Each set also includes an easy-read instruction booklet with guidance on how to safely use the resistance tubes. It also features step-by-step instructions for a variety of resistance exercises. The foam handles make the tube band super comfortable to use and it’s available in four strengths – from very light to extra heavy. One particular kind of loop band is known as a hip band. These are typically wider than standard rubber bands and made from a fabric material. Designed to be looped around your thighs to work your lower body and glutes, they’re especially handy when warming up in the gym. The wider fabric material is more comfortable to wear around the legs than a thin rubber band, and won’t slip down your thighs when doing resisted squats or walks.

I put together a list of all the resistance tube exercises I could think of and, being pretty much a nice kind of guy, I just had to share it with you. Fed up of flats? Inner tubes with built-in sealant can fix punctures for you as you ride, often before you even know they've happened.Before we get to the exercises let me tell you what kind of resistance tubes I like to use for my workouts: You can either step on the middle of the band, as shown, or use the door anchor to secure the band low down behind you. Then do the same movement as in the chest press, except this time pushing your hands forward and up. This will make greater use of your upper pectoral muscles. The simplest type of resistance band of all, but it’s still possible to go wrong by buying a flimsy straight band that will only last a couple of light stretches before losing their snap. These Theraband strips are perfect for mobility and rehab sessions, and if you opt for the heavier resistance bands you can expect them to last a year or two. Each set includes 5 resistance tubes which provide different levels of resistance. Each tube is colour-coded and labelled with the level of resistance in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs). 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.

Each set also includes a door anchor to securely anchor one end of the tube to a door frame and perform a variety of exercises. Its foam design helps to protect your door from damage.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. A carry bag is also useful if you’re planning on taking your resistance bands on the road and you can get ankle straps to attach the bands to, which again increases the range of exercises you can do. Certain band sets will also come with a basic workout manual, which is handy for beginners. How much resistance do I need? It’s worth buying a few bands and progressing through the levels of resistance, making this set just right, and will work for strength workouts as well as rehab and stretching. Each band is five foot long making it easier to knot and use as a loop band too. Our tester experienced no punctures while using the Smart tube, but that might just have been the Puncture Fairy looking the other way for a few weeks.