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Whether you are a exercise beginner, a workout fanatic or are looking to perform rehabilitative physical therapy movements at home, resistance bands are a great addition to your workouts.
Incorporating resistance bands into your exercise routines provides you a great way to mix things up without compromising your wallet. There are so many exercises that involve resistance bands you can try.
Several of the bands reviewed come with e-books and guides that will walk you through new routines if you have no idea where to begin.
Best Resistance Bands
Fitness Insanity Resistance Band Set | WODFitters Resistance Bands | Fit Simplify Resistance Exercise Bands | |
---|---|---|---|
Resistance: | 10- 150 pounds | 10 - 175 pounds | 2 - 30 pounds |
Bands: | Yellow (up to 10 lbs) Blue (up to 20 lbs) Green (up to 30 lbs) Black (up to 40 lbs) Red (up to 50 lbs) | Red: (10-35 lbs) Black: (30-60 lbs) Purple: (40-80 lbs) Green: (50-125 lbs) | Green: (2-4 lbs) Blue: (6-8 lbs) Yellow: (10-12 lbs) Red: (15-20 lbs) Black: (25-30 lbs) |
Features: | Carry bag | eGuide & carry bag | eGuide & carry bag |
For more of my workout gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Best Women’s Workouts guide links: Adjustable Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Medicine Balls.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Resistance Bands For 2024
- Fitness Insanity Resistance Band Set
- Tribe Premium Resistance Bands Set
- WODFitters Resistance Bands
- Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
- TheraBand Professional Latex Resistance Bands
- Fit Simplify Stretch Resistance Bands
- Polygon Heavy Duty Resistance Bands Set
First let’s take a look at the top rated resistance bands, then we’ll talk about how to choose the best set for you in our buyers guide.
Exercise Band Reviews
#1 Fitness Insanity Resistance Band Set
- Resistance Weight: 10 – 150 Pounds
- Bands: 5 Color coded bands
- Other: Latex resistance bands, foam handles, ankle straps, door anchor & carry bag
- Rating: 4.6 / 5.0
The Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands are similar quality to to what you might find in a gym. The 5 color coded exercise bands range from 10 lbs to 50lbs and can be stacked for up to 150 lbs total resistance.
This is enough weight resistance for most any women and most men if you plan on sharing them. Made from a natural latex they are environmentally friendly so you can feel good buying them, especially with the lifetime warranty!
This is a complete set that will allow you to work out your entire body. The bands come with carabiner clips that easily allow you to change out the foam handles.
Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands includes an ankle strap to make it easy to work out your legs and even included a door anchor to attach the bands to.
The bands are perfect for taking on the road with the carry bag that packs up into a small package that will fit easily in your carry on bag. Perfect for beginner to advanced workouts, the Fitness Insanity ‘s are the best resistance bands for squats.
#2 Tribe Premium Resistance Bands Set
- Resistance Weight: 5 – 105 Pounds
- Bands: 5 Color coded bands
- Other: 11 Piece Set & carry bag
- Rating: 4.6 / 5.0
This is the complete resistance set for any active person looking to spice up their workouts. These bands are awesome!
When you purchase this set, you will receive 5 colored bands of incremental resistance levels, a tube spring exerciser, a door anchor, 2 foam handles, 2 ankle straps, and one carrying bag.
This set of equipment is very lightweight and easily portable. You can take them with you anywhere you go!
The bands are made from strong latex. These bands are great for families looking to work out together. They are also great for individuals who need various resistance levels for their exercises.
This set is a nice, basic kit that is easy to use and store. The bands are a higher quality than many single bands you will find online or in stores.
Plus, you get many additional equipment pieces for a very inexpensive price. The ankle straps are a nice feature and make these the best resistance bands for legs and add a new dimension to the possibilities of your resistance training as well!
The best addition to this product is the mounting appliances. They are sturdy and allow you to switch up your resistance workouts.
Overall, this set is a great way to add resistance training to your life without needing to spend a lot of money or deal with a great hassle. I think the Tribe are the best exercise bands.
#3 WODFitters Resistance Bands
- Resistance Weight: 10 – 175 Pounds
- Bands: 4 Color coded bands
- Other: eGuide workout & carry bag
- Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
These exercise bands are heavy duty and very resilient. You can either purchase a single workout band or a full set.
These bands are great for pull-up assistance and more robust workouts. The strongest band (blue) can support up to 300 pounds!
These bands are a good choice if you want to finally learn how to do pull-ups. You can taper the assistance with the set of bands, and eventually you will feel strong enough to complete the movements without any assistance.
The best thing about these bands is their versatility. You can combine multiple bands for more efficient workouts, or use one at a time for a more challenging workout.
You can also use them in many different exercises and you won’t have to worry about them breaking. Use these portable resistance bands in your home, gym, or as you travel.
They are small and bendable, so you can fold them and put them in your suitcase.
The bands come with a handy string bag for portability, so you may use this if you prefer. These resistance bands allow you to maintain your workout routines anywhere!
For this quality of the workout bands, they are amazingly low priced. Sporting goods stores can charge up to 3 times this price.
These bands also have a nice thickness to them. They feel sturdy. You will feel very supported as you perform your exercises. The WODFitters are resilient, consistent, durable, and long-lasting and are the best resistance loop bands.
#4 Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
- Resistance Weight: 2 – 30 Pounds
- Bands: 5 Color coded loop bands
- Other: eGuide workout & carry bag
- Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
These exercise resistance bands are top notch. They are great for people looking to get fit in a simple way. They are heavy duty, and made completely from latex. You won’t have to worry about these snapping or tearing!
For the price, you get a set of 5 bands. Each is a different level of resistance, so you can switch it up whenever you want.
This set is great if you are new to working out with resistance bands, or if you are very experienced. Beginners can start with the loosest band and work their way up.
Advanced users can work out regularly with the stiffer bands and incorporate the looser bands into different exercises.
The set is also great if you will be working out with multiple people, or if you own a gym. You will get great use out of these bands regardless of your situation.
This set also comes with a lifetime guarantee. You can send them back anytime for a refund if you are not satisfied.
Resistance bands are great because they enhance any type of workout. Whether it be cardio, strength training, CrossFit, Yoga, or anything else, you can find a way to incorporate these bands.
You may also use these bands for physical therapy or rehab. They are even great for pregnant women looking to exercise lightly to stay in shape!
This set is also very affordable! For a little over $10 you get 5 fantastic bands. Each band is tested for durability before being packaged too.
Video: Overview of the Fit Simplify Resistance Loops.
Plus, the set is color-coded so you will know exactly which level of resistance band you are selecting. You won’t have to search and sort through your collection every time you use them.
This set is great for anybody looking for a quick and easy upgrade to their training! In my opinion these are the best workout bands.
#5 TheraBand Professional Latex Resistance Bands
- Resistance Weight: 2 – 21 Pounds
- Bands: 3 Color coded bands
- Other: Wide easy to grip bands ideal for physical therapy
- Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
These exercise bands are amazing. They are unique. They are perfect for resistance training and rehabilitation. They provide both positive and negative forces on muscle groups to help develop and tone major muscle groups.
Unlike other exercise resistance bands, these bands are 5 feet long and 4 inches wide. This makes them ideal for specialized training and movements that require using a larger surface area of band.
This set of bands is ideal for any beginner looking to upgrade their workouts with resistance training. These bands are made from natural rubber latex.
They are color-coded too, so you can organize and select your appropriate resistance band easily.
With this purchase, you get a set of 3 bands varying in resistance levels.
This way, you may start with the easiest band and work your way up to the most difficult. This set is likely the most affordable you will find.
You get all 3 bands for just under $10! These are ideal for anybody looking to incorporate mild resistance into their workouts.
You don’t need to spend a ton of money on heavy duty bands to enjoy the benefits of resistance training!
The bands are soft, making them perfect for beginners or individuals working on physical therapy movements. If you need more resistance, the bands are very easy to combine and tie together.
This set of bands is functional, helpful for recovery, and a great introduction to resistance movements. These resistance bands are not for people looking for intense workout supplements.
However, they are great for mild exercising and toning. You won’t be disappointed with the best resistance bands for exercise available!
#6 Canway Stretch Resistance Bands
- Resistance Weight: 15 – 125 Pounds
- Bands: 4 Color coded bands
- Other: Heavy duty resistance bands with carry bag
- Rating: 4.7 / 5.0
Canway offers 4 different great resistance bands to choose from! Each band varies in resistance level, but the green one supports up to 125 pounds!
These bands are worth the investment for anybody looking to perform serious and intense exercises with them.
This product is great for anybody looking for a serious upgrade to their training. The band comes with an e-book that describes multiple exercises involving the band.
This makes it great for anybody new to resistance training too. The book is fully illustrated and the instructions are clear.
The black band is 2.5 inches wide. This makes it easy to grip and adjust. It also makes it sturdy enough to support full bodyweight for some individuals. Fit Simplify bands are incredibly durable.
You won’t have to worry about replacing these bands due to breakage. In fact, each band comes with a lifetime guarantee. Even in the worst cases, you will be supplied another band.
Given that other exercise aids can cost hundreds of dollars, these bands are a great addition at just over $30. This is one of the highest-quality, most premium resistance bands you will find anywhere.
You may consider buying multiple bands if you need many different resistance levels, or if you plan on working out with friends. We felt these are the best resistance bands for building muscle.
#7 Polygon Heavy Duty Resistance Bands Set
- Resistance Weight: 20 – 150 Pounds
- Bands: 5 Color coded bands with nylon cover
- Other: Heavy duty resistance bands, foam handles, ankle straps, door anchor & carry bag
- Rating: 4.9 / 5.0
The Polygon workout bands are designed to be a more durable than typical resistance bands and the extra cost reflects that. The latex tubes are enclosed in a protective nylon cover the prevent abrasion and tears that will ruin most bands.
The nylon sleeve also prevents “snapback” meaning if the band breaks you won’t get a nasty whiplash from the band. A nice feature!
Another difference is the bands start at 20lbs of resistance and go up to 40 lbs for the highest resistance. The bands resistance level is only 5 lbs apart instead of 10 for many other sets.
This allows you to fine tune and get the exact amount of weight resistance you need for your workout. You can of course “stack” or combine the bands to go from 20 lbs up to 150 lbs when you combine them all.
Polygon includes two ankle straps that attach to included door anchors making them the best resistance bands for glutes. Polygon gives you a lifetime warranty so you can buy them with confidence!
Resistance Band Comparison Table
Resistance Bands | Min-Max Resistance | Bands | Other | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fitness Insanity Resistance Band Set | 10 - 150 lbs | 5 | Latex bands, foam handles, ankle straps, door anchor & carry bag | 4.8 / 5.0 | |
Tribe Premium Resistance Bands Set | 5 - 105 lbs | 5 | 12 Piece Set & carry bag | 4.6 / 5.0 | |
WODFitters Resistance Bands | 10 - 175 lbs | 4 | eGuide workout & carry bag | 4.6 / 5.0 | |
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands | 2 - 30 lbs | 5 | eGuide workout & carry bag | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
TheraBand Professional Latex Resistance Bands | 2 - 21 lbs | 3 | Wide easy to grip bands ideal for physical therapy | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
Canway Stretch Resistance Bands | 15 - 125 lbs | 4 | Heavy duty resistance bands with carry bag | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
Polygon Heavy Duty Resistance Bands Set | 20 - 150 lbs | 5 | Tube bands, foam handles, ankle straps, door anchors & carry bag | 4.9 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Resistance Bands – Buyers Guide
- Types of Resistance Bands
- What Are the Qualities of Good Resistance Bands?
- What Are Some Workouts That Involve Resistance Bands?
- Resistance Bands and Physical Therapy
- FAQs For Resistance Bands
- Tips For Using Resistance Bands
- Conclusion
Training with resistance bands is a great way to get creative with your workouts. Resistance training lets you develop and tone nearly all muscle groups. It also helps you shed unwanted pounds quickly. Sticking to the same workout routine can be boring, and your body can become tolerant.
This means you won’t be maximizing your training potential. It is wise to frequently alter your routines for optimal results and enjoyment. Resistance bands provide an easy and inexpensive way to do just this!
Types of Resistance Bands
There are a few different types of resistance bands. When selecting one to purchase, you want to be aware of its level of resistance, size, and durability. Some resistance bands are designed more for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Others are more robust and are better for intense exercises and a lot of weight support. It is important to ask yourself why you are searching for resistance bands in the first place.
Resistance bands can range from just 1 pound of resistance up to nearly 400 pounds. Some are great for strengthening very specialized parts of the body, such as hands and feet. Others are great for aiding in rigorous movements like pull-ups. Additionally, some are color-coded.
Others are thicker, wider, or longer than other bands. Make sure you are buying a band with the appropriate features for your training or rehabilitative needs.
What Are the Qualities of Good Resistance Bands?
If you are going to purchase resistance bands, you want to make sure they are of high-quality. There are simply things you may look for when finding the resistance band that is correct for you.
The qualities of good resistance bands include:
- They are made from durable material.
- They come with a lifetime guarantee.
- They are versatile.
- They are portable.
The best resistance bands are typically made from strong and natural latex. This gives the bands a special elasticity and strength to support you through every movement. High-quality resistance bands are usually also thicker and wider, allowing you to place greater tension on them.
Bands for physical therapy are typically thinner and less tough, but they allow you to manipulate them for rehabilitation. Regardless of your needs, it is important to research the bands before purchasing one. All the bands reviewed here are great quality.
High-quality resistance bands also come with lifetime guarantees. Good resistance bands are very durable and likely will never break. However, in the case they do, you should be provided a warranty to receive a new one for free.
You will also want to search for versatility. A resistance band will allow you to do multiple exercise routines with them. Examples of versatility include being able to combine many bands together for increase resistance.
Additionally, you may wish to mount the bands to the wall or floor to aid with specific exercises. These features allow you to mix up your workout routines in multiple ways using the same product!
Finally, the highest-quality resistance bands are portable. A great aspect of resistance bands is that they are compact and travel-friendly. It is best to avoid bulky sets and products.
Resistance training is simple. You do not need lengthy manuals and numerous components to enjoy resistance training. Search for simple, compact bands that you can take with you anywhere you go.
What Are Some Workouts That Involve Resistance Bands?
There are many different types of workouts that utilize resistance bands. You should not feel overwhelmed. It is important to select workouts and exercises that match your skill level but are also challenging. Given the versatile nature of resistance bands, you have many options.
There are virtually endless possibilities when you use resistance bands, but here are a few exercises you may wish to try:
- Assisted pull-ups
- Trap pull-aparts
- Assisted curls
- Assisted tricep extensions
- Iron-cross holds
Assisted Pull-Ups:
To perform assisted pull-ups, tie your resistance band securely to your pull-up bar. You want to make sure it will not come undone. You also want to leave some slack in the band so you can place your feet on it.
Grab the pull-up bar with your hands, place either one or both of your feet on the band, and pull your body upwards. Placing some of your weight on the band will lessen the amount you must carry upwards. The looser the band, the more difficult the exercise becomes.
This is a great exercise for those who have never tried pull-ups before, or individuals looking to complete more reps at lighter weights. Either way, this is a great way to incorporate resistance bands into your workouts!
Trap Pull-Aparts:
To perform trap pull-aparts, find a sturdy vertical pole or bar. Wrap the resistance band around it once and hold the ends of the band in each hand, leaving an even amount of slack on each side. Make sure your palms face inwards, towards each other.
Keep your arms straight, and slowly pull them backwards until they form a horizontal line perpendicular to your torso. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly move them forwards again. You should feel the tension between your shoulder blades.
Assisted Curls:
To perform assisted curls, step on one end of the band and hold the other end in one hand. You may want to wrap the band around your hand a few times to ensure it does not slip. Perform curls as you normally would. If you need to increase the difficulty, remove excess slack by wrapping the band around your hand more times.
Assisted Tricep Extensions:
To perform assisted tricep extensions, step on one end of the band and hold the other end behind your head. Your back should face the band. Your palms should be facing outward and your wrists should bend back slightly.
Lock your elbows above your head and squeeze your arms into your ears. Next, keep your arms pressed against your ears, and bend your elbows backwards, allowing the band to scrunch. Then, using your triceps, pull the band, increasing the tension of it.
The key is to not let your arms move away from your ears. If this is too difficult with the band, allow for extra slack in the band.
Iron-Cross Holds:
To perform iron-cross holds, you will need a longer resistance band. Step on the middle of the band with both feet and hold each end of the band in a different hand.
Keep your arms straight and lift each end of the band until your arms form a horizontal line perpendicular to your torso. This should look like a cross. Hold this position for 30-seconds. To increase difficulty, wrap the band around your hands a few times to remove excess slack.
Resistance Bands and Physical Therapy
In addition to great exercise supplements, resistance bands are also perfect for physical therapy and rehabilitation. Resistance bands are frequently used by professional physical therapists. You may purchase a set to recover at home as well.
Now you won’t have to limit your rehabilitation efforts to visits with your PT. With resistance bands, you may exercise and stretch as often as you feel you need, and you can relieve pains as soon as you feel them. It is a good idea to have resistance bands on hand if you struggle with recurring muscle or joint pains.
These bands are also great if you have sore muscles or joints you wish to alleviate. You can incorporate resistance bands into stretching routines, yoga, or recovery practices.
TheraBand sells wonderful bands for rehabilitation that are very inexpensive and easy to use. The TheraBand products reviewed here are great candidates for you if you need something simple to help you recover.
You don’t need a heavy-duty product that supports 400 pounds if you are only looking to stretch or rehabilitate. Fortunately, resistance bands are versatile enough to provide you with what you need at affordable prices.
FAQ’s For Resistance Bands
While most resistance bands on the market come in numerous resistance levels, some are available as a kit offering numerous bands and resistance levels, others come individually and offer add-on bands to change up the amount resistance.
Whether you are looking for a complete set of bands for a workout, or for physical therapy and healing use, you are sure to find the perfect solution to fit your goals.
However, there may be some questions you need to explore prior to choosing the resistance band set-up for your individual purposes. So, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions, and get some answers that may help you, too!
Q: Are the resistance bands available able to provide me with the same benefits as the ones I use at my physical therapy appointments?
A: There are some wonderful sets of resistance bands that will work perfectly for this purpose. Best of all, they are quite affordable and all of the sets reviewed and recommended by us are covered by a lifetime warranty; so, you know you are getting a quality product! Our comparison chart can help you determine which set would be best for your specific needs. For even more details on each of the styles, we recommend that you read our included product reviews.
Q: Is it really possible to get a great overall body work-out using resistance bands?
A: Absolutely! These sets come with multiple bands to provide a variety of resistance levels for different types of workouts or, for progression in resistance levels as you build strength. You can even combine upper and lower body workouts into the same session. Boasting resistance levels of 2 pounds, up to 175 pounds for the brands we recommend, you are sure to find yourself challenged. You can even combine bands for an even higher resistance, should you need more.
Q: So how exactly will I learn what I can do with these resistance bands, and how to do it?
A: Depending upon the set you purchase, you will either receive printed use and workout guidance, or video guidance. You are never left in the dark, by the manufacturers, as to how to use this equipment. Additionally, there is a plethora of workout regimes available on YouTube and other places on the internet, for use with resistance bands. You will be amazed by the variety of workouts these can provide you with!
Q: What material are these resistance workout bands manufactured from, and are they durable?
A: All of the brands we have reviewed for you here, are made from 100% natural latex. This ensures a quality product that will provide years of dependable performance for you. On the off chance, you should encounter any problems with the product, it is covered by a lifetime warrantee. You will be provided with a brand-new replacement product, at no cost to you.
Q: I have trouble with gripping and some pain in my hands at times. Will I be able to successfully use resistance bands so I can build my core muscles?
A: You certainly can. By looking over the comparison chat and reviews we have provided in this buyer’s guide, you can identify the brand that would best work for you. Specifically, you may want to choose a set that have wider bands, or cushioned hand-holds.
Remember, too, that often when you are using these bands, you will not actually be gripping them, but rather using the palm or back of your hands. Be sure to begin with a band offering a light resistance level, to avoid discomfort. You can build up the amount of resistance based on your comfort level. Be sure to select resistance bands that start out around the 2-pound level.
Resistance Band User Tips
Tip #1: Buy the Right Set the First Time
Study the comparison chart, reviews and FAQ’s provided for your use in this buyers guide, to be sure you are well informed and able to choose the best option for your specific needs. Some brands offer options that are not provided by other manufacturers. This is all addressed by us, for your convenience.
Remember, too, that if it does not come with a lifetime warrantee, it is likely made with poor quality. That is why we only recommend resistance bands from companies that offer this!
Tip #2: Allergy Warning
Be aware that if you suffer from allergies to latex products, the resistance bands we know to be the best, will likely not be an option for you. If we can be of assistance in helping you to locate another set, made with a different material, feel free to contact us right away. Our contact information is included below.
Tip #3: Proper Use
Be sure to read and follow any and all instructions prior to using the resistance band set you purchase. Make use of the workout information provided, to assure proper usage and prevent self-injury. And, always begin with a lower resistance level and work your way up as you feel you are ready.
Tip #4: Physical Therapy Supplementation Use
Never use your new resistance bands in any way that is not advised by your physical therapist and/or physician. If you are in PT, there is a reason for it. Only include workouts that are suggested and taught to you by your therapist or physician to avoid additional injury and to promote proper healing and recovery.
Supplemental resistance band use at home can promote faster healing and recovery time, if performed properly. Consult with your therapist to design the best PT supplementation regimen with your resistance bands at home in between visits. If at any time your symptoms worsen, discontinue self-guided use and contact your health care provider or physical therapist right away.
Tip #5: Budget Considerations
You do not have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality resistance band set for home use. There are very economical choices available to you that offer great quality, even in a small and easily portable design. If you select from our top 5 choices, you will be assured that you have purchased a top-notch product. And remember, each of our top choices offer a lifetime warranty!
Conclusion
Regardless of your needs, it is important to research potential resistance bands before making a purchase. Also, it is important to have fun and enjoy your experience with whatever product you select.
How We Researched
To come up with the top resistance bands, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.
Sources
I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best resistance bands to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a set of bands I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.
Have fun and enjoy your workout!