6 Best Resistances of 2024 According to Trainers and Tests
One of the problems with shopping for resistance bands is that it can be confusing. There are many types. But the good news is that there’s no wrong kind. “Resistance bands are a tool that can be used very creatively, so be prepared to explore different ways to manipulate the resistance to get the best possible workout,” says Germano.
Below, she and other experts recommend their favorite models and share how best to use them.
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1
Best overall resistance bands
rogue fitness monster band
Pros Long-lasting Detailed instructions on Rogue’s website Rave reviews Cons Expensive
Experts and prevention editors agree that the Rogue Resistance Band is a masterpiece. “If you’re looking for quality bands that will last, there’s no denying that Rogue Fitness is a leader in this field,” says Germano. “Although they cost more, the bands last a long time with many uses. They are typically purchased for large gyms, so they are used frequently.”
Allie Early, Digital Director at Prevention, can speak firsthand about its durability. She says they are “high quality and will stand up to a lot of use.” I also like that they come in different thicknesses and tensions for stretching (like warming up) or supporting movement on a gym rig (like learning how to do strict pull-ups or kipping pull-ups). “Having used it for years, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment,” she concludes. This particular pack includes three bands of different resistance, but you can also purchase them individually depending on your needs.
Type long, suitable for rubber pull-ups and back exercises
2
Bests fabric resistance bands
tribelifting fabric resistance band
Now 33% off
Credit: Tribe Lifting Pros No rubber odor Flexible and soft Affordable Cons Some users say it has more stretch
Germano says she’s had “huge success” with this set of affordable and versatile cloth bands. The fabric is stretchy and durable, but you don’t have to worry about it tearing easily like some rubber bands.
This set also comes with 5 bands, which is enough to mix up your workouts, especially if you are a beginner. The best part? You won’t have to worry about powdery hands or rubber odor after sweating.
Ideal for type loops, fabric legs and buttocks exercises
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3
Best resistance bands with door anchors
Odoland Resistance Band with Door Anchor and Handle Kit
Now 33% off
Credit: Odoland Pros Versatile for many workouts Affordable Great for traveling Cons May not be the highest quality materials
Germano recommends this set because it’s reasonably priced and “comes with a lot of extras,” including door anchors, which are popular with resistance band users. Anchors that attach to door frames are useful when you don’t have gym equipment to secure bands for things like pull-ups.
This set also includes 5 bands, a workout guide, a storage bag, a carabiner, and 2 handles. It has over 4,000 reviews and maintains a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
Type long, rubber Ideal for all types of training
4
Best resistance bands with handles
Run a better first place safety toner
Pros Easy-to-grip handle Covered by safety band Suitable for adults Cons Not very widely accessible
Connor Bagley, NASM. CPT, director of group fitness at the Club at Hearst, said he and his team have “historically used and enjoyed it.” These bands come with a protective cover intended to prevent band breakage and potential injuries related to it. “These bands provide great resistance as well as peace of mind that nothing will happen if the band breaks,” Bagley added.
He actually recommends all of the Perform Better brand bands. “There are a few styles we use frequently,” he says. “If you’re looking for a band without a handle, Perform Better Loop Bands are the way to go.”
Full body training with type handle, perfect for standing training
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5
best hip resistance bands
slingshot hip circle resistance band
Pros Compact and portable Durable Available in 4 colors Cons Not as versatile as other resistance bands
If you’re looking to assemble your resistance band collection for a specific type of workout or warm-up, this recommendation from Early might be helpful. “The Sling Shot Hip Circle is a thick, durable band that I use to warm up before lifting the barbell, and I always keep it in my gym bag,” she says. “I place it slightly above the knees on both legs and use small side steps with my knees bent to warm up my lower back and buttocks.”
It will stand the test of time, she added. “I’ve had it for about five years now and it’s held up well even with a little bouncing around in my duffel with other gear,” she says.
Type Loop Ideal for hip and knee mobility
6
Best resistance bands for yoga and pilates
rose rose band
Pros The band features a non-slip inner lining Pretty colors Durable material Cons No resistance value written on the band
While functionality is paramount, these bands are definitely the cutest on our list. And they have the quality to back it up. Since it is a stretchy fabric, it is stretchy yet soft against the skin. It comes in three resistances: light, medium, and heavy, and when you’re done using it, you can easily store it in the included carrying case.
“Testing has shown that the material is thick and durable and remains in perfect condition even after repeated use,” says Stephanie Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, NASM, director of nutrition and fitness at Good Housekeeping Institute. -CPT said. “Most notably, the inner-lined grips kept the band in place during complex movements.”
Type loop, perfect for fabric yoga, pilates, and lower body exercises
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How to choose the best resistance band
Please consider the length. “You can choose mini bands, which are ready-made loops that you wrap around your legs or arms. These are usually shorter. You can also choose longer resistance bands, which can be used for more full-body exercises, or you can tie them to a post to perform a variety of exercises. You can even do things like that,” says Germano.
Think about the material: Germano says the material is important, especially when it comes to mini bands. “It usually comes in a thinner tube or a thicker fabric-like material,” she continues. “The thinner and smaller the mini-band, the more likely it is to wrap around your foot and become uncomfortable.”
Scan reviews to check quality: “You also want to look at reviews to make sure the band doesn’t break down easily,” notes Germano. “With frequent use, long resistance bands can begin to fray and become a safety concern.”
What kind of resistance band is best?
It all depends on how you want to use resistance bands in your workout. Mini bands are great for lower body movements like squats, while full-length bands are a little more versatile. This means it acts as both a loop and a straight band that can be fixed and used for upper body movements. Bands with handles don’t have a loop option, but are great for gripping.
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How we chose the best resistance bands
We spoke to in-house and external personal trainers, including Alex Germano, PT, DPT, GCS, CF-L2, physical therapist and clinician at FOX Rehabilitation, and Connor Bagley, NASM. CPT, Group Fitness Director at The Club at Hearst, and Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, NASM-CPT, Director of Nutrition and Fitness at Good Housekeeping Institute, recommend their favorite resistance bands and share shopping insights I did. We also looked at reviews and best-selling bands to narrow down the best products.
why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trusted health information, providing readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. Our editors interview medical experts to guide you in choosing health-focused products. Additionally, Prevention examines hundreds of reviews and frequently conducts personal tests with our staff to help you make informed decisions.
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