A vital practice in maintaining healthy bodies is keeping fit. Fitness is traditionally associated with gyms. However, recent evolution coupled up with the usually high gymnasium subscription fees, has seen this trend change, as more people now own exercise equipment such as
treadmills and
adjustable dumbbells. Among the basic necessities in your personal fitness center is a resistance band, hailed by several exercise hobbyists as jack of all trades due to its ability to perform several activities.
The popularity of these bands has been on the rise in recent times as a result of many factors, among which is convenience. As opposed to weights, these bands are easy to carry around because they have a significantly lower density in comparison. Heck, they can be carried around in
gym bags! They are also versatile, capable of replacing the weights while performing a host of other tasks such as physiotherapy.
Additionally, resistance bands are pocket-friendly as compared to other exercise machinery, especially weights. This makes them appealing to individuals on a budget. Despite their cheap price, they are equally as effective as other tools, capable of developing muscle strength, toning, and improving balance and coordination. Also, the flexibility of these bands means that you are not limited to a few postures while undertaking your fitness regimen. Thus, having one of these unlocks a new world of possibilities.
Resistance bands come in two variations, namely tube and loop. Tube bands consist of a string with two handles; one at each end. They are often used for conventional workouts, and can be used in combo with weights. On the other hand, loop bands resemble giant elastic bands. Their primary purpose is physiotherapy and muscle rehabilitations.
By now you are probably itching to get your hands on a resistance band. This is not easy, despite the numerous choices available in the market. We took our time to assess the market, and selected the best bands for you. Read on to become an expert on this subject!
Price
In the fitness industry, resistance bands are one of the cheapest tools. The prices are influenced by type, material and resistance. The tougher the material, the higher the cost. Similarly, bands with higher resistance cost more than those of low resistance.
The price ranges from about $10 to $60. Low-priced resistance bands usually return meager performances, so it would be wise to invest once on an expensive band rather than continuously replace cheap resistance bands.
Features
Knowing what to look out for will help you discern the best option when it comes to any product, resistance bands included. The following features should be your main concern when shopping for a resistance band:
- Type– This refers to the form factor of the band. It can be single or multiple, braided or unbraided.
- Material– This is the substance used to make the band. Examples include rubber and latex.
- Handles– They may be present or absent, depending on the intended usage of the band.
- Resistance– This is the force exerted by the band. It may be adjustable or fixed.
- Extras– These are add-ons that come with the band, such as instruction manuals.
Construction and Design
Resistance bands can be either made of a single band or multiple bands. Single bands have pre-determined resistance level which can be altered in any way. Contrariwise, resistance bands whose set consists of multiple bands offer varying resistance levels. The user can increase or decrease the resistance by simply adding or removing the bands. This is particularly helpful where you want to gradually increase the tensile force created by the band.
The material used in making the band is among its vital aspects. It should be strong and stretchable to withstand extreme tension, while also being durable. This is because if the band snaps when being used, it can cause an accident. Rubber and latex are favored by many because of their elastic tendencies. This guarantees maximum stretching without breakage. Care should, however, be taken when adding weights to increase resistance, as they may overwhelm the band causing damage.
Performance and Ease of Use
Typically, resistance bands are available in multiple colors. These colors are not there for aesthetics alone. Each of them denotes a specific resistance level. In the bands which come as a set, this feature is invaluable as it assists in identifying the appropriate band. Also, for those who intend to adjust resistance levels, the color scheme helps in determining the aggregate resistance offered by a combination of such bands.
To increase comfort, resistance bands often come with padded handles that also improve the grip on them. Nonetheless, some variants do not come with handles included. These are preferable if you are willing to sacrifice a firm grip over closer control of the resistance level.
Last but not least, a majority of resistance bands have an instruction manual in their packages, to assist greenhorns in becoming experts.
To find the right resistance band (or set of resistance bands), you’ll want to consider features, value, and price. Take a look at the weight rating, length, handle style, and any attachments or exercises it’s specifically design for. A longer band may be better for wrapping around doors and exercise equipment, but it may not be the best choice for individual, unassisted exercise. Look for extras, such as exercise guides or warranties. Make sure you keep these suggestions in mind while reading this review so we can help you find the brand of resistance bands that will help you achieve your fitness goals! Now that you know how to choose the ideal resistance band, we can go ahead and have look at our top picks.
Features
SPRI is a leading innovator in rubber resistance technology and has helped popularize resistance bands for exercise and fitness! They have a wide range of products, including simple exercise bands, braided resistance bands, basic resistance tubes, and accessories. SPRI Braided Xertube Plus Resistance Band is a perfect for use alone or with a partner.
The SPRI Braided Xertube Plus is 16inches longer than the standard Braided Xertube, which means it can wrapped under, over, and around exercise equipment. It comes in five different colors, each with a different level of resistance: Yellow (level 1), Green (level 2), Red (level 3), Blue (level 4), and Purple (level 5). Soft foam handles and a rope-like design make it durable, safe, and ergonomic for exercise. SPRI includes a limited 90-day warranty and free exercise guide with all of their resistance bands.
We hope that you’ve found the best type of resistance band that suits your fitness routine. If the exact fitness band that you’re looking for wasn’t reviewed here, remember that each reliable brand makes multiple resistance bands that make for worthy alternatives you can choose from. Whether your priorities are fitness, flexibility, features, or affordability, we are confident that you can make an informed decision for your resistance bands!
