Resistance bands are bands, usually made out of an elastic material, which are used for strength training. They are a great addition or replacement for weights, and are also used in physical therapy to retrain the muscles and get them back into shape.
Exercising and training with these bands can actually have a great affect on your overall health, as they help increase coordination and are great for all levels of fitness.
But as there is a variety of resistance bands available in the market, we will give you some tips on how you can choose the best one.
Tips on how to compare resistance bands
Now that we have given a general view on resistance bands and their use, let's get into some of the tips that come in handy when you don't know which band to choose.
Budget:
Don't fret; resistance bands on the whole are actually cheaper than heavier exercise equipment like weights, kettlebells, etc. But they themselves are available in a whole of prices. That doesn't mean that the best is always the most expensive. It is best to look at a whole variety of bands to determine which one is good for you.
Material:
When it comes to material of resistance bands, there is quite a bit of variety available nowadays. Some people still prefer the original elastic or rubber bands, but there is also the option of fabric bands. Or if you are allergic to latex, there are synthetic rubber options.
Size:
These bands come in different sizes, so make sure to buy the one that is perfect for you. You want something that allows for comfort but also is pretty fitting so that it does not slip. Do not go for something that is super tight as it might break easily.
Strength:
Different bands have different strength levels. Meaning that they require a certain amount of power to be used. There is a whole variety to choose from, ranging from low to high resistance. If you don't compare this factor, and just choose them randomly, they might end up with a band that is too hard to work with.
Durability:
You want something that will last you for a while. The band should be stretchable and should be easy to use. If it is too loose, it will be literally useless, as you need it for contracting your muscles. And if it is too tight, then you risk it breaking easily. So choose a band that is firm, high in quality, and comfortable to use.
Comfort:
Make sure that you choose a band you are comfortable using, and which also comfortably fits you. Not too tight, and not too loose. Always start out small, so immediately going for the band that offers the most resistance or lesser room to breathe is not ideal. As you should work your way up. Also, make sure you keep an eye out for allergies if you have any.
Type:
This depends on what area of the body you most want to work on. Though most bands are great for full-body workouts, you can use specific bands for training specific parts. You can choose from power resistance bands, which come in the form of loops, tube resistance bands, which even come with handles, hip-circle bands, figure 8 bands, etc. There is something for everyone.
Experiment:
You may not buy the best band on the first try. Or even on the second. That is not a problem, as you can leave yourself room to actually experiment with a bunch of bands without settling on one. Try to go for the one that you believe is best after you have tried out a variety and fully know what you are looking for.
Accessories:
There are a range of accessories that can be used with resistance bands. You can attach them to a stair rail or a pole, and use it to do exercises such as seated rows. You can always buy more accessories if you want to really have a variety. But maybe some accessories will not work well with your choice of band, so make sure you choose wisely.
Simplify:
Don't get overwhelmed by all the choices you might have. You should start out with something you are most comfortable using, and then when you have figured that out, you can move onto new options.
