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The best resistance bands to level up your workouts
Shop GQ's pick of the best resistance bands to add a new layer of difficulty to your strength sessions
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The jury is out on whether resistance bands can accurately be called an underrated part of commercial and home gyms anymore, but the catch-all fitness prop could certainly be showing up in a lot more workouts. A slip of a thing that can easily slide into any gym bag pocket, the resistance band can give as heavy a workout as a dumbbell or kettlebell (just ask Chris Hemsworth) without taking up much room at all.
Regular travellers, in particular, should be adding a resistance band to their repertoire of suitcase essentials since a holistic model like the GymProLuxe can fill in as a multi-gym when the hotel you're staying in has closed its gymnasium (or doesn't have one). Even if you're heading to your local gym every day, being in possession of your own resistance bands can help you jump the communal queue, and turbo boost your gains.
The king of physical rehabilitation, lighter resistance band use can help recover muscles, while heavier ones can strengthen and encourage leanness, targeting smaller and more diverse muscles than your average gym bench weight routine. Sound simple enough? It is… mostly. But first, read on to find out about the things you need to know before clicking add to basket.
What are the best resistance bands?
A holistic set of bands and handles that reach resistance weights of up to 200lbs (or approximately 90kg), the Gymproluxe 2.0 is one of the best bands we've ever tested — and a must-have accessory for anyone serious about pumping up their workout routine from home or hotel room.
A budget pick since you can buy each of these bands separately, TRX makes a series of options at a myriad of weights. Select accordingly and be ready to whip out your debit card again when you level up.
Myprotein's set of bands is all about making your next lifting session as comfortable as possible: foam handles make arm workouts as pleasant an experience as can be reasonably expected, while a door anchor means you can take your lifting regime home.
- Best overall resistance bands: Gymproluxe,
£189£109 at gymproluxestore.com - Best premium resistance bands: Core Zone, £1,499 at eBay.co.uk
- Best budget resistance band: Umi, £6.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best covered resistance band: Adidas, £19.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best resistance loop: Nike, £17.50 at sportsdirect.com
SKIP TO: What types of resistance bands are there? | What do the different colours of resistance bands mean? | What are resistance bands made from? | Can resistance bands break?
What types of resistance bands are there?
Though most resistance bands look the same, there are in fact several differences that you should be aware of. Before we get into them, though, know that you will see similar results from comparable techniques across most kinds. Tube resistance bands have handles, often come with myriad attachments that can fit on a doorframe, and are made to help you imitate your favourite gym weight routines at home.
Flat resistance bands, on the other hand, come sans handles, and finish a complete loop like a giant elastic band. The third kind, though similar to this type, are much smaller and go by the name of mini resistance bands.
If you're new to the game, consider where you'll be using yours: if you're forgoing the gym for home workouts, tube resistance bands might be your best bet, whereas if you're complementing your existing schedule with exercises associated with reformer pilates then flat or mini resistance bands are the ones for you.
What do the different colours of resistance bands mean?
More than just a design choice, colours on your resistance bands represent their corresponding weights. Be aware before you dive into a lateral raise and glute bridge extravaganza, though: these measurements are not universal, so make sure you check your particular set first.
Unless you're buying yours for rehabilitation purposes, the rule of thumb is that lighter bands should be used for shoulder and arm exercises, while heavier ones are best deployed as part of your leg, glute and chest routines.
What are resistance bands made from?
Synthetic or natural latex rubber are the composition of most resistance bands, which are generally constructed in continuous sheets or tubes. Latex allergy? Obviously, opt for synthetic, but if you're lucky enough to have the choice, the natural rubber does have more elasticity.
Can resistance bands break?
Like your childhood Stretch Armstrong, improper or excessively heavy use can snap what everyone thought un-snappable. Don't leave your latex bands in direct sunlight or other hot, dry conditions as they can dry out, become brittle and degrade. And while many bands can be wrapped around poles or handles to give them new functions, it's better for their longevity to use them with dedicated resistance band anchors, which are often available in the same place you're buying your bands from.