To determine the best resistance bands on the market, we tested 41 sets in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home for over two months. To test each resistance band set, we used it in our regular gym routines multiple times per week over our testing period, completing both upper and lower-body workouts. We made sure to cater the type of workout to the style of resistance band we tested. While testing each set, we evaluate the bands based on the following key criteria: Key specs – Resistance range: Six belt tubes totalling 90kg of resistance (2 x 10kg; 2 x 15kg; 2x20kg); Length: 90cm (unstretched, handle to handle); Accessories: Bar (additional accessories are available)

This band set from Bala includes three stylish loop bands made of quality material. Each band is 3.25 inches wide and made of woven fabric elastic, which never frayed or lost resistance over our four-week testing period. Each band offers different resistance levels— light, medium, or heavy—making this set versatile enough for many fitness levels and exercises. We found the resistance offered by each band to be fairly accurate (the light band was truly light, and the heavy band was truly heavy). Why this exercise: Develop strength and flexibility in your hamstrings and glutes; two main drivers that help you walk, jump, or run. If they’re weak, you’re slow and flimsy. If they’re powerful, you’re active, more outgoing, balanced, or won’t easily trip over. That will help you in your daily life or protect you from injuries in sports.Resistance bands are simple bits of kit but there are a couple of added extras worth having, chief among which is a door attachment because anchoring the bands to a fixed point is required for many types of exercise. Stand in the middle of the band, feet close together, hands at your sides. Keeping your arms straight, lift your hands as high as possible and hold for a second, feeling the burn in the sides of your shoulders. The tube bands and accessories proved durable and high-quality throughout our testing period. And the foam featured on both handles and ankle straps allows us to exercise without slipping, even when we get sweaty. Plus, the extra cushioning prevents scratching and discomfort, which can happen when using lower-quality accessories. This set comes with an instruction manual with easy-to-follow illustrations of exercises, which is particularly helpful since there are so many ways to use the tube bands and included accessories. This, plus the included carrying bag, were a couple of reasons this set rose above the other tube bands we tested. Tube bands are longer resistance bands that don't loop; rather, you can fasten handles or other accessories on either end and use them for upper-body workouts like rows, bicep curls, and more. These bands often come in sets with a door anchor, so you can use them like you would a cable machine at the gym. Secure the band high up on the door frame and hold both handles, standing side on to the door. Using your oblique abdominal muscles, pull the bands down and away from the door in a downward chopping motion.

We wish the bands were marked with their resistance level so we could easily know which one to reach for during a workout.Stand on the band and hold the handles at your waist. Now curl your arms up to stretch the band, feeling the exercise focused in your biceps. The flexibility of the inner tube material makes a difference too. Inner tubes are made from either synthetic butyl rubber or natural latex rubber. Latex is more flexible and thinner too, so if you want to reduce rolling resistance then latex is the way to go. According to Jarno Bierman at bicyclerollingresistance.com, you’ll save 4-5 Watts using latex inner tubes over butyl tubes. That’s probably not a difference you can feel, but it’s one you can measure with a stopwatch. Same as in the lateral raise, except this time you lift your hands forward. You should feel the exercise focused more on the front of your shoulders. Hold the band crossed over as shown and drop into a squat position. Then drive yourself up and at the same time push your hands up until they’re fully extended overhead. Try to coordinate your arms and legs so this is done in one smooth movement. Portability: How portable are the bands? If the set comes with multiple bands and accessories, does it come with a carrying bag to easily store and move the equipment? Can the bands easily fit into a gym bag, or are they too heavy or bulky to transport to a gym? We value portability to make it easier for you to use your bands on the go.