Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Resistance Band Training

As beneficial as it may be, many people nowadays aren’t able to join a gym simply because they lack time, money, or both. 

Luckily, there are lots of ways to get fit without having a gym membership, and I believe that resistance band workouts are one of the best alternatives.

Today, I’m going to talk about resistance bands - who they are for, how can one exercise with them, and so on. Also, I’ll review the top 4 products from this category, so if this is something that interests you, read on.

What are resistance bands?

For those who’ve never heard of resistance bands, let me explain what they are.

Resistance bands are an exercise tool made of robust and durable rubber, which come in different shapes, lengths and tensions. Some of them are a closed loop while others have open ends with or without handles.

They were first mainly utilized in rehabilitation training but have recently been catching traction with the fitness community as a light, inexpensive, and useful piece of equipment.

As I’ve mentioned, the bands have varying tensions, so everyone can choose the one that’s suitable for their level of fitness. They can make exercises easier for beginners and harder for experienced athletes, so they are a very versatile tool.

Types of resistance bands

There are five main types of resistance bands that can commonly be found in most sporting good stores, as well as gyms. They are:

Flat bands

Flat resistance bands come in two forms: closed loop and open-ended. Each of these can be used for particular types of exercises, and some exercises can be done by either of them. All types of bands, including this one, are usually color-coded according to their thickness and tension level.

Fit loop bands

Fit loop bands are also known as “mini bands” due to their small size. They most often serve as a mobility tool for shoulders and ankles, but can also be used for some leg exercises. Fit loops are compact and can be carried around easily anywhere you go.

Tube resistance bands with handles

Unlike the previous two, this type of resistance bands is not flat, but it has a tubular form. These are made from sturdy latex rubber and have strong plastic handles attached to each end. Handle tube bands are great for strength training as they provide a lot of resistance and are available in many different tension levels.

Tube resistance bands with clips

Clip resistance bands are basically the same product as the previous one, except that they do not have fixed handles on their ends but metal clips. This makes them more versatile because to those clips you can attach various extensions including handles, ankle cuffs and more.

The clips can be used to hook the band to a secure spot (e.g., a pull-up bar, a door) and are more convenient to transport.

Figure-8 resistance bands

Figure-8 bands are mini loop bands with two handles and tube in the middle which brings the opposite sides together forming number eight shape. These bands are good for exercises that require short and limited motions and are also pretty handy for shoulder mobility exercises.

Why buy resistance bands?

Among so many other fitness tools available, why should you buy resistance bands? You can find out here.

Cheap

Resistance bands are incredibly cost-effective, and some of them are cheaper than $10. Even band workout DVDs are more affordable than those for other kinds of workouts. Just imagine - the money that you’d normally pay for only one month of a gym membership can be used to buy a set of bands that’ll easily last you more than a year.

Adaptable to your fitness level

No matter whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can benefit from rubber band exercises. All you need to do is find the resistance that’s good for you and start pumping. Also, beginners can use bands to make exercises like pull-ups less challenging, while experts can do the opposite and intensify their workouts.

Work out anywhere


With the right set of resistance bands and sufficient knowledge, you can exercise pretty much anywhere. Going to the gym doesn’t have to be a necessity anymore as you’ll be able to do everything at home, or if the weather is nice, in the park.

Compact

Resistance bands are so small that they can be stored even in the tiniest of homes. Place them in a drawer, under the bed, or in your closet and just whip them out when you wish to work out.

Excellent for traveling

Fitness freaks who like to get some exercise in even on vacations or business trips can easily pack up a few bands, bring them along, and get sweaty in the hotel.

Familiar exercises

Rubber band training doesn’t require you to learn a whole new set of exercises - quite the contrary - use them for all the exercises that you already know. So for example, instead of using dumbbells, do curls with a band. Other movements that you can use the bands for are old favorites push-ups, squats, lunges, pull-ups, and so on.

Diversify your training

Our muscles quickly get used to the routines that we often perform, so it’s a good idea to switch it up from time to time. Those who lift a lot of weights can try to take a break from them and do the same exercises with bands instead. Despite doing the exact same movements, the bands will challenge your muscles in a new way.

Effective

Perhaps the most crucial point of this list is that bands can give you a simple and effective workout. This means that you will be able to get stronger, more flexible, and more mobile by using this tool correctly.

How to buy resistance bands?

1. Buy different resistance levels

In case you don’t know which one is optimal for you, I’d suggest buying at least three different tension levels. Also, different muscle groups require different amounts of resistance so that you can use the stronger bands for large and the weaker bands for small muscle groups.

2. Think about the exercises you want to do

Even though all band types are multifunctional, there are better and worse choices depending on your exercise routine. Do you want to do more strength work or do you need the bands for mobility exercises, or maybe yoga? Think about this question and then find what’s best for you.

3. Accessories and distinct features

Some bands have handles, and some don’t. Others have clips to which one can attach rings, handles, or ankle cuffs. If you feel that you’d find some of these things useful, get the band that has them.

Resistance bands workout for women

This is a short and effective full-body workout for the ladies. It can be done by anyone regardless of how fit or unfit they are.

Perform 8-12 reps for 3 sets.

Use bands with tension suitable for each exercise.

Squats

Step on the band with your feet around shoulder width apart. Grab the ends of the band, pull them up to just above the shoulders, and keep them here. Squat down and get back up.

Seated Rows

Sit down on the floor and extend the legs in front of you. Place the band over your feet, grab the ends, and with your torso upright, pull the bands towards your stomach. Keep your arms in a 90-degree angle.

Kneeling Push-Ups

Kneel down on a mat, throw the band over your upper back, take an end by each hand, and press them down on the floor. Contract your abs, straighten the arms, go down and push back up.

Core Twists

Sit down on the floor with your legs slightly bent in the knees. Lean back to around 45 degrees, grab the band, extend your arms forward, and pull the band apart to the with of your shoulders. Twist the arms and the torso to one side and then to the other.

Resistance bands workout for men

the-right-way-to-make-a-resistance-band-workout-2

Here is a set of basic strength exercises ideal for guys. If the reps are too many for you, feel free to do less.

Perform 8-12 reps for 3 sets.

Use bands with tension suitable for each exercise.

Push-ups

Throw the band over your upper back and press the ends into the floor with your hands. Get into the top position for the push-up, go down and push back up.

Standing row

Anchor the middle part of the band to a bar or a doorknob, grab each end and pull back with your lower arms parallel to the floor.

Good morning

Place the band over the back of your neck, stand on each end with your feet, and grab the band somewhere around your waist. Pull your hips back and lower your torso until it’s almost parallel to the floor. Go back up leading with your chest.

Side Plank

Double wrap the band around your ankles, lay on your side, lift up to a side plank on your elbow, and push one leg up and down for reps. Switch sides.

Top 5 Resistance Bands

1. Üla Resistance Loops -  Our Pick

Üla Resistance Loops bring the versatility & usefulness of standard mini resistance bands to a completely new level. This relatively new brand came to my attention recently, because they are offering a complete fitness package with a simple product like this.

The bands themselves are made of 100% silicone, featuring fresh visuals & colors (holla if you’re bored with standard neon colors). What’s more important, these bands are thick & very powerful - they push the envelope by adding some serious resistance (up to 100lbs) to their loops, which is quite unexpected from such small bands.

Trying them on and working out felt like a different experience, even though this product is not anything new on the market. I guess that when you up the resistance on the same old workout, the workout isn’t the same anymore. Comparing them with the competition, Üla Loops are similar, yet quite better in overall quality & especially durability. I myself have thrown away several resistance band sets after snapping. I don’t think these will snap anytime soon.

Besides resistance & appealing visuals, girls at Üla (yeah, this is a girl-only brand) are providing a completely free workout program called Üla Movement Masterclass, for all the people who are interested in trying them out. The program is accessible on their website, ulamovement.com and you don’t even have to buy the loops to use it, although they are required.

The program gives you workout videos to follow and explainer videos to teach you the correct movements, with visuals & narrator to guide you on your way. Great value if you’re a complete beginner, or want to improve your workout & results.

Everything comes up in a cute package, and the brand is communicating with you from the first moment - they know what is like to go on a fitness program, and how to stick to it. I’ve received a weekly workout schedule from them, each containing a motivational message and boxes for check marks. On top of that, the bands are accompanied by a beautiful wristband which shows some branding and a motivational message “You Can”. A nice touch, indeed.

2. Reehut Resistance Bands With Handles

REEHUT Single Resistance Band Exercise Tube with Handle

Reehut offers you an array of single bands with handles, each of a different resistance level. The tensions go from 2-4lbs to 70-75lbs, so everyone can find one that’s right for them at the moment.

The bands are made from eco-friendly natural latex, and the handles are foam covered and comfortable. In the package, you’ll also get a door anchor, a carrying case, as well as a starter guide.

  • Many resistance levels available
  • Comfortable handles
  • Carrying case and guide included
  • Door anchor isn’t very good
  • Might be too rigid for some

3. Basics Loop Resistance Bands

AmazonBasics Resistance and Pull Up Band

These bands are very simple and straightforward flat loops ideal for any kind of workout. They are especially good for yoga as they’re relatively large and allow you a lot of freedom of movement.

The bands are made from thick, durable rubber, and they come in five different tension levels. You can use them at home, the gym, or anywhere you wish to workout, as they are compact and easy to bring along.

  • Durable rubber will last you a long time
  • Five different tension levels
  • Compact and easy to pack
  • Too rigid for some
  • A strong rubber odor

4. Black Mountain Resistance Band Set

 Black Mountain Resistance Band Set

Those who wish to buy more bands at once should take a look at the Black Mountain Set. In it, you’ll find five clip bands of different tensions. Also, a soft ankle strap and a door anchor are included in the set.

All the bands are 48 inches long, and if you wish, you can stack them up to get more resistance. If you’re a beginner, you will like the fact that you get a starter guide and an exercise chart in the package too.

  • Five bands in one set
  • Ankle strap and door anchor included
  • Bands can be stacked
  • Tension levels not printed on the bands
  • Users complained of wear and tear after long-term use

​5. Dynapro Mini Resistance Bands

Dynapro Mini Resistance Bands

Last but not least, the Dynapro set includes four mini resistance bands with tensions ranging from light to heavy. These are perfect for ladies who wish to tone up their lower body, but can also be used for upper body exercises.

They’re made of eco-friendly rubber and are rather thin. The manufacturer offers a one-year money-back guarantee for those who aren’t satisfied.

  • Great price
  • Four different tension levels
  • Compact
  • They come in a small bag
  • Thin and some users complained of snapping
  • Not enough resistance for some

The verdict

As you can see, many different products fall into the category of resistance bands, so it’s important to know your needs before you go out to buy one. However, most bands are very versatile, so it’s not so easy to make a big mistake.

Nevertheless, I’ve chosen what I think is the best product of today’s round-up, and it is the Black Mountain ​​setBlack Mountain ​​set​​​. The reasons for my decision are simple - you get 5 high-quality bands for a low price along with accessories and instructions. What more could you ask for?

If this one doesn’t cut it for you, feel free to check out the other three. Until next time - stay strong!

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