on the market don’t have this feature, so it’s neat to see it here. This takes the guesswork out of the equation, allowing you to focus more on just completing your own home workouts.

If you ought to construct muscle, these aren’t the resistance bands for you. They’re a bit too thin and flimsy for use for advanced strength training. You would do exercises comparable to front squats with them, but you do should worry concerning the bands slipping and riding up. As well as, at just over 21 inches long, they’re somewhat on the shorter side, limiting what exercises you possibly can do. 

Ultimately, if you happen to’re in search of a set of bands that won’t break the bank, these may very well be an honest alternative. Sure, you’re not going to get top-quality material, but they may suffice. You may additionally should bare with their strong latex smell, but you would try setting the bands outside for a few days to see if that’ll air them out or wash them with mild dish soap.

Best Resistance Bands on Amazon: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

Pros

• Different color options 
• Reasonably priced 
• Good value for the worth
• Includes instruction guide

Cons

• Rolls up easily 
• Sticky 
• Tears easily

Amazon has change into a go-to retailer for quite a lot of us, so naturally, if you happen to need resistance bands, you’ll probably look there first. Nonetheless, if you happen to type “resistance bands” into the search bar, you’ll see several pages value of options. And with so many decisions, how on the planet are you speculated to select?

Well, to make it easier, we’ve identified the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands as the very best resistance bands from Amazon. 

For lower than $13, you’ll get a set of 5 elastic bands. They’re color-coded and have three different color options to select from. As an example, there’s one set with an assortment of colours, including blue, green, yellow, black, and red. The opposite decisions are berry and pink. 

Conveniently, each band’s resistance level is labeled and ranges from x-light to x-heavy. 

For my part, it will’ve been even higher if the Fit Simplify brand had also added the kilos of tension to the bands. Nonetheless, for the worth, it’s ok. 

The quantity of resistance each band provides is below:

• X-light – two to 4 kilos
• Light – six to eight kilos
• Medium – 10 to 12 kilos
• Heavy band – 15 to twenty kilos
• X-heavy – 25 to 30 kilos

You would also stack them to get a complete of 74 kilos of resistance. These admittedly don’t pack quite a lot of tension in comparison with other bands, but if you happen to’re a beginner or getting physical therapy, these should suffice. 

Many consumers seem satisfied with the bands, noting that they’re good quality and really durable. But don’t expect these bands to last a really very long time. While it will depend on what you employ the bands for and the way often you employ them, you could get one to 2 years of use out of them.

Best Fabric Resistance Bands: Arena Strength Fabric Booty Bands

Pros

• Includes workout guide 
• 12-month warranty 
• Good quality 
• Unbreakable

Cons

• Too small for some
• Not enough tension for advanced trainees

A few of us wish to work on our arms, and a few of us wish to work on our calves. Nonetheless, others are very clear that they wish to do resistance band exercises for glute activation. The Arena Strength Fabric Booty Bands could also be ideal for those looking to reinforce their lower body. 

For $29, you’ll get three bands. You possibly can select the pack with gray, blue, and black bands or the one with pink, gray, and black bands. Each band is identical size, but they’ve different resistance levels. The grey band is 23 to 33 kilos, the pink and blue bands are 34 to 44 kilos, and the black band is 45 to 55 kilos. Some people may find that this isn’t enough kilos of tension to assist them meet their needs, but they’re good for light warm-up exercises or beginner-friendly workouts.

What really makes these bands different from many others is that they’re made with fabric — cotton, to be specific. Their triple-stitched interface makes them practically unbreakable, and additionally they don’t roll. This is essential, as another bands are likely to slip while you’re doing lunges, hip extensions, deadlifts, and more. Latex grips are sewn contained in the bands to assist them stay in place. 

This set features a 15-page workout guide that was developed by CrossFit coaches. You furthermore may get a handy-dandy carrying case so you possibly can bring them with you while you’re on the go. What’s even higher is that these bands include a 12-month substitute warranty. Subsequently, if you happen to’re not satisfied, the corporate provides you with your a refund.

One grievance that some users had is that the bands are too small if you happen to’re not skinny. These bands are 25 inches in loop diameter, which is somewhat on the short side. When you fear that that size wouldn’t be just right for you, Arena Strength offers longer bands which are 42 inches long.

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How We Selected the Best Resistance Bands

At Breaking Muscle, we underwent a tedious process to discover which bands were the very best of the very best. First, we considered what we’d heard from members of the fitness community, as individuals who work out will inform you what they did and didn’t like a couple of product. Along with that, we perused the web to discover what resistance bands consumers appeared to gravitate towards. Then, once we accomplished our list, we began sifting out what didn’t make the cut.

Many aspects went into which resistance bands would remain on the top-pick list. As an example, we wanted to make sure something for everybody, so we aimed to incorporate bands at different price points. In any case, we’re all working with different budgets. Being mindful of the assorted resistance levels on the market was critical as well. Chances are you’ll need more or fewer kilos of tension depending in your fitness goals and health. We also couldn’t forget concerning the material, as some users are allergic to latex.

All of those aspects helped us narrow it right down to the list we’ve presented here.

Advantages of Resistance Bands

When you’re within the means of buying equipment that you may utilize during your own home workouts, resistance bands are an amazing alternative. Listed here are just a few explanation why you must add these to the cart.

Beginner and Advanced Trainee Friendly

Whenever you’re latest to figuring out, resistance bands are one among the least intimidating pieces of fitness equipment you’ll come across. You should use them while standing up and sitting down, thus catering to where you might be in your journey. For advanced trainees, like those doing calisthenics, strength training, and pull-ups, these small but mighty things will make you sweat.

A Cost-Effective Selection

On average, dumbbells cost about $1 to $2 per pound, which might add up in a short time. So if you happen to wanted two 50-pound dumbbells, you’d likely be out $100. Even with the best-quality resistance bands, you won’t experience that. As you saw above, you possibly can easily get a set of 4 to 6 bands for under $100. A few of these bands even have 200 kilos of tension. Subsequently, they’re an amazing alternative if you happen to’re on a budget for your own home gym.

Compact But Difficult

Besides resistance bands, where else will you discover 200 kilos of tension that you may toss in your bag without it weighing you down? These bands are incredibly lightweight and portable, making them an obvious alternative while you want something you possibly can take together with you while you travel or do workouts on the park.

What To Look For When Buying Resistance Bands

Buying resistance bands needs to be a really intentional process. I can still clearly remember the primary time I purchased a set. Truthfully, they were very low-cost, so I shouldn’t have been shocked at how flimsy they were. They kept rolling up while I did squats, and after just a few months, one among them eventually snapped and popped me right on the thigh. I used to be also repulsed by the strong latex smell and powdery residue on the bands. This experience initially led me to imagine all resistance bands were like that, but that’s not true. So, here’s what it’s essential search for!

Price

Before you go looking for resistance bands, the very first thing it’s essential determine is how much you’re willing to spend. When you’ve determined your budget, get an idea of what number of bands you wish. Do you would like to buy them individually or as a pair? Are you in search of a set of 4 to eight, or do you wish a single band? Whatever you provide you with, keep that and the worth in mind as you shop around. 

Do understand that cheaper bands aren’t going to have the very best quality, but that doesn’t mean they will’t get the job done. The list above features a set of bands as little as $9 and even some which are almost $80. Consumers have gotten immense value out of bands at every price point.

Materials

Raise your hand if you’ve gotten a latex allergy. When you do, you’ll wish to be extra cautious, as most bands are made with latex. For an option that doesn’t cause an allergic response, go for bands made with synthetic rubber, just like the Living.Fit Camo Resistance Bands.

Style

An elementary mistake to make in your hunt for resistance bands is assuming that they’re all the identical. Nonetheless, they most definitely aren’t. 

Loop bands, like those provided by Titan Fitness and Fit Simplicity, are flat and form a continuous loop. They may be used for upper body and lower body movements. Typically, the lighter resistance bands are used for the upper body, and the heavier ones are used for squats and other lower body exercises.

There are also tube bands, just like the ones created by REP Fitness. These have handles on each end, that are helpful for brand new trainees. As well as, tube bands are great for enhancing your range of motion if you happen to’re doing physical therapy.

Pull-up bands, just like the regular Living.Fit resistance bands, are likely to be best for upper body movements. When you’re attempting to improve your body weight training routine, these should help. They’re often lengthier and will likely be about 41 inches long, in comparison with others which are only 12 inches long.

Amount of Resistance Provided

One other factor you have to consider when looking for resistance bands is the quantity of resistance provided. Some people wish to buy a set that features a range of various resistance levels. This is good if you happen to’re completely latest to resistance bands and wish something that may grow with you.

You furthermore may should ask yourself what workouts you intend on doing. When you’re doing rehabilitation, perhaps extra light bands that provide five to 10 kilos of resistance are higher. But if you happen to’re doing advanced strength training, you’ll probably want the additional heavy ones that supply 100 kilos of resistance. Be realistic about your needs so you possibly can get an option that works for you.

Best Resistance Band Workouts

What I like most about resistance bands is their versatility. Listed here are some workouts you possibly can do with this multifunctional item.

• Variable resistance training – That is while you add an elastic band to your bar before you lift. Banded deadlifts and bench presses are excellent examples of this.
• Yoga – You would implement bands while doing the downward-facing dog or plank.  
• Pilates – Do leg openers by looping a band around your ankles while lying in your side. 
• Bicep curls – To do that, grab some resistance bands with handles. You’ll wish to stand on the middle of the band while keeping handles at your side, then slowly curl your hands as much as your shoulders. 
• Lateral raise – Along with your feet shoulder-width apart, stand on the middle of the bands, hold the ends of the band in each of your hands, and lift your arms out to the edges. They needs to be parallel to the bottom. 
• Push-ups – To finish a banded push-up, you’ll want to put the band behind your back, under your arms, after which loop it through the palm of your hands. 
• Glute bridges – Simply put the band around each of your thighs (ideally right above the knees) and, while lying in your back along with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground, raise your hips toward the sky. 
• Tricep kickback – These are best done with a resistance band set that features a door anchor and handles. Secure the bands to the anchor, and bend on the knees while keeping your back flat. Then pull the bands back along with your forearms. 
• Bent-over row – Stand in the middle of the bands while barely bending forward. Grab the bands on each side and lift the bands up towards your upper rib. Lower them and repeat.

Final Thoughts

For those in search of budget-friendly equipment that allows you to take your resistance training routine to the following level, consider resistance bands. Nonetheless, don’t go purchasing for just any bands. Consider our top picks above for the very best resistance bands to aid you make your decision. 

We’ve already done the heavy lifting for you by considering different price points, materials, styles, and more. Subsequently, all you’ve got to do is determine which one among these is best for you.

For under $100, you possibly can totally advance your cardio and strength training sessions. So, which of them are you going to go along with?

FAQs

Which resistance band is best?

Which resistance band is best will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and fitness goals. For instance, if you ought to improve your upper body strength, consider pull-up bands just like the Living.Fit resistance bands. Or, if you ought to tone up your glutes, take into consideration loop bands with heavier resistance, just like the loop band multi-pack from Titan Fitness. Just take into account that what works for another person might not be ideal for you.

Who makes the very best resistance bands?

REP Fitness, Rogue, and Titan Fitness are a few of the top contenders for the very best resistance bands. Nonetheless, smaller and fewer well-known brands like Living.Fit and Gritin produce high-quality resistance bands, too.

What are the safest resistance bands?

The safest resistance bands are likely those which are made with high-quality materials like latex. Poorly made loop bands, specifically, sometimes don’t stay in place, which could make them a tripping hazard or cause them to snap during your workouts.

What strength resistance bands should I exploit?

The strength of your resistance bands will depend on your experience level. When you’re unsure of which of them to get, we recommend buying a set of 4 to eight with different resistance levels starting from about 10 kilos to 50 kilos. That way, if you happen to start with a lightweight band, you possibly can regularly progress to the opposite bands.

What are the very best resistance bands for beginners?

The Gritin Resistance Bands are incredibly user-friendly and excellent for beginners. The resistance levels on the bands are clearly labeled, they arrive with an instruction guide, they usually are under 10 bucks. Many individuals also find tube bands like REP Fitness’s tube bands essentially the most beginner-friendly because they’ve handles.