Fitness
What Trainers Want You to Know About Resistance Bands
The one hiccup about resistance band shopping is, well, it can be confusing. There are lots of different kinds. But the good news is, there are no wrong kinds. “Resistance bands are very creative tools to use, so be ready to explore different ways to manipulate the resistance so you can get the best workout,” Germano says.
Below, she and other experts recommend their favorite models and share the best ways to use them.
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Pros
- Long-lasting
- Detailed use instructions on the Rogue website
- Rave reviews
Cons
- Pricey
Experts and Prevention editors agree that Rogue resistance bands are the cream of the crop. “If you are going for quality bands that last a long time, you can’t deny that Rogue Fitness is a leader in the space,” says Germano. “The cost is higher, but their bands last well with many uses. These are typically purchased for higher volume gyms meaning they take a beating and get used often.”
Prevention’s Digital Director Allie Early can speak to that durability first-hand. She says they’re “high quality and withstand a lot of use.” She also likes that they come in a variety of thicknesses and tensions for stretching (for example, in warmups) and movement support on a gym rig (e.g. learning how to do a strict or kipping pull-up). “Having used them for years, I can say with confidence that they’re worth the investment,” she concludes. In this particular pack, you get three bands of different resistances, but you can also purchase them separately, depending on your needs.
| Type | Long, rubber |
|---|---|
| Best for | Pull-ups, back exercises |
2
Bests Fabric Resistance Bands
Tribe Lifting Fabric Resistance Bands
Now 33% Off
Pros
- No rubber smell
- Flexible yet soft
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users say they could be stretchier
Germano says she’s had “great success” with this affordable, versatile set of fabric bands. The fabric is still stretchy to provide good resistance, but you don’t have to worry about it ripping as easily as some rubber bands tend to do.
This set also comes with five bands, which is plenty for mixing up your workouts, especially if you’re a beginner. The best part? You won’t have to worry about having chalky-feeling, rubber-smelling hands after getting a sweat in.
| Type | Loop, fabric |
|---|---|
| Best for | Leg, booty exercises |
3
Best Resistance Band With Door Anchors
Odoland Resistance Bands With Door Anchor and Handles Kit
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Versatile for many workouts
- Affordable
- Great for travel
Cons
- May not be the best quality material
Germano recommends this set because it’s affordable and “comes with a lot of extras,” including door anchors, which are popular among resistance band users. Anchors, which attach to any door frame, are great to have if you don’t have a piece of gym equipment to secure your band to for pull-ups and the like.
This set also comes with five bands, a workout guide, a storage bag, carabiners, and two handles. With over 4,000 Amazon ratings, it maintains 4.5 stars.
| Type | Long, rubber |
|---|---|
| Best for | All workouts |
Pros
- Easy grip handles
- Safety band covering
- Ideal for mature populations
Cons
- Not super widely accessible
Connor Bagley, N.A.S.M.. C.P.T., group fitness director at The Club at Hearst says he and his team have “historically used and enjoyed” these bands, which feature a protective covering that aims to prevent band breakage and potential related injuries. “These bands provide great resistance as well as a comfort knowing that nothing can happen in the event of a snapped band,” Bagley adds.
He actually recommends any band from the Perform Better brand. “There are a few different styles that we use frequently,” he says. “If you are looking for bands without handles, the Perform Better Loop Bands do wonders.”
| Type | Handled |
|---|---|
| Best for | Full-body workouts, standing workouts |
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Durable
- Available in 4 colors
Cons
- Not as versatile as other resistance bands
If you’re looking to cater your resistance band collection toward specific types of workouts or warm-ups, you may appreciate this recommendation from Early. “The Sling Shot Hip Circle is a thick, highly-resistant band that I use for warming up before barbell lifts, and it lives in my gym bag at all times,” she says. “I position it around both legs, slightly above the knee, and with knees bent, I use small side steps to warm up my hips and glutes.”
It stands the test of time, too, she adds. “I’ve been using this one for about five years, and it’s held up well, even bouncing around loosely in a duffel with other gear,” she says.
| Type | Loop |
|---|---|
| Best for | Hip and knee mobility |
Pros
- Bands feature a grippy inner lining
- Cute colors
- Durable materials
Cons
- Resistances aren’t written on the bands
Although functionality is most important, these bands are certainly the cutest on our list. And they have the quality to back them up. They’re made of woven fabric and elastic, which makes them stretchy, but soft on the skin. They come in three resistances—light, medium, and heavy—and when you’re done using them, they can be conveniently stowed away in their included carrying case.
“We found the material to be thick and durable in our tests, staying in perfect condition even after repeated use,” says Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., N.A.S.M.-C.P.T., Nutrition and Fitness Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Most notably, the bands stayed in place even during complex movements thanks to the grips lining the inside.”
| Type | Loop, fabric |
|---|---|
| Best for | Yoga and pilates, lower body exercises |
How to choose the best resistance bands
Consider length: “You can opt for mini-bands which are pre-made loops that slip around legs or arms. These are typically shorter. You may also select a longer resistance band that you can use for more full body exercises and can tie on posts to perform a wider variety of exercises,” says Germano.
Think about material: For mini-bands especially, material will matter, Germano says. “They typically come in thinner tubing or a thicker, more fabric-like material,” she continues. “The thinner and smaller the mini band, the more it is likely to roll up on your legs and become uncomfortable.”
Scan reviews for quality: “We also want to look at reviews and ensure that the bands aren’t breaking down easily,” Germano points out. “With a lot of use, the longer resistance bands can begin to fray which can become a safety concern.”
What kind of resistance band is best?
It all depends on how you would like to use resistance bands in your workouts. Mini-bands are great for lower-body moves, like squats, and full-length bands are a bit more versatile, meaning they can act as both loops and linear bands that can be anchored and used for upper-body moves. Bands with handles don’t give you a loop option, but are great for gripping.
How we chose the best resistance bands
We spoke to in-house and outside personal trainers—including Alex Germano, P.T., D.P.T., G.C.S., CF-L2, a physical therapist and clinician with FOX Rehabilitation, Connor Bagley, N.A.S.M.. C.P.T., group fitness director at The Club at Hearst, and Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., N.A.S.M.-C.P.T., Nutrition and Fitness Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute—who recommended their favorite resistance bands and shared shopping insights. We also scanned reviews and best-selling bands to narrow down the best products.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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