Resistance bands are a handy exercise tool for improving fitness; whether it be building muscle, increasing strength, losing fat, improving endurance, developing coordination, or even rehabbing an injury.
Many people use bands due to the convenience and cost factor, and there are some excellent quality options out there that offer a lot regarding design and versatility, in combination with an attractive price tag.
So, here’s some information about resistance bands and our review of the top 13 options on the market currently…
In A Hurry? Here’s the Editor’s Pick
1. Whatafit Resistance Bands
The Whatafit resistance band set is a top-notch option and our top pick.
This beastly 11-piece (5 bands) resistance band set can be stacked together to achieve up to 150 pounds of resistance. The bands are made from natural, double-layer latex and high-quality materials including steel buckles, plus the bands are color-coded according to the level of resistance.
You also get a door anchor, ankle straps, a waterproof carrying bag, cushioned handles, and an instruction manual.
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- Natural latex
- Resistance levels in-lbs (10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
- Stackable up to 150 pounds
Whatafit Resistance Bands
Whatafit Resistance Bands
Whatafit Resistance Bands come in multi-colors. Highest quality material. Double layer natural latex. Nonslip handle. Comfortable, absorbent and Multifunctional.
Benefits
Resistance bands are an awesome tool that can be utilized as a viable option in place of, or in addition to weights due to the convenience, portability, versatility, price, plus bands come in many different levels of resistance and designs.
And even research shows that resistance bands are a feasible option when compared to free weights. (1)
But it’s quite obvious that anyone can get in a good workout with bands as it’s a widely-used tool by many so no research really needed, although it’s still our job to provide you with more than the basics…
One study compared the use of elastic resistance bands with free weight for the chest fly and reverse fly for rear deltoids. And although there was slightly less activation of the main target muscles during the resistance band flys when compared to the free weight flys, the former activated the deltoideus anterior in flyes, and deltoideus medius and trapezius descendens in reverse flyes.
But this was likely due to the instability of using the resistance bands, which still convinces us that bands are a very useful tool.
And another study tested the effectiveness of training with resistance tubing as a comparison to free weights and machines in 42 young physically fit women for 8 weeks. (1)
Well, with all variables being equal, it was concluded that both resistance tubing and free weights/machines elicit similar improvements in isometric force.
But it’s also important to note that resistance bands are also a great tool for rehabilitation and people recovering from injuries due to the safety, ease of use, and versatility.
Not too mention, you can add certain bands to free weight and/or bodyweight movements to either increase or decrease the level of difficulty.
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2. Fit Simplify Loop Exercise Bands
These bands from Fit Simplicity are extremely popular and come in a set of 5 color-coded bands that vary in resistance which are ideal for beginners to more advanced exercisers. The bands are made of natural latex and measure 12” x 2”.
This set also comes with a 41-page E-book and an instruction guide plus you get access to the online workout guide that shows you how to use the bands. Use the carry bag to discreetly take them anywhere. The bands are great for pilates, yoga, strengthening exercises, rehabbing, and just increasing the difficulty of any bodyweight exercise.
- 100% latex
- Size 12” x 2”
- Resistance levels in lbs (x-light, light, medium, heavy, x-heavy)
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands is ideal for sports, fitness, rehabilitation and physical therapy. High-end bands. 5 resistance levels. Superior quality.
3. Fitness Insanity Resistance Band Set
The Fitness Insanity resistance band set is your total home gym setup that’s stackable up to 150 pounds which is a whole lot of resistance to work against. But the bands range from 10-50 pounds individually which is perfect for all levels.
The set comes with 5 anti-snap resistance bands, 2 foam handles, 2 ankle straps, a door anchor, a workout guide, a carry bag, and a workout poster.
The important features of the material and build quality include durable latex tubes, reinforced links, and heavy-duty carabiners. So, you won’t have to worry about the durability of these bands and you can train with confidence.
The bands have an easy set-up and the workout poster can guide you through training each muscle group.
- Natural latex
- Resistance levels in-lbs (10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
- Stackable up to 150 pounds
Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands
Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands
Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands help you in training different muscles, have anti-snap durability, easy to carry, include multiple accessories.
4. Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands
Letsfit bands are made from 100% natural latex which is non-toxic and durable, making it an ideal option for adding resistance to essentially any bodyweight or open kinetic chain exercises.
The bands are color-coded with 5 resistance levels, and the loop design is different than the tubing resistance bands which allows for more versatility, so you can do your standard resistance training, along with therapy/rehabilitation type exercises.
- 100% latex
- Size: 12 x 2 (L x w)
- Resistance levels in-lbs (x-light 5-10 lbs, light 10-15 lbs, medium 15-20 lbs, heavy 25-30 lbs, x-heavy 30-40 lbs)
Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands
Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands
Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands construct from 100% natural latex, elastic and odor-free. It has 5 colors to pick from. Multifunctional band. Superior quality.
5. Lxeumlu Resistance bands
Lxeumlu resistance bands are a rugged option made from natural latex with plenty of great features which include cushioned grip handles, one door anchor, 2 ankle straps, a workout guide and also a waterproof storage bag.
So, you can do essentially any exercise anywhere!
The bands are color-coded for multiple resistance levels and you have the option to use a single band or you can use more than one for up to 100 pounds of resistance.
- Natural latex
- Resistance levels in-lbs (10, 15, 20, 25, 30)
- Stackable up to 100 pounds
Lxuemlu Resistance bands
Lxuemlu Resistance bands
Lxuemlu Resistance bands come in 5 different colors, constructed with high-quality material. Extremely durable.
6. Tribe Fitness Resistance Bands
Tribe Fitness 12 piece resistance band set is superior to others due to the thicker sized bands, large carabiners, and D-rings, double-webbed nylon, and high-density foam handles which will ensure the bands do not break or wear on you during your toughest workout sessions.
Tribe Fitness uses 100% natural latex and high-grade silicon for optimal durability and life.
Plus, the bands come with a door anchor, 2 ankle straps, a carry bag, and an ebook.
And you can stack the bands up to 105 pounds, which is ideal for those who are more advanced, but it’s great that the option is there. Also, the bands are color-coded.
- 100% natural latex
- Stackable up to 105 pounds
- Bands are 48 inches in length
Tribe Resistance Bands
Tribe Resistance Bands
Tribe Resistance Bands come in sets, durable and portable. Different weight tensions. Anti-snap promise. Multi clip system. Combinable intensity. Durable bag.
7. Limm Resistance Bands
Limm loop 12-inch resistance bands are a quality 100% natural latex option with several different resistance levels, and the set comes with ebooks, an instruction manual, an online workout portal, plus a carrying bag.
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These bands are great for resistance training and rehabilitation/therapy purposes.
- 100% natural latex
- 12-inch bands
- Resistance levels come in x-light, light, medium, heavy, and x-heavy
Limm Resistance Bands
Limm Resistance Bands
Limm Resistance Bands are lightweight, have a carry bag in it, easy to use. 100% natural latex (TPE free), odor-free and durable. It comes in multi-color.
8. Bodylastics Resistance Bands
This 19 piece set consists of seven anti-snap and color-coded bands of multiple resistance levels, plus four high-quality handles, four strong ankle straps, two-door anchors, one bag, and an instruction guide.
The bands are made from natural latex with very strong inner cords, plus nylon, an ABS core and thick neoprene.
But safety is of utmost importance here (which is how it should be) and every band in this set has a patented Snap Guard inner safety cord which protects against overstretching and injury in case of accidental snapping.
And with this set, you also get access to plenty of online workouts…
- Natural latex
- Resistance levels in-lbs (3, 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 30)
- Patented inner safety cord
Bodylastics Resistance Bands
Bodylastics Resistance Bands
Bodylastics Resistance Bands has the greatest durability, anti-snap Malaysian latex tubes. It comes in multi-colors. Available in sets.
9. WODfitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands
These resistance bands are excellent for those who take part in CrossFit training or anything else for that matter. The layers of tough rubber will ensure no breakage and high-performance, plus they come in 5 different resistance levels.
These bands are designed to help improve pull-ups and any bodyweight exercise, and you can also use them for powerlifting.
But generally, you’ll wrap the band/s around your legs and to the bar which will help you to pull yourself up. So, there’s versatility in that you can apply this technique to many different exercises.
Resistance levels:
- 10 to 35 Pounds ½” (light exercises and a little assistance for pull-ups)
- 30 to 60 Pounds ¾” (A little more resistance and good for light pull-up assistance)
- 40 to 80 Pounds 1.25” (Ideal for full-body exercises and pull-ups)
- 50 to 125 Pounds 1.75″ (Provides a good amount of resistance for many movements and pull-ups)
- 65 to 175 Pounds 2.5″ (Best option for big lifts and ideal for pull-ups)
WODfitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands
WODfitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands
WODfitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands comes in five different colors and resistance levels. Multifunctional. Great for mobility training.
10. Gorilla Bow Resistance Band
The Gorilla Bow is an ultra-cool device which includes a bar (bow) and adjustable bands to perform exercises with.
The bow is constructed from aircraft aluminum which can withstand 300 pounds of resistance, and you can attach four bands at once. It also comes with a carry bag.
The Gorilla Bow system is versatile so you can do essentially any exercise or workout with it.
- Bow size (56″ x 9.5″ x 1.75″)
- Resistance levels in pounds (10, 20, 30, and 50)
Gorilla Bow Resistance Band
Gorilla Bow Resistance Band
Gorilla Bow Resistance Band comes in black and green color. Handle up to 300lbs of resistance. Bow made of aircraft aluminum and bands are double-wall latex.
11. UPOWEX Resistance Bands
The UPOWEX resistance band set comes with five color-coded resistance bands, two foam handles, two ankle straps, one door anchor, a travel bag, and a workout guide.
The material is made from very high-quality natural latex and the bands are stackable up to 150 pounds for the heavy performers.
- Natural latex
- Resistance levels in-lbs (10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
- Bands are 48 inches in length
- Stackable up to 150 pounds
UPOWEX Resistance Bands
UPOWEX Resistance Bands
UPOWEX Resistance Bands comes in 5 colors with different resistance levels, has anti-snap technology. Durable and elastic. G3 sturdy hook. Eco-friendly natural latex.
12. GYMBANDIT Mini Bands
Quite possibly the best-looking bands of the bunch; the GYMBANDIT mini bands are smaller than the typical bands but super strong nonetheless, and these are made with 100% of the best natural latex material.
Here are the 3 levels of resistance for the mini bands and it’s important to know that the pounds listed are when the bands are stretched to 3x their length.
Level I (1.5mm): 45-60lbs
Level II (1.7mm): 60-80lbs
Level III (2.0mm): 80-100lbs
- 100% natural latex
- Ultra-thick (widths of 1.5mm, 1.7mm, and 2.0mm)
- Up to 100 pounds of resistance
GYMBANDIT Mini Bands
GYMBANDIT Mini Bands
GYMBANDIT Mini Bands is made of 100% natural latex, with no fillers. These bands dont snap. Great resistance.
13. Gymreapers Heavy-Duty Loop Bands
The Gymreapers brand offers some pretty hardcore gear for workout enthusiasts and we really like their heavy-duty resistance bands.
They’re made from natural latex rubber and are lightweight and extremely portable, in addition to offering an amazing range of color-coded resistance.
You can use them for everyone including pull-up assistance, exercise substitution, band squats, curls, strength training, recovery, rehabilitation, and more.
Resistance levels:
- 10 to 35 Pounds ½” (light exercise and a little assistance for pull-ups)
- 25 to 65 Pounds 1” (Decent resistance for intermediate movements and ideal for light pull-up assistance)
- 30 to 85 Pounds 1.5” (Ideal for full-body exercises and pull-ups)
- 50 to 125 Pounds 2″ (Offers a good amount of resistance for many movements and pull-ups)
- 65 to 175 Pounds 2.5″ (Best option for big lifts and ideal for assistance during pull-ups)
Different Band Types
Let’s briefly go over the few different types of bands on our list since all are not created equally and for the same purpose (although, you can still essentially do the same exercises using different bands).
Loop Bands
Loop bands are probably the most versatile of the bands considering you can train with them to build muscle, increase strength, improve coordination, facilitate rehabilitation, and not too mention, you can utilize them for multiplanar movements (move in different directions).
Tubing
Tube bands are designed to do what weights are intended for… and that’s to provide resistance for your standard exercises, although you can get pretty creative with them.
They’re super portable and come with handles to closely mimic free weights
Therapy-specific bands
Therapy type bands are very light and long which is great for very light exercise, stretching, and recovery purposes. You can use them just to add a little resistance to your activities but there are also many ways to utilize them effectively.
Mini Bands
And finally, mini bands are great for applying tension during your exercises. This type of band is the smallest of the bunch which is used effectively for promoting core strength, stabilization of the lower and upper body, plus developing strength, building muscle, and helping the rehabilitation process as well.
Wrapping Up
If you were considering using resistance bands to help you achieve your fitness goals then we hope you saw one that would fit your needs best.
We chose options that are not only popular but that are made with high-quality, durable materials and construction which should be good enough to where you won’t have to spend money on new bands anytime soon.
There’s certainly something at an attractive price range for everyone.
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