How to Choose the Right Resistance Band

How to Choose the Right Resistance Band

Submitted by: Justin Leonard

Last updated: 11/6/2018

 

With so many resistance bands on the market, deciding on the BEST band can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips and considerations to help simplify the selection process.

Determine Why You Need The Band

Every resistance band has a unique purpose. They each have advantages and disadvantages. So the first step in choosing the right band is to determine the intended purpose for purchasing a band. There are a number of reasons one might purchase a resistance band, but the following are common:

• Sports Performance
• Corporate Wellness
• Fitness Giveaways
• Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy
• General Fitness (Private Use)
• General Fitness (Commercial Use)

Most are interested in bands for general fitness (private use). If this is the case, then a basic resistance tube with handles is suggested. This is the most affordable and easiest route. Tubes also provide enough versatility for total body workouts.  Our basic resistance tubes can also be used commercially and for private use.

Basic Resistance Tube with Handles

 

If you have never purchased a resistance band before, a resistance band set or "kit" is suggested. All of our sets include visual aids such as DVDs that teach you how to exercise with bands.

Resistance Tubing Kit

 

Do You Have Latex Allergies?

If you have a known latex allergy, the selection of safe-to-use bands shrinks drastically. But there is still hope as quality latex-free bands are available. Latex-free bands serve their intended purpose, but do not last as long and are not as durable as regular latex rubber bands.

Selecting The Proper Resistance Level

Sometimes, choosing the proper resistance level WITHOUT being able to test it first can be tricky. Color coded resistance bands can add even more confusion because the colors and resistance levels can vary among manufacturers. For example, lighter colors are typically the lightest resistance levels. However, lighter colors can also be the heaviest levels if the manufacturer so chooses to design them that way. So never choose based on color alone; particularly if you've purchased a band from another source in the past and are trying to "color match" the level of resistance.

Depending on the type of band you are interested in, most will have some type of corresponding resistance level and a brief description of a population that might be best suited for a given level of resistance or color. Here are two examples:

• Yellow = Considered "light" resistance for most group fitness classes. Ideal for rehabilitation, beginning fitness levels, and active adults.

• Green = Considered "medium" resistance for most women and "light" for most men. Ideal for moderately trained individuals and active adults.

It's important to go by these guidelines as they are tried and tested. If you ever have a question about deciding on the best resistance level, you can always email us and we will be glad to assist. One way to ensure the proper resistance level is selected is to choose an all-in-one resistance band kit, as discussed above.

We typically recommend buying more than one resistance band because of varying strength levels among muscle groups. For example, your shoulder muscles are generally not as strong as your leg muscles. Moreover, you may find that after a few weeks of using a resistance band that you need more of a challenge. Having more than one level of resistance allows you to progress as you begin to experience improvements in fitness. Thus, more than one resistance band level is suggested to accommodate the different muscles in the body.

Resistance Tubes vs Resistance Bands

There IS a difference between a band and a tube. Bands are typically flat. Whereas tubes have a rounded, tubular shape. Exercise tubes are typically hollow in the center. Tubes tend to last longer than flat bands because of the thickness of the rubber wall. However, there are some bands that are more durable than tubes. The heavy duty resistance band is an example. It is extremely durable because the rubber is much thicker than usual. It's designed to withstand abuse and can literally support the weight of the entire body. This type of band has specialized applications that are drastically different than, say, a typical flat resistance band.