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6 Greatest Resistance Bands of 2025 for Constructing Energy and Mobility

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As a private coach and Pilates teacher, I’ve seen the ability of resistance bands firsthand. Whereas these easy (but versatile!) instruments have been round for ages, they typically get ignored in health circles, the place consideration tends to gravitate towards heavier weights or fancy machines. Don’t get me unsuitable, I really like a reformer—however the most effective resistance bands are simply as efficient, if no more handy and simpler to make use of.

In addition they present a distinct form of exercise from most different varieties of tools. Bodily therapist Alison Fung, PT, DPT, CSCS, tells SELF that “resistance bands supply elevated resistance on the furthest level of the stretch of the band, whereas a weight has the identical resistance all through all the motion.” In different phrases: The tighter you pull the band, the extra energy it takes. So with every motion, your muscle tissue expertise a variety of resistance masses. You’re subsequently activating muscle tissue in methods conventional dumbbells or kettlebells simply can’t.

The suitable bands generally is a recreation changer, whether or not you’re new to health or an skilled athlete seeking to shake up your common routine. That will help you discover the best type and model, I turned to bodily therapists, trainers, and fellow health instructors for his or her skilled buying recommendation. Browse their favorites right here.

Our prime picks

  1. Greatest for Full-Physique Exercises: Retrospec Resistance Bands
  2. Greatest for Mobility: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set
  3. Greatest for Glutes: Bala Resistance Bands
  4. Greatest Mini Loop Bands: TSS Booty Bands
  5. Greatest for Decrease Physique Exercises: Physique-Strong Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes
  6. Greatest for Pull-Ups: Fitense Pull Up Resistance Band Set

On this article

What are resistance bands?

Sometimes constituted of rubber, latex, or material, resistance bands are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Mini-bands, which are sometimes formed in a good loop, can assist you focus in your decrease physique throughout workouts like squats and clam shells, whereas bigger bands are nice for overhead presses and assisted pull-ups. As bodily therapist Ashanti Lyking, DPT, tells SELF, all types supply a singular problem in your muscle tissue: “The extra stress you placed on the resistance band, the extra resistance you obtain throughout your motion,” she explains.

Why resistance bands are price contemplating

There’s lots of house health club tools on the market to select from—so, why select to make use of bands in your exercises?

Tons of bodily and psychological advantages

Analysis has proven that utilizing resistance bands can assist construct muscle mass, energy, and bone density—one 2023 examine discovered that exercising with these instruments might even enhance your shallowness and produce your resting blood stress down. And relating to recovering from accidents, consultants like Laurence Agénor, PT, DPT, CSCS, bodily therapist and co-founder and medical director of The Wellness Den by Cynergy, swear by them. She tells SELF that resistance bands are a safer manner for individuals with persistent situations or ache to work on their neuromuscular consciousness (a.ok.a. your brain-body connection) with out having to raise heavy weights. “With sufficient resistance, you possibly can construct muscle and induce bodily change,” she provides.

Whether or not you’re performing glute bridges or bicep curls, resistance bands can goal many muscle teams. Fung says they’re extra versatile than common weights as a result of you should use them to heat up, to make your go-to workouts more durable, or to work in your mobility and adaptability.

Let’s be sincere: Fitness center memberships and weight units generally is a drain in your pockets. Bands are far more budget-friendly (a lot of our prime picks value lower than $50) and don’t require you to go away the home to squeeze a superb exercise in.

Even a big set of resistance bands is extra compact than a small set of hand weights. You may tuck them away nearly wherever, or toss them in your health club bag or suitcase when you should deliver them with you on the go.

What to search for in resistance bands

Right here’s how to buy a set of bands that’ll meet you the place you’re at.

Most resistance bands are constituted of latex. However you probably have allergic reactions, don’t fret—there are many material choices obtainable too. The fabric you select can have an effect on your bands’ sturdiness; latex bands might put on out extra rapidly with common use, whereas material ones are sometimes stronger, Lyking says.

Bands can are available in a spectrum of resistance ranges, typically indicated by shade. If you happen to’re new to energy coaching, begin with a lighter band that’ll show you how to work in your kind. From there, Lyking, Fung, and Agénor all advise progressively rising resistance as your energy improves, noticing how your muscle tissue reply as you go. A very good common rule: “If you are able to do over 25 to 30 reps with out fatiguing, the resistance band is simply too gentle and you’ll strive one thing with a little bit extra stress,” Agénor says.

Every type of resistance band is made to assist with completely different sorts of coaching. Tube bands have handles which might be straightforward to carry, making them nice for rows, presses, or curls, as SELF has beforehand reported. Fung says they’re her favourite as a result of they’re probably the most versatile. Loop bands are smaller and stretchy—preferrred for decrease physique workouts, like squats. They’re a lot less complicated to make use of and may make hip or shoulder strikes simpler, Fung provides. Ultimately, she recommends investing in each sorts: “You need not purchase lots of merchandise to have an excellent complete exercise, however generally having choices is sweet,” she says.

Store the most effective resistance bands

Dive into expert- and reviewer-approved loop and tube bands beneath.

Greatest for Full-Physique Exercises: Retrospec Resistance Bands

Retrospec

Resistance Bands

Execs

  • Contains adjustable handles and a door anchor
  • Stylish, impartial shade choices
  • Finances-friendly
  • You may mix bands of various colours to extend resistance

Cons

  • Door anchor might not match all doorways

These tube bands are wonderful for strengthening all main muscle teams, together with your arms, legs, and core. You may connect the included handles for arm workouts, use them as loop bands for decrease physique strikes, or tie them round your thighs to focus on your glutes.

Whereas the door anchor might not match each door, it’s a handy characteristic for at-home coaching once you need to strive Pilates actions like side-lying glute activations or energy strikes like rows or tricep extensions. Amazon customers affirm that, regardless that this set is inexpensive than others on our checklist, it’s well-made: “High quality reveals in each element,” one wrote. “Thick nylon, well-gauged metal components, sturdy latex. A wonderful suite of drugs for a very honest worth.”

Materials: Latex rubber | Resistance ranges: 10 to 150 lbs | Measurement: 42-inch bands | Equipment: Door anchor, two handles, two ankle straps, carry bag

Greatest for Mobility: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set

Theraband

Resistance Bands Set

Execs

  • Sturdy
  • Finances-friendly
  • Latex-free

Cons

  • Not sufficient resistance for heavy energy coaching
  • Can lose elasticity with extended use

We use these old-school resistance bands on the reformer Pilates studio the place I educate for dynamic warm-ups and cool-down stretches that are supposed to mobilize our purchasers’ shoulders, hips, or ankles. However they may also be used for strength-based workouts—I’ll typically incorporate them into deadlifts and rows so as to add some additional load.

This set is far lighter-weight than others on this checklist (the heaviest band solely offers round 7 kilos of resistance), making it higher for newcomers who’re bettering their vary of movement than weightlifters in search of new methods to energy practice. However hundreds of Amazon reviewers agree that they’re extremely user-friendly: “Lengthy sufficient to make use of it doesn’t matter what workouts my coach comes up with. Very good,” one wrote.

Materials: Artificial rubber | Resistance ranges: 3 to six.7 lbs | Measurement: Bands measure 5 ft x 4 inches | Equipment: N/A

Greatest for Glutes: Bala Resistance Bands

Execs

  • Mushy, comfy material shouldn’t dig into pores and skin
  • Gained’t experience up
  • Include a glossy mesh carry bag

Cons

  • A little bit pricier than others on this checklist
  • Could really feel too gentle for some

That is one other set I take advantage of throughout my reformer courses and my very own at-home exercises after I need to make glute workouts (like bridges, clam shells, fireplace hydrants, and donkey kicks) more durable. Made out of smooth, comfy material, Bala bands are comfortable to make use of and don’t budge throughout reps. They’re compact, light-weight, and travel-friendly too; you should use them to deliver your exercise with you wherever you go.

Materials: Polyester, nylon | Resistance ranges: Gentle, medium, heavy | Measurement: Bands measure 15 x 3.25 inches | Equipment: Carry bag

Greatest Mini Loop Bands: TSS Booty Bands

The Sculpt Society

Booty Bands

Execs

  • Versatile for focusing on glutes, legs, arms, and core
  • Finances-friendly
  • Include mesh carry bag

Cons

  • Could not supply sufficient resistance for superior customers
  • Can shift throughout very dynamic or high-impact actions

The TSS Booty Bands are the most effective mini loop set we’ve discovered. Made out of sturdy latex rubber, they supply the correct quantity of resistance for each decrease and higher physique workouts.Nevertheless, for those who’re in search of heavy resistance, they could not present the extent of problem you want. Additionally price noting: They will shift throughout high-intensity or fast-paced actions, so it’s finest to make use of them throughout managed workouts.

Materials: Latex rubber | Resistance ranges: Gentle (Spicy), medium (Very Spicy), heavy (Very Very Spicy) | Measurement: One dimension | Equipment: Carry bag

Greatest for Decrease Physique Exercises: Physique-Strong Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes

Physique-Strong

Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes

Execs

  • Adjustable ankle cuffs for a safe, customizable match
  • Designed particularly for decrease physique workouts

Cons

  • Could not present sufficient resistance for superior energy coaching
  • Velcro closure can put on over time with heavy use

I labored out for years at a boutique health studio in New York Metropolis that had these bands—and let me let you know, they’ll take any leg day up a number of notches. The tubes are designed with adjustable, padded ankle cuffs that guarantee a safe and cozy match, permitting you to finish lunges, squats, facet leg lifts, glute kickbacks, and extra. Seize one within the resistance stage of your alternative or spend money on a five-pack that you could preserve utilizing as you get stronger.

Materials: Rubber | Resistance ranges: N/A | Measurement: 16 x 2 x 3 inches | Equipment: N/A

Greatest for Pull-Ups: Fitense Pull Up Resistance Band Set

Fitense

Pull Up Resistance Band Set

Execs

  • 6 resistance ranges tailor-made for progressive pull-up coaching
  • Excessive most weight capability

Cons

  • Heavier resistance bands could also be too intense for newcomers
  • Requires a door body for some workouts

Pull-ups are one robust, total-body exercise—however their advantages relating to constructing higher physique energy make them nicely well worth the effort. Each of the strength-training studios I work out in have these kind of bands available to supply a lift whereas taking among the load off your arms and shoulders.

This specific set contains six bands starting from 15 to 170 kilos of resistance (that means they may also be used for different workouts too). Amazon customers love that the brilliant colours make it straightforward to see which stage you’re utilizing, in addition to the rubber itself, which they are saying is thick and straightforward to grip.

Materials: Pure rubber | Resistance ranges: 15 to 170 lbs | Measurement: Bands measure 81.9 inches round and 0.4 to 2 inches extensive | Equipment: Door anchor, tutorial poster, storage bag

FAQs about resistance bands

Can resistance bands construct muscle?

Completely: Resistance bands can promote muscle development by repeatedly stressing your muscle tissue, Lyking says. Nevertheless, she provides that it’s essential to make use of heavier bands as you progress—and to keep in mind that bands can solely take you thus far.

“With a purpose to preserve constructing muscle, you will need to proceed to progressively overload the muscle because it adapts to the depth of your exercises,” she says. “This usually can’t be achieved utilizing resistance bands alone, as you’ll attain a most resistance.” Ultimately, chances are you’ll have to introduce weights into your coaching routine to get stronger, Agénor provides.

How do resistance bands evaluate to free weights?

Each resistance bands and free weights are nice for energy coaching. “Your muscle tissue don’t care for those who’re utilizing bands or weights—the essential factor is reaching muscle failure, which is once you’re slowing down or unable to carry out extra reps,” Fung says.

Are resistance bands appropriate for older adults or these with mobility challenges?

Sure! Resistance bands are a secure and efficient possibility for a lot of older adults and folks with mobility challenges. They supply a low-impact option to enhance energy and neuromuscular consciousness, Agénor says.

What position do resistance bands play in warm-ups?

Bands are wonderful for dynamic warm-ups—I like to recommend utilizing them throughout workouts like clam shells to organize your physique for the extra demanding actions forward.

Associated:

Get extra of SELF’s nice product suggestions delivered proper to your inbox (totally free!).

spot_img

Latest Posts

spot_img

Don't Miss

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

Latest Posts

6 Greatest Resistance Bands of 2025 for Constructing Energy and Mobility

spot_img


As a private coach and Pilates teacher, I’ve seen the ability of resistance bands firsthand. Whereas these easy (but versatile!) instruments have been round for ages, they typically get ignored in health circles, the place consideration tends to gravitate towards heavier weights or fancy machines. Don’t get me unsuitable, I really like a reformer—however the most effective resistance bands are simply as efficient, if no more handy and simpler to make use of.

In addition they present a distinct form of exercise from most different varieties of tools. Bodily therapist Alison Fung, PT, DPT, CSCS, tells SELF that “resistance bands supply elevated resistance on the furthest level of the stretch of the band, whereas a weight has the identical resistance all through all the motion.” In different phrases: The tighter you pull the band, the extra energy it takes. So with every motion, your muscle tissue expertise a variety of resistance masses. You’re subsequently activating muscle tissue in methods conventional dumbbells or kettlebells simply can’t.

The suitable bands generally is a recreation changer, whether or not you’re new to health or an skilled athlete seeking to shake up your common routine. That will help you discover the best type and model, I turned to bodily therapists, trainers, and fellow health instructors for his or her skilled buying recommendation. Browse their favorites right here.

Our prime picks

  1. Greatest for Full-Physique Exercises: Retrospec Resistance Bands
  2. Greatest for Mobility: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set
  3. Greatest for Glutes: Bala Resistance Bands
  4. Greatest Mini Loop Bands: TSS Booty Bands
  5. Greatest for Decrease Physique Exercises: Physique-Strong Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes
  6. Greatest for Pull-Ups: Fitense Pull Up Resistance Band Set

On this article

What are resistance bands?

Sometimes constituted of rubber, latex, or material, resistance bands are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Mini-bands, which are sometimes formed in a good loop, can assist you focus in your decrease physique throughout workouts like squats and clam shells, whereas bigger bands are nice for overhead presses and assisted pull-ups. As bodily therapist Ashanti Lyking, DPT, tells SELF, all types supply a singular problem in your muscle tissue: “The extra stress you placed on the resistance band, the extra resistance you obtain throughout your motion,” she explains.

Why resistance bands are price contemplating

There’s lots of house health club tools on the market to select from—so, why select to make use of bands in your exercises?

Tons of bodily and psychological advantages

Analysis has proven that utilizing resistance bands can assist construct muscle mass, energy, and bone density—one 2023 examine discovered that exercising with these instruments might even enhance your shallowness and produce your resting blood stress down. And relating to recovering from accidents, consultants like Laurence Agénor, PT, DPT, CSCS, bodily therapist and co-founder and medical director of The Wellness Den by Cynergy, swear by them. She tells SELF that resistance bands are a safer manner for individuals with persistent situations or ache to work on their neuromuscular consciousness (a.ok.a. your brain-body connection) with out having to raise heavy weights. “With sufficient resistance, you possibly can construct muscle and induce bodily change,” she provides.

Whether or not you’re performing glute bridges or bicep curls, resistance bands can goal many muscle teams. Fung says they’re extra versatile than common weights as a result of you should use them to heat up, to make your go-to workouts more durable, or to work in your mobility and adaptability.

Let’s be sincere: Fitness center memberships and weight units generally is a drain in your pockets. Bands are far more budget-friendly (a lot of our prime picks value lower than $50) and don’t require you to go away the home to squeeze a superb exercise in.

Even a big set of resistance bands is extra compact than a small set of hand weights. You may tuck them away nearly wherever, or toss them in your health club bag or suitcase when you should deliver them with you on the go.

What to search for in resistance bands

Right here’s how to buy a set of bands that’ll meet you the place you’re at.

Most resistance bands are constituted of latex. However you probably have allergic reactions, don’t fret—there are many material choices obtainable too. The fabric you select can have an effect on your bands’ sturdiness; latex bands might put on out extra rapidly with common use, whereas material ones are sometimes stronger, Lyking says.

Bands can are available in a spectrum of resistance ranges, typically indicated by shade. If you happen to’re new to energy coaching, begin with a lighter band that’ll show you how to work in your kind. From there, Lyking, Fung, and Agénor all advise progressively rising resistance as your energy improves, noticing how your muscle tissue reply as you go. A very good common rule: “If you are able to do over 25 to 30 reps with out fatiguing, the resistance band is simply too gentle and you’ll strive one thing with a little bit extra stress,” Agénor says.

Every type of resistance band is made to assist with completely different sorts of coaching. Tube bands have handles which might be straightforward to carry, making them nice for rows, presses, or curls, as SELF has beforehand reported. Fung says they’re her favourite as a result of they’re probably the most versatile. Loop bands are smaller and stretchy—preferrred for decrease physique workouts, like squats. They’re a lot less complicated to make use of and may make hip or shoulder strikes simpler, Fung provides. Ultimately, she recommends investing in each sorts: “You need not purchase lots of merchandise to have an excellent complete exercise, however generally having choices is sweet,” she says.

Store the most effective resistance bands

Dive into expert- and reviewer-approved loop and tube bands beneath.

Greatest for Full-Physique Exercises: Retrospec Resistance Bands

Retrospec

Resistance Bands

Execs

  • Contains adjustable handles and a door anchor
  • Stylish, impartial shade choices
  • Finances-friendly
  • You may mix bands of various colours to extend resistance

Cons

  • Door anchor might not match all doorways

These tube bands are wonderful for strengthening all main muscle teams, together with your arms, legs, and core. You may connect the included handles for arm workouts, use them as loop bands for decrease physique strikes, or tie them round your thighs to focus on your glutes.

Whereas the door anchor might not match each door, it’s a handy characteristic for at-home coaching once you need to strive Pilates actions like side-lying glute activations or energy strikes like rows or tricep extensions. Amazon customers affirm that, regardless that this set is inexpensive than others on our checklist, it’s well-made: “High quality reveals in each element,” one wrote. “Thick nylon, well-gauged metal components, sturdy latex. A wonderful suite of drugs for a very honest worth.”

Materials: Latex rubber | Resistance ranges: 10 to 150 lbs | Measurement: 42-inch bands | Equipment: Door anchor, two handles, two ankle straps, carry bag

Greatest for Mobility: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set

Theraband

Resistance Bands Set

Execs

  • Sturdy
  • Finances-friendly
  • Latex-free

Cons

  • Not sufficient resistance for heavy energy coaching
  • Can lose elasticity with extended use

We use these old-school resistance bands on the reformer Pilates studio the place I educate for dynamic warm-ups and cool-down stretches that are supposed to mobilize our purchasers’ shoulders, hips, or ankles. However they may also be used for strength-based workouts—I’ll typically incorporate them into deadlifts and rows so as to add some additional load.

This set is far lighter-weight than others on this checklist (the heaviest band solely offers round 7 kilos of resistance), making it higher for newcomers who’re bettering their vary of movement than weightlifters in search of new methods to energy practice. However hundreds of Amazon reviewers agree that they’re extremely user-friendly: “Lengthy sufficient to make use of it doesn’t matter what workouts my coach comes up with. Very good,” one wrote.

Materials: Artificial rubber | Resistance ranges: 3 to six.7 lbs | Measurement: Bands measure 5 ft x 4 inches | Equipment: N/A

Greatest for Glutes: Bala Resistance Bands

Execs

  • Mushy, comfy material shouldn’t dig into pores and skin
  • Gained’t experience up
  • Include a glossy mesh carry bag

Cons

  • A little bit pricier than others on this checklist
  • Could really feel too gentle for some

That is one other set I take advantage of throughout my reformer courses and my very own at-home exercises after I need to make glute workouts (like bridges, clam shells, fireplace hydrants, and donkey kicks) more durable. Made out of smooth, comfy material, Bala bands are comfortable to make use of and don’t budge throughout reps. They’re compact, light-weight, and travel-friendly too; you should use them to deliver your exercise with you wherever you go.

Materials: Polyester, nylon | Resistance ranges: Gentle, medium, heavy | Measurement: Bands measure 15 x 3.25 inches | Equipment: Carry bag

Greatest Mini Loop Bands: TSS Booty Bands

The Sculpt Society

Booty Bands

Execs

  • Versatile for focusing on glutes, legs, arms, and core
  • Finances-friendly
  • Include mesh carry bag

Cons

  • Could not supply sufficient resistance for superior customers
  • Can shift throughout very dynamic or high-impact actions

The TSS Booty Bands are the most effective mini loop set we’ve discovered. Made out of sturdy latex rubber, they supply the correct quantity of resistance for each decrease and higher physique workouts.Nevertheless, for those who’re in search of heavy resistance, they could not present the extent of problem you want. Additionally price noting: They will shift throughout high-intensity or fast-paced actions, so it’s finest to make use of them throughout managed workouts.

Materials: Latex rubber | Resistance ranges: Gentle (Spicy), medium (Very Spicy), heavy (Very Very Spicy) | Measurement: One dimension | Equipment: Carry bag

Greatest for Decrease Physique Exercises: Physique-Strong Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes

Physique-Strong

Ankle Cuff Resistance Tubes

Execs

  • Adjustable ankle cuffs for a safe, customizable match
  • Designed particularly for decrease physique workouts

Cons

  • Could not present sufficient resistance for superior energy coaching
  • Velcro closure can put on over time with heavy use

I labored out for years at a boutique health studio in New York Metropolis that had these bands—and let me let you know, they’ll take any leg day up a number of notches. The tubes are designed with adjustable, padded ankle cuffs that guarantee a safe and cozy match, permitting you to finish lunges, squats, facet leg lifts, glute kickbacks, and extra. Seize one within the resistance stage of your alternative or spend money on a five-pack that you could preserve utilizing as you get stronger.

Materials: Rubber | Resistance ranges: N/A | Measurement: 16 x 2 x 3 inches | Equipment: N/A

Greatest for Pull-Ups: Fitense Pull Up Resistance Band Set

Fitense

Pull Up Resistance Band Set

Execs

  • 6 resistance ranges tailor-made for progressive pull-up coaching
  • Excessive most weight capability

Cons

  • Heavier resistance bands could also be too intense for newcomers
  • Requires a door body for some workouts

Pull-ups are one robust, total-body exercise—however their advantages relating to constructing higher physique energy make them nicely well worth the effort. Each of the strength-training studios I work out in have these kind of bands available to supply a lift whereas taking among the load off your arms and shoulders.

This specific set contains six bands starting from 15 to 170 kilos of resistance (that means they may also be used for different workouts too). Amazon customers love that the brilliant colours make it straightforward to see which stage you’re utilizing, in addition to the rubber itself, which they are saying is thick and straightforward to grip.

Materials: Pure rubber | Resistance ranges: 15 to 170 lbs | Measurement: Bands measure 81.9 inches round and 0.4 to 2 inches extensive | Equipment: Door anchor, tutorial poster, storage bag

FAQs about resistance bands

Can resistance bands construct muscle?

Completely: Resistance bands can promote muscle development by repeatedly stressing your muscle tissue, Lyking says. Nevertheless, she provides that it’s essential to make use of heavier bands as you progress—and to keep in mind that bands can solely take you thus far.

“With a purpose to preserve constructing muscle, you will need to proceed to progressively overload the muscle because it adapts to the depth of your exercises,” she says. “This usually can’t be achieved utilizing resistance bands alone, as you’ll attain a most resistance.” Ultimately, chances are you’ll have to introduce weights into your coaching routine to get stronger, Agénor provides.

How do resistance bands evaluate to free weights?

Each resistance bands and free weights are nice for energy coaching. “Your muscle tissue don’t care for those who’re utilizing bands or weights—the essential factor is reaching muscle failure, which is once you’re slowing down or unable to carry out extra reps,” Fung says.

Are resistance bands appropriate for older adults or these with mobility challenges?

Sure! Resistance bands are a secure and efficient possibility for a lot of older adults and folks with mobility challenges. They supply a low-impact option to enhance energy and neuromuscular consciousness, Agénor says.

What position do resistance bands play in warm-ups?

Bands are wonderful for dynamic warm-ups—I like to recommend utilizing them throughout workouts like clam shells to organize your physique for the extra demanding actions forward.

Associated:

Get extra of SELF’s nice product suggestions delivered proper to your inbox (totally free!).

Latest Posts

spot_img

Don't Miss

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.