Best For
Considerations
Our Verdict
We find resistance bands to be a versatile, super-effective, and joint-friendly addition to any fitness routine.
Their adaptability caters to both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts, offering a unique set of advantages.
Owning a range of different resistance levels, will give you the possibility to train everything from deadlifts, and squats – to bicep curls and chest press.
If combing them with a pull-up bar, you can use them as pull-up assistance bands – gently assisting and helping you while you work to manage your first ten pull-ups.
That is versatility at its finest!
Why Trust Our Reviews?
After years of working out from home, I have established a unique expertise and vast experience using all kinds of home exercise equipment.
All tested equipment types have been tried and used extensively, providing me with an excellent platform to score and review each equipment type.
By following my recommendations, you can rest assured you are following the advice of someone who puts his pride in pointing you towards products suited to YOUR unique fitness journey.
Contents
How are Resistance Bands Compared to Average Home Exercise Equipment?
| Factor | Resistance Bands (looped) | Average |
| Ease of use | 9,5 | 9,1 |
| Versatility | 9,5 | 8,8 |
| Total Body Score | 8,73 | 8,5 |
| Upper body (33%) | 9,7 | 8,7 |
| Lower body (33%) | 9,5 | 8,2 |
| Core (33%) | 7 | 8,6 |
| Range of Resistance Levels | 9 | 8,7 |
| Impact on Joints and Tendons | 9,2 | 8,3 |
| Durability | 8,2 | 9 |
| Portability | 9,8 | 7 |
| Economy | 9,2 | 8,8 |
| Size | 10 | 8,2 |
| TOTAL SCORE | 9,18 | 8,66 |
Performance Tests
The Hometraininghero LOVES home exercise equipment.
And to determine which home exercise equipment lives up to their hype, we put them all to the test.
We test 9 different performance factors, considering their effectiveness, versatility, economy, and ease of use. Here is a quick overview of the 9 test categories:
- Ease of use
- Versatility
- Total Body Score
- 3.1– Upper body
- 3.2– Lower body
- 3.3– Core
- Range of Resistance Levels
- Impact on Joints and Tendons
- Durability
- Portability
- Economy (Purchase & Maintenance)
- Size
9.5 Ease of Use
Resistance bands score high in ease of use.
Their simple setup and straightforward design make them accessible to users of all fitness levels. With a little getting used to, beginners can seamlessly integrate resistance bands into their workouts without requiring extensive tutorials or guidance.
The learning curve is manageable for most, allowing people to focus on maximizing their training experience to the fullest.
My experience is that if you can lift dumbbells, you can also train with resistance bands.
9.5 Versatility
Versatility is a standout feature of resistance bands.
Why?
Resistance bands offer a myriad of exercise options, encompassing upper body, lower body, and core workouts.
Whether you’re looking to tone specific muscles, enhance flexibility, or engage in full-body strength training, they prove to be an all-encompassing fitness tool.
The variety they provide ensures that you can continually challenge and diversify your workout routines without the need for additional equipment.
8.7 Total Body Score
Upper Body: 9.7 | Lower Body: 9.5 | Core: 7
Upper Body: Resistance bands excel in upper-body workouts. They provide substantial resistance, allowing you to effectively target and engage muscles in the arms, shoulders, back, and chest. The adaptability of resistance bands ensures a versatile upper-body training experience suitable for various fitness goals.
Lower Body – Suited for numerous lower body exercises, including leg presses, squats, and lunges, resistance bands offer the resistance needed for effective muscle engagement. Whether you aim for muscle toning, strength building, or rehabilitation, these bands prove highly effective for lower-body workouts.
Core – Resistance bands are a valuable tool for core strengthening exercises. From basic ab Crunches to more advanced moves, resistance bands provide the necessary resistance to engage and strengthen the core muscles. Their effectiveness in targeting the abdominal region contributes to a well-rounded core workout.
9 Range of Resistance Levels
One of the notable strengths of resistance bands is the extensive range of resistance levels they offer.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for lighter resistance or an advanced user seeking a challenging workout, resistance bands cater to a wide spectrum of fitness levels. Owning a line of bands of seven different resistance levels will give you enough weight to train everything from deadlifts to biceps curls.
This adaptability ensures you can progressively increase resistance as your strength improves, promoting continuous growth and development.
9.2 Impact on Joints and Tendons
The low-impact nature of resistance bands makes them exceptionally gentle on joints and tendons.
This quality particularly benefits people with joint concerns or recovering from injuries.
You can engage in resistance training without worrying about excessive stress on your joints, allowing for a safer and more sustainable workout experience.
Physiotherapists and personal trainers widely use resistance bands for people with injuries or joint problems.
8.2 Durability
When investing in high-quality resistance bands, durability is a notable attribute.
Quality bands are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, providing reliable resistance over an extended period of time.
Proper care, such as avoiding sharp objects and excessive stretching, keeping them away from direct sunlight, and washing them regularly, ensures the bands maintain their integrity and longevity, making them a sound investment in the long run.
9.8 Portability
Portability is a standout feature of resistance bands.
Their lightweight and compact design makes them highly portable, catering to people like myself who also prioritize fitness on the go.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these bands easily fit into a bag or suitcase, ensuring that you can maintain your fitness routine regardless of your location.
I’ve been using my bands on vacations in hotels, in tents, and caravans – packing my resistance bands is just as important as packing underwear and my toothbrush.
9.2 Economy (Purchase & Maintenance)
Balancing cost-effectiveness with quality, resistance bands offer a reasonable investment.
While price variations may vary depending on the brand and specific features, opting for a reputable brand ensures a balance between affordability and durability.
Also, be sure to buy a range of different resistance levels to have the correct weight for several different exercises and muscle groups. I own five different colors/ resistances – but I still need more to be completely covered.
The initial investment, the acceptable lifespan, and minimal maintenance requirements make resistance bands a cost-effective choice for fitness enthusiasts.
10 Size
The compact nature of resistance bands is a significant advantage, especially for people like me, who have limited workout space.
Whether you have a home gym or a small workout area, resistance bands take up minimal space, contributing to a clutter-free and efficient exercise environment.
Their exceptional storage features further enhance their appeal, making them a practical choice for various living arrangements. I keep all my bands in a drawer, and it takes me not more than twenty seconds to prepare them for a workout or pack them after finishing.
Popular Brands
When it comes to choosing the perfect resistance bands, having insights into popular brands can guide your decision.
Here are five notable brands that have made a mark in the fitness industry:
Fit Simplify
Fit Simplify is synonymous with high-quality resistance bands known for their durability and versatility.
Crafted from natural latex, their bands offer a consistent level of resistance and are accompanied by a handy exercise guide.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, Fit Simplify provides a reliable option for diverse workouts.
TheraBand
TheraBand is a pioneer in the resistance band market, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Their bands are color-coded to indicate different resistance levels, providing you with a straightforward way to progress in your fitness journey.
With a focus on both rehabilitation and strength training, TheraBand stands as a trusted choice.
Black Mountain Products
Black Mountain Products has earned a reputation for producing robust and durable resistance bands.
The bands come with a convenient starter guide and door anchor, enhancing the variety of exercises you can perform.
If you’re looking for bands that can withstand intensive workouts, Black Mountain Products is a brand worth considering.
WODFitters
For you who are delving into CrossFit or high-intensity training, WODFitters is a brand that caters to your needs.
Their resistance bands are designed to withstand rigorous workouts, making them a favorite among fitness enthusiasts who push their limits.
With a commitment to quality construction, WODFitters is a reliable choice for demanding workouts.
Bodylastics
Bodylastics is renowned for its patented Anti-Snap technology, ensuring a safer workout experience.
The bands are stackable, allowing you to combine multiple bands for increased resistance. With a focus on durability and user safety, Bodylastics has become a go-to brand for people seeking a reliable and customizable resistance band solution.
Exercise Equipment that Complements Resistance Bands
Enhance your fitness routine by pairing resistance bands with these complementary pieces of exercise equipment.
The synergy of these tools can elevate your workouts, providing a comprehensive and well-rounded training experience.
Tips From Erik
“Mixing other equipment with resistance bands elevates your workout’s effectiveness. Combining tools like dumbbells or an exercise ball adds variety and challenges muscles from different angles, enhancing strength and promoting growth. Keep your routine diverse to avoid plateaus and stay motivated!”
Owner of hometraininghero
Exercise Ball
Pairing resistance bands with an exercise ball introduces an element of instability, engaging your core muscles as you perform various exercises.
The ball adds an extra challenge to movements, promoting balance and stability. Combine resistance bands for upper body workouts while sitting or lying on the exercise ball, intensifying the engagement of stabilizing muscles for a more holistic training session.
Pull-Up Bar
Mounting a pull-up bar at home opens up a plethora of possibilities when combined with resistance bands.
Looping the bands around the bar allows you to perform assisted pull-ups, catering to all fitness levels. This dynamic duo is perfect for targeting the upper body, especially the back and arms, offering a scalable approach to mastering pull-up exercises.
Ankle Weights
Augment lower body workouts by incorporating ankle weights alongside resistance bands.
The combination intensifies exercises like leg lifts, squats, and lunges, providing a dual resistance effect. This synergy enhances the challenge for leg muscles, making the workout more effective for building strength and toning.
Doorway Anchor
A doorway anchor, when used in conjunction with resistance bands, transforms any room into a versatile workout space.
The anchor securely holds the bands at various heights, enabling a wide range of exercises such as chest presses, rows, and shoulder exercises.
This combination maximizes the potential for resistance training without needing a dedicated gym setup.
Dumbbells
Incorporating dumbbells with resistance bands allows for a dynamic and customizable strength training experience.
Holding dumbbells while performing resistance band exercises increases the overall resistance and challenges your muscles even further.
This combination is particularly effective for compound movements, providing a comprehensive workout for multiple muscle groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs below. Hopefully, you will find the answers you are searching for.
Yes, resistance bands are highly effective for strength training and overall fitness.
They provide resistance in both the concentric and eccentric phases of an exercise, engaging muscles throughout the entire range of motion. Resistance bands are versatile, accommodating various exercises for different muscle groups – making them ideal exercise equipment for any home gym.
I personally love them and use them several times a week!
The best resistance bands depend on individual fitness goals and preferences.
There are several types: loop bands, tube bands with handles, and flat bands.
* For general versatility, tube bands with handles offer a wide range of exercises.
* Loop bands are excellent for lower-body workouts and mobility exercises.
* Flat bands, often used for physical therapy, provide light resistance.
The best choice depends on the desired exercises and the level of resistance needed. My best tip is to own a couple of pairs of each type, giving you extreme versatility and the possibility to work out every corner of your body.
Yes, resistance band training is highly effective and suitable for people of all fitness levels.
Resistance bands allow for targeted resistance, helping to strengthen specific muscle groups and improve overall functional fitness. They are particularly valuable for home workouts, offering a portable, space-efficient alternative to traditional weights.
Resistance band training can build strength, improve joint stability, and enhance muscular endurance – making them a perfect addition to home gyms.
Like those with attachable handles, resistance band bars provide additional versatility to resistance band workouts.
They can enhance grip comfort and expand the range of exercises you can perform, and the bars also facilitate two-handed exercises, adding variety to your routine.
Whether a resistance band bar is worth it, depends on your individual preferences and the desire for added convenience in handling resistance bands during workouts. If you enjoy the feel of traditional gym equipment, a resistance band bar may be a worthwhile addition to your fitness arsenal.
I used to own one, but when the bands snapped, I did not bother to get a new one. So, personally, I would stick to regular bands – not the bar versions.