Best Resistance Bands for a Full-Body Workout 2024

Best Value: Theraband Resistance Band Set

Amazon

Theraband is perfect for those who want to build your resistance band collection and get the most bang for your buck.

The set of resistance bands has three tension levels (color-coded as yellow, green and red) and is latex that will last a long time. The bands also don’t have handles, which allows you to transport them easily in your gym bag.

The exercise options are endless, and the set is extremely affordable.

Theraband Resistance Band Set Pros

• Affordable price: Because you are buying a full set, the price for these is excellent.
• Tension levels: Because the package comes with different tension bands, you can use them to target different areas of the body.

Theraband Resistance Band Set Cons

• Latex material: This set is latex. However, the company does make a non-latex rubber option.
• No straps: No straps could make it difficult to grab during exercise

Best for Pull-Ups: Serious Steel Assisted Pull Up Band

Amazon

The best band on the market that’ll give you the perfect pull-up is the Serious Steel Assisted Pull Up Band.

The bands come in six tension levels that will all help you get the perfect amount of strength training you need to do pull-ups and other types of exercise.

If you’re not sure how to use these sturdy bands, don’t worry. The pack comes with a guide on how to incorporate these into your workouts.

Serious Steel Pros

• Durable materials: These bands are built to last.
• Tension levels: These bands come in six tension levels so you can get the perfect amount for your exercise needs.
• Training guide: You get a free training guide with your purchase.

Serious Steel Cons

• Latex rubber: The material can be uncomfortable, and people with allergies to latex won’t be able to use this band.
• No sets: This company doesn’t sell bands in sets. If you want more than one, you’ll have to add each to your cart.

Best for Glutes: Bodylastics Anti-Snap Resistance Bands

Amazon

For a great lower-body workout, you’ll want a tubular resistance band that won’t snap. Incorporate these Bodylastics Resistance Bands into your squats and glutes workout for the best results.

They come in several different resistance types and are the highest grade of latex that will stretch into any exercise.

Bodylastics Anti-Snap Resistance Bands Pros

• Anti-snap technology: Snapping a band can be painful or distracting. These bands have the tech to help you avoid this situation.
• Clip tube: These are clip tube resistance bands, so you can choose your favorite type of handle or attach it to other workout equipment.
• Resistance levels: These bands have high resistance levels to help you get a great workout.

Bodylastics Anti-Snap Resistance Bands Cons

• Separate handles: If you want to attach a handle, you’ll need to purchase it separately.

Best for Building Muscle: SPRI Xertube Braided Band

Amazon

If building muscle is your goal, the SPRI Xertube Braided bands will be your best bet.

These bands are for people wanting to build muscle. The heavy-duty rubber creates maximum resistance so that you build muscle over time. The handles are durable and won’t hurt your hands during an intense workout.

Overall, these are the best bands to go with for those who are familiar with this type of equipment and want to focus on building.

SPRI Xertube Braided Band Pros

• Exercise options: These bands are excellent for multiple types of exercises.
• Heavy-Duty Build: The sturdy, braided band is excellent for heavy-duty workouts.

SPRI Xertube Braided Band Cons

• Advanced level: These bands will be too hard for beginners to use.
• No sets: These bands are only available as a single band purchase.

Editors' Choice: Rogue Monster Bands

Rogue Fitness

Our top choice for resistance bands is the Rogue Fitness’s Monster Resistance Bands.

We love these because they are some of the sturdiest and most versatile bands on the market.

The Rogue Monster bands are perfect for building muscle, pull up assistance, and even physical therapy practice. They offer some of the highest resistance levels on the market, up to 200LB, for those who are wanting a more heavy-duty practice.

Rogue Monster Bands Pros

• Band options: You can get these bands individually or in a full set, and they come in various colors or tension levels.
• Exercise potential: These bands are perfect for all types of exercise.
• Tension levels: If you’re looking for the highest tension levels available, you can get them from Rogue Fitness.

Rogue Monster Bands Cons

• Latex material: Not suitable for people with latex allergy

Types of Resistance Bands

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Resistance bands have become an indispensable part of fitness routines, offering versatility, convenience, and effectiveness for enhancing muscle strength, mobility, and overall fitness. These elastic bands come in various types and tensions, catering to a broad spectrum of fitness levels and workout preferences. Understanding the different types of resistance bands and their tension levels is crucial for tailoring your exercises to target specific muscle groups, achieve your fitness goals, and prevent injuries.

• Tube Bands: These bands are tubular and often come with handles or attachments like door anchors and ankle straps, making them ideal for a full-body workout. Tube bands are excellent for mimicking free weight exercises, such as bicep curls and shoulder presses, and can be used to add greater resistance to your workouts.
• Loop Bands: Loop bands form a continuous loop and are perfect for lower body workouts, including squats and leg presses. They come in different resistance levels, from light to heavy, allowing for progressive training and targeting specific muscle groups like the glutes, thighs, and calves.
• Mini Bands: Also known as booty bands, mini bands are smaller loop bands that are typically used for lower body exercises. They’re a great tool for activating the hips, thighs, and glutes, making them a top pick for lower body workouts and a great addition to any home gym.
• Fabric Bands: Made from fabric rather than latex, these bands offer a better grip and are less likely to roll or snap during exercises. Fabric bands are a good choice for those with latex allergies and are often used for lower body exercises, providing heavy resistance without compromising on comfort.
• Latex Bands: These bands are made from natural latex and are known for their elasticity and durability. Latex bands can offer years of use, making them a great value option. They come in different colors, each representing a different level of resistance, from light to heavy.
• Therapy Bands: These are thinner and lighter bands designed for rehabilitation and mobility work rather than strength training. Therapy bands offer light resistance and are used to improve muscle fibers’ flexibility and mobility, making them a good option for those recovering from injuries or with limited mobility.

Types of Resistance Band Tension

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Resistance bands’ tension levels are typically measured in pounds of resistance, which indicates how much force is needed to stretch them. Choosing the right resistance band depends on your fitness level, the specific muscle groups you want to target, and the exercises you plan to perform.

• Light Band: Ideal for beginners or for exercises that require a smaller range of motion, such as shoulder mobility exercises. Light bands offer ease of use and are a good starting position for those new to resistance band workouts.
• Medium Resistance: These bands are a better choice for those who have some experience with resistance band training. They are versatile, suitable for both upper body exercises like shoulder presses and lower body exercises.
• Heavy Band: Recommended for experienced individuals looking for a challenging workout. Heavy bands provide heavy resistance, suitable for building muscle strength in the upper back, legs, and entire body.
• Variable Resistance: Some sets come with bands of different levels of resistance, allowing for drop sets and progressive overload. These sets are a great option for those looking to engage in a full-body resistance band workout, targeting different muscle groups at different resistance levels.
• Tube Bands: These bands are tubular and often come with handles or attachments like door anchors and ankle straps, making them ideal for a full-body workout. Tube bands are excellent for mimicking free weight exercises, such as bicep curls and shoulder presses, and can be used to add greater resistance to your workouts.
• Loop Bands: Loop bands form a continuous loop and are perfect for lower body workouts, including squats and leg presses. They come in different resistance levels, from light to heavy, allowing for progressive training and targeting specific muscle groups like the glutes, thighs, and calves.
• Mini Bands: Also known as booty bands, mini bands are smaller loop bands that are typically used for lower body exercises. They’re a great tool for activating the hips, thighs, and glutes, making them a top pick for lower body workouts and a great addition to any home gym.
• Fabric Bands: Made from fabric rather than latex, these bands offer a better grip and are less likely to roll or snap during exercises. Fabric bands are a good choice for those with latex allergies and are often used for lower body exercises, providing heavy resistance without compromising on comfort.
• Latex Bands: These bands are made from natural latex and are known for their elasticity and durability. Latex bands can offer years of use, making them a great value option. They come in different colors, each representing a different level of resistance, from light to heavy.
• Therapy Bands: These are thinner and lighter bands designed for rehabilitation and mobility work rather than strength training. Therapy bands offer light resistance and are used to improve muscle fibers’ flexibility and mobility, making them a good option for those recovering from injuries or with limited mobility.

Single Band vs. Band Set

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You have the option to purchase your resistance band in separate bands or band sets.

Purchasing a single band is choosing one specific style and color of a resistance band outright. Buying a band set gives you multiple styles and colors.

Single Band

If you only have a few key exercises to do with a resistance band, you may be fine with a single band. Let’s look at the pros and cons of a single band:

Single Band Pros

• You can mix and match your favorite options.
• You can get the best band for the type of exercise you do.
• You don’t have to buy a set and not using some of the bands.
• You will save money if you only want one or two bands.

Single Band Cons

• You might not know which one to buy when you are a beginner.
• You won’t get as much versatility.

Band Set

Think you’ll continue using resistance bands and want to incorporate them into a variety of different exercises? Perhaps a band set will be best.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of band sets:

Band Set Pros

• You get the full range of bands with one purchase.
• You can graduate to the next level without spending money after you’ve built resistance to the lighter bands.

Band Set Cons

• You will pay more money for a set.
• You usually don’t get as big of a variety in resistance styles in one set as opposed to buying. A set will often have only one type of band in different tension levels.

There’s no right or wrong purchase decision. Do what’s right for your fitness regime!

Frequently Asked Questions

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When people want to buy one of the best resistance band, buyers often have a lot of questions.

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions.

What Are the Materials in Resistance Bands?

Traditional resistance bands are usually either natural or synthetic latex rubber. They’re not unlike a large elastic band.

The type of material depends on the kind of band. If it is a band that has a handle, the handle and band are usually plastic. This material is elastic and stretchy, which makes it great for resistance training.

How Long Do Resistance Bands Last?

Good resistance bands are constructed from durable material that will be strong for years.

However, the amount of time that a resistance band will last depends on the person.

Like most fitness equipment, it depends on how often you use the band. If you’re using your resistance bands up to three to four times a week, you can expect for it to last around two years.

Over time, the tension will loosen and not provide the best resistance. When this happens, get a new band.

What Do the Colors on Resistance Bands Mean?

As mentioned above, resistance bands are color coordinated by light, medium, and heavy. Typically, the lighter the color, the lighter the resistance strength.

Most resistance bands go from yellow to black:

• Yellow: Light
• Red: Medium
• Green: Medium to Heavy
• Blue: Heavy
• Black: Heavy

The exact colors depend on the brand and type of band.

Are Resistance Bands the Same as Weights?

Resistance training with bands is different from lifting weights like dumbells because your body is working out different muscles.

While you are building up strength using resistance bands, you are working the muscles differently.

Resistance bands offer your body a diverse way to train. Because you can choose the resistance level and do several types of exercises, you can work out your muscles in ways that you can’t with a traditional free weight or kettlebell.

How Do I Use Resistance Bands?

Like many other kinds of exercise equipment, how you use a resistance band depends on the kind of exercise you want to do.

To get started, check to see if your band came with tips. If not, look online for workout videos for beginners, an instructions guide, or an instruction manual you can use.

You can also get a trainer at your local gym to help you.

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The next time you have your fitness tracker on and want to upgrade your workout routine, use this guide to help you select the best resistance band for your needs.