Take your workout sessions to the next level with the best resistance bands from Buyer's Report. Here to help you to improve your strength, build muscle, and enhance overall flexibility, these top-rated resistance bands are a versatile training solution that ensure a more well-rounded fitness experience.
Sportbit
Xtreme Bands
Gymbee
When it comes to exercise equipment, few options are more convenient and versatile than a good set of resistance bands, and for the average home gym enthusiast, they can truly be a game-changer. Instead of having to rely on bulky machines and expensive sets of weights, resistance bands are able to save you both space and money, and they can enable you to craft an impactful workout routine, right from the comfort of your own home. Eliminating the need for a pricey gym membership, and just as effective as traditional equipment, these unassuming bands offer a more affordable way for you to build muscle, gain flexibility, and improve your cardiovascular health, all without taking up much space or requiring a lot of practice or training.
But while resistance bands may be simple in their design, there can be a lot of variability when it comes to the different sets available, and choosing the right set can significantly impact the success of your home workouts, and how often you opt to utilize them. Thankfully, this buying guide was created to help you better navigate the diverse world of resistance band sets, and if you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the available options, then this is the perfect place to begin your search. Diving deep into the various materials available, the range of resistance levels you can opt for, and even potential accessories for you to explore, this buying guide will equip you with all of the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision, and will ensure you walk away with that perfect set that will take your home workouts to the next level.
If you were asked to close your eyes and picture a resistance band, the first image you’d likely conjure up is a slim, elongated strip of rubber that looks more or less similar to a giant elastic band. In most cases, this mental image wouldn’t be too far from the truth, as a lot of the resistance bands that you’ll find available on the market are made primarily from latex - a type of rubber that is incredibly stretchy, durable, and resilient. Giving you the perfect amount of resistance so you can tackle a wide array of exercises, latex is hands-down one of the most popular materials used by manufacturers, and fitness enthusiasts love how effective it is, and how affordable it can be. Because of this, the market tends to be flooded with latex versions for you to choose between, and it can be the ideal choice if you want a set that is simple, compact, versatile, and cost-effective. However, latex isn’t the only option available to you, and if you have a latex allergy, hate the way it can pinch your skin, or simply want to explore different materials, there are alternative options to consider.
One of the newest styles of resistance bands that has gained popularity in recent years is sets made from fabric, which can be just as stretchy, without irritating the skin. Featuring stitched elastic that is thicker and softer, fabric bands are a unique, comfortable alternative, and they tend to be preferred when doing lower body workouts such as squats or lunges. Known for staying in place regardless of how sweaty you get, these softer bands generally won’t roll up or slide out of place, and they can ensure you remain balanced and stable as you tackle your routine. Where fabric bands fall short, however, is that they can be much more expensive than their latex counterparts, and while they are quite stretchy, they don’t necessarily offer quite as much give, especially for upper body routines. Whether or not fabric bands are ideal for you will mainly come down to the type of exercises you plan on utilizing them for, as well as your personal preferences and budget considerations.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect material option for your needs, the next step in the purchasing process is going to be to take into consideration the various resistance levels you’re going to want in your set. Just like a traditional dumbbell or kettlebell, each band is going to have a preset “weight” or resistance level, and having a variety of options available to you is essential for achieving a well-rounded and comprehensive workout. Depending on which body part you are focusing on, your progress, and your fitness goals, how much “weight” or resistance you require is going to vary, and this is why it's important to always opt for a set that offers a diverse range, and enough of a range to accommodate your evolving fitness journey. For most people, this means looking for sets that have at an absolute minimum 3 bands for you to enjoy, although 5 - 6 is even more ideal.
As for the various resistance levels, the exact “weights” are going to depend on the brand you select, but as a general rule of thumb, you can expect a standard set to include a:
To give you even greater versatility, some resistance band sets are designed to be stackable, so you can use more than one at a time in order to increase the “weight”. This feature is particularly beneficial if you’re seeking a more customizable and progressive workout experience, and if you want to ensure you can continue to progress far past the initial resistance levels offered.
On top of the various materials available and the resistance levels they come in, resistance bands can also differ based on their actual design – specifically, whether they come with handles or loops. This aspect of the design plays a significant role in determining the versatility, comfort, and types of exercises you can perform with these bands, and which one is right for you does require a bit of consideration. For example, if you’re someone who predominantly focuses on upper body workouts and you enjoy the feeling of traditional workout equipment, you may find that a set with handles is better suited to your needs. The addition of handles will give you better grip and feel more comfortable, and they are well-suited for everything from bicep curls to tricep extensions, and even modified shoulder presses. If you’re someone who already incorporates dumbbells into your exercise routine and are now looking to transition to a set of resistance bands at home, a handled version will more closely replicate the feeling you’re used to and are by far the most similar to more traditional weights.
On the other hand, looped resistance bands are the preferred choice when completing a lower body workout, as they can effortlessly wrap around your legs and provide you with that extra resistance as you squat or lunge. Because of their continuous loop, you don’t need to worry about holding on to anything as you perform your exercises, and can instead focus your attention solely on your form and the targeted muscle group. This hands-free design is perfect when you’re trying to rep out glute bridges, step-ups, or lateral leg raises, and they force you to engage your core for greater stability. In general, looped bands typically are the go-to choice, especially among beginners, as they do offer the greatest versatility and ease of use. However, for more advanced users or those seeking specific upper body exercises, handled resistance bands may be preferred, so it truly comes down to personal preference and goals when determining which type you want to purchase.
When purchasing a set of resistance bands, the main thing you’ll want to look at is the bands themselves, as these are the primary tools that are going to improve your workout and push you towards achieving your fitness goals. With that said, some sets do come with additional accessories that can serve to enhance your overall experience, and depending on where you plan on exercising, your preferences, and your budget, these potential add-ons could be invaluable assets. Depending on the brand you select, what’s included with your purchase can vary drastically, but some of the most common and popular accessories you may find offered could include:
Convenient, effective, and impressively versatile, resistance bands have the ability to revolutionize your home workouts, and they can offer you a more targeted, in-depth experience without requiring a lot of space or money. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned gym-goers alike, these easy-to-use sets don’t require ample training to get started, and you can incorporate them into a wide range of activities to target almost any muscle group. Whether you’re aiming to build your glutes, strengthen your core, or simply improve your flexibility, a set of resistance bands can be a game-changer as you work towards your goals, and they can provide you with the challenge and support you require to make real progress. If you want to take your home workouts to the next level, but aren’t looking to invest in bulky equipment or spend hours at the gym, then resistance bands are an ideal solution, and their simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness will make them a valuable addition to your fitness routine.
