Thinking of using resistance bands in your workouts?
You should absolutely start doing so!
Whether you use them for aesthetics, athletic performance, or physical therapy, resistance bands will stretch and strengthen your muscles and offer a fantastic whole body workout. You can also use them to target different areas of the body, to really focus on where you need to build strength. When compared with weights, resistance bands apply a lower amount of force on the joints. This provides more stimulus to the muscles which results in less chance of injury. This is good news for anyone with an existing injury or joint pain, as resistance bands often allow you to continue working out and performing exercises that you may not be able to do with a dumbbell. They’re also cheaper to buy, highly versatile, super easy to store and one of the most cost effective pieces of kit you can buy (which is always a bonus!) so we always recommend them to our personal training clients.
Whichever way you look at it, resistance bands offer a fantastic alternative to weights.
But here’s the tricky part…
How do you know what resistance bands to buy? You only have to do a quick Google search to find that there are an abundance of companies and manufacturers claiming to offer the best resistance bands on the market. With so many options on the table, choosing the right resistance bands for you can be a testing task. This blog makes it easy.
We’ve handpicked our resistance band top buys so that you get your exercise regime off to the very best start. First, let’s begin with our buying tips.
Resistance bands buying tips
Consider your budget
As with anything, it’s a good idea to set your budget before you start shopping for resistance bands. Even though this piece of kit is unlikely to break the bank, you shouldn’t feel forced to overspend. There are plenty of budget-friendly resistance bands that offer many valuable benefits, so make sure you do your homework before splashing out on the first option you see.
Invest in different strengths
Just like weights, resistance bands come in light, medium and heavy options, and it is likely you’ll want to use different strengths when targeting different body parts. You can also introduce progressive training by using a lighter strength for a few weeks and then switching over to a heavier band to challenge your body a little more.
Buy different sizes
Different sized bands are good for different areas of the body. Smaller bands, for example, are great for targeting the glutes, whereas larger bands are better for working the upper body. It may mean parting with a little extra cash, but it’s always a good idea to stock up on a variety of band sizes if you want to reap the benefits of a total body workout.
Choose quality
Resistance bands are really affordable, so if you can, it is worth spending a little more to get bands which will grip onto your body properly and won’t snap ( which any band-user will tell you is their worst nightmare!).
Ready to find out the best resistance bands to buy?
Here are six of our favourites:
So there you have it, our top picks on the best resistance bands to buy in 2022. We will be back soon with more tips and advice, so remember to keep checking back to our blog!
In the meantime, here are some brilliant exercises you can do with your new resistance bands. Enjoy!
Lateral Raise
How to do it:
Stand up and place both feet on the middle of the resistance band. Hold each end of it with your hands.
Raise both arms to the side, until they reach shoulder height, then return to your starting position and repeat ten times.
Squats
How to do it:
Place both feet on the middle of the resistance band and hold each end of it with your hands.
Slowly and gradually bend your knees into a squatting position, then return to your starting position.
Repeat ten times.
Prone (lying) leg curl
How to do it:
Lie facedown and loop a band around your right ankle. Make sure it is anchored to a stable object close to the floor for support.
Move away from the anchor to create tension.
Tense your core and bend your leg at your knee, bringing your heel toward your glutes as far as you can go without feeling discomfort.
Slowly bring your leg back to the starting position and repeat for 10- 15 reps
Switch sides.
Glute Bridge
How to do it:
Tie the resistance band around your legs right above your knees.
Lie faceup with your feet on the floor, bending your knees at a 90 degree angle.
Raise your hips by squeezing your glutes and applying gentle pressure against the band until your shoulders, hips, and knees are aligned.
Repeat this exercise for 15–20 reps.
Standing Adduction
How to do it:
Anchor a looped band at ankle height to a support and stand with your right side facing the support. Wrap the free end around your right (outer) ankle.
Stand perpendicular to the resistance band and move away from the support to create little tension.
Take a wide stance and get into a quarter squat.
Bring your right leg in toward your left, working against the resistance.
Gradually return to the starting position and repeat for 12–15 reps before switching sides.
Clam Shell
How to do it:
Loop a band around your legs just above your knees.
Lie on your side with your hips and knees bent to 90 degrees.
Keep your feet together and pull your knees away from each other. At the same time, contract your glutes for 2–3 seconds.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat this exercise for 10–12 reps.
Plantar Flexion
How to do it:
Sit on the floor with one leg straight out in front of you and the other bent.
Hold both ends of the resistance band, wrapping the middle around the ball of your foot.
Sit up straight and bend your foot forward by pointing your toes away from you.
Using a controlled movement, bring your toes back up and flex them toward your knee as far as you can go without causing discomfort. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat for 10-12 reps each side.
Lateral Band Walk
How to do it:
Step into a loop band or tie a resistance band around your lower legs, just above your ankles.
Place your feet shoulder-width apart to create tension on the band.
Start in a half-squat position and shift your weight to your left, stepping sideways with your right leg. Move your standing leg slightly in, but make sure the band remains tight.
Take 8–10 steps before heading back the other way
