Advanced lifters who want to utilize lighter bands for more challenge will appreciate the five- to 15-pound option. Both resistance bands and free weights such as barbells can be used in isolation to produce remarkable gains in strength and muscle mass. However, by combining and attaching resistance bands to free weights, there may be some additional benefits. Folks who train in outdoor gyms or in smaller hotel gyms while traveling will enjoy the included carrying bag.

GymProluxe’s Band & Bar set might be the most complete resistance band on the market. One of the main benefits it has over other sets is the ability to adjust resistance on the go, as you would with adjustable dumbbells, rather than owning multiple bands. Much like the name would suggest, loop resistance bands consist of one single band formed in a loop. This Beginner Resistance Band Workout is what’s called a circuit (you can learn all about circuit training here). 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.

Pull-ups are one of the best upper body building exercises out there, and they don’t necessarily always need to be full bodyweight pull-ups to achieve the benefits they offer. Here are some reasons why having pull-up assist bands in your equipment arsenal is beneficial:

You can use them for other purposes though such as warming up or accommodating resistance training by tying them to a dumbbell for more explosive jumps or a barbell for bench presses. There are many reasons why athletes of all fitness levels might be able to benefit significantly by having access to pull-up assist bands. Whether your goal is hitting your first unassisted pull-up or spicing up the normal X sets of Y reps of normal pull-ups, assist bands are worth looking into. Let’s stretch out and take a look at the best pull-up assist bands on the market. Best Pull-Up Assist Bands The idea is to determine your metrics (goal, bodyweight, ability) and match yourself to the given range of pull-up band resistance levels. Tension Range: Light (10 lbs), Medium (15 lbs), Heavy (30 lbs), Extra-heavy (40 lbs), Extra-extra-heavy (50 lbs), and Ultra-heavy (60 lbs) | Material: Latex rubber | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Each band has pre-attached handles| Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 They come in light to heavy options; the resistance ranges from 10 to 35 pounds on the lightest band to 60 to 150 pounds on the heaviest band. The bands are made of latex and have a closed-loop design that increases durability and makes them a good fit for assisted pull-ups, as well as any other resistance exercises. What We Like 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.

Go Premium

Latex mini bands are popular with athletes and serious sportsmen and women. Usually wrapped around the ankles or just above the knees, they can be used to add resistance to warm-up exercises such as push up plank walks. The bands can also be used to perform hip flexion and extension exercises and are commonly used in combination with free weights to perform hip bridges/raises and squats. This unique set of resistance bands and bow-shaped handle are a great investment if you need a home gym set-up that doesn't take up a lot of space. The Base Bundle includes the bow and four tube bands offering 10-, 20-, 30-, and 50-pound resistance levels. Tension Range: Light and medium (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Latex | Style: Resistance straps | Included Accessories: Two handles | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

According to most boxing coaches, when delivering a punch the upper body should be fluid and relaxed, before tensing up on the point of impact. Resistance bands can provide elastic resistance that increases as the arm lengthens towards the end of the punch. This encourages the boxer to develop maximum force at the point of impact, in line with technical best practice.METIS Power Bands can also be used to carry out resisted sprints. With a partner holding one end of a band, the player can loop the band around his or her waist and sprint as the partner follows behind at a walking pace. The price might be a little steep, especially compared to the more basic bands here, but this GymProluxe set definitely bridges the gap between those budget options and fully fledged home gym equipment. Resistance bands also have to be stabilized and controlled by 'fixator' muscles when performing exercises such as the shoulder press or military press. This strengthens muscle groups such as the rotator cuff muscles, which reduces the risk of injuries including dislocations. Strap and loop resistance bands won’t last as long as tube bands, but you can still expect them to get you through one or two years of workouts without breaking or losing their snap. Store them out of the sunlight to extend their life. Tube bands are hardier and should last a couple more years, although again it’s important to store them out of the sun.