Resistance Bands Guide
Resistance Bands
Cost: Inexpensive $10-$35 each
Great for bodyweight exercises, warmups, stretching, assisted pull-ups, travel, adding or lowering resistance on other exercises, and so much more. AKA superbands. Resistance bands can provide resistance in many exercises or assistance in exercises like pull ups. Resistance varies between bands and changes based on length, anchor point, and how you grip it. Bands are also an affordable alternative to cable machine exercises. Advanced lifters will find them useful accessories for many barbell exercises.
- Recommended: Rogue Monster Bands or First Place Superbands
(Rogue Monster Bands - Get Pull Up Package 1 for pull ups, and a red and blue band for other exercises.) - Budget-Friendly: Buy on Amazon
- Extra: You’ll want to get a door anchor for travel or if you don’t have a rack to attach bands to.
- Extra: Rouge Band Handle makes for a more comfortable grip.
- Resistance Bands vs. Resistance Tubes (Tubes are ok, but not recommended)
Mini Bands
Good for warmup, rehab, and isolated muscle activation.
- Recommended: Mark Bell Hip Circle Sport Pack
- Budget-Friendly: Buy on Amazon (these tend to break easier)
Resistance Tubes
I prefer bands, but tubes can still be useful. See below for comparing the two.
- Budget-Friendly: Buy on Amazon
Resistance Bands vs. Resistance Tubes Comparison
Resistance Bands
- My preference
- Greater resistance
- For maximum strength gains
- Ideal for lower body
- Used for pull up progressions
- Handle attachments (separate)
- Door or wall anchors (separate)
- More durable (less likely to break)
Resistance Tubes
- Less resistance, but easier to combine
- For beginner strength gains
- Good for physical therapy exercises
- Ideal for upper body
- Small package
- Less expensive
- Comfortable handles
- Includes accessories like door anchors
- Less durable (break easier)