Top 10 Best Resistance Bands in 2021 (TheraBand, Arena Strength, and More)

Esther Leonardo is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of Aquatics. She has worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor since 2009, and in personal and group fitness training since 2012.

Over the years, she has taught and worked in a variety of formats on both land and water. She believes that knowledge in fitness is key to growing stronger, working toward your goals, and preventing injury along the way.

So, what's the benefit of owning resistance bands? Esther says, "Resistance bands are a great exercise tool, particularly when it comes to corrective exercise work. I personally use them for a lot of core and glute work.

But as a dancer and injured athlete, I've used TheraBands for strengthening my feet, larger bands for assisted pull ups and overhead presses, and tube bands for shoulder strengthening. Resistance bands are a good staple in any gym or as something extra to carry with you in your gym bag."

Check out our top ten picks for resistance bands, all of which are highly rated by users! We've included products to suit different intensities and styles of workouts. Think about how you want to incorporate resistance bands into your routine to help you choose one that will be the most useful. 

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Esther Leonardo.

There are two main concerns regarding choosing the right resistance band: the type of band and materials. Once you've figured out the type of band based on your goals and fitness level, you can get started with resistance training! 

Resistance bands have different benefits, lengths, and resistance levels. Make sure to pick one that match with your fitness goals and level! Otherwise, you may end up with a product that just sits on the shelf.

This type of band is flat, thin, light, and long. The average resistance is between three and seven pounds, and the length can go up to seven feet. It's usually the cheapest among all types of resistance bands; however, it’s not that durable when it comes to overstretching the material. 

It's best suited for beginners, kids, or older adults for physical therapy or low-intensity workouts like yoga and pilates. They're also great for beginners who wish to tone their muscles. 

Tube resistance bands usually come with foam grip handles. These prevent slipping and make it more comfortable for your hands and wrists while working out.

The average resistance is around 10 to 50 pounds, and it works well with upper body workouts like bicep curls, shoulder presses, or tricep extensions. For lower body workouts, moves like deadlifts, lunges, and leg extensions are good choices for utilizing tube bands. 

This type of band is for those with a moderate to advanced fitness level since it has a high level of resistance, up to 175 pounds! It can be used for total body workouts, but it is most often used for pull-ups.

One thing that you should be aware of with a loop band is the risk of injury. Since it has a high resistance, it might be difficult to lift in certain workout positions. This can easily cause wrist injury, so make sure to use this resistance band with caution. 

A mini loop band is flat and small but also wide. It usually comes in a set with a variety of resistances from five to 50 pounds. This style is best used for toning and gaining muscle, especially for your legs, glutes, and hips.

Some of the popular workout moves that use mini loop bands are leg raises, squats, standing hip abductions, and lateral shuffles. 

There are three main types of materials used in making resistance bands: latex, synthetic latex, and fabric. One is the most elastic, the other sunlight-resistant, and the last is safe for your skin. 

Most of the resistance bands we see in the market are made from latex, which is also known as “rubber resistance bands.” And though it might take a number of years, since latex is a naturally occurring rubber material, it’s biodegradable.

Latex resistance bands provide high elasticity, perfect for physical therapy, stretches, and strength training. It's suitable for all ages and all fitness levels as well. It can also be used for total body workouts, focusing on both small and big muscle groups.

However, latex can cause skin allergies in some people, resulting in itching, hives, or other allergic reactions. Also, latex isn’t resistant to UV rays and can become brittle when not stored properly and lubricated periodically. We recommend keeping the bands away from sunlight and stored in their case when not in use. 

Synthetic latex is also known as “thermoplastic elastomer” or “TPE” and is made from petroleum. If you’re allergic to latex, TPE is a good option because it’s an allergen-free material. It’s also resistant to UV rays, so it’s ideal for outdoor use during summer and higher temperatures like a hot yoga studio.

However, it provides less elasticity than latex. Since TPE is an artificial product, it’s also non-biodegradable. So, if you're concerned about the environment, this may not be the best choice.

Fabric resistance bands are a combination of fabric and latex. Unlike latex and TPE, fabric bands have a larger variety of designs. The main advantage of fabric is it doesn’t slip easily, meaning fewer instances of the band rolling out of place. Plus, it feels smoother and more comfortable on your skin.

Fabric is less elastic than latex, so it's not suitable for a higher resistance training level.  However, it works great with major muscle groups like hamstrings, trapezoids, and lateral muscles.

In general, fabric resistance bands are best for beginners. With fabric bands, there are usually fewer options for resistance levels compared to other materials. If you want a variety of resistance bands in one set, consider a different material.

Plus, unlike latex and TPE, fabric tends to attract more dirt and can be difficult to clean due to its texture. However, they won't pinch your skin, they offer a bit more resistance since they don't stretch, and they're quite durable compared to latex alternatives.

If you choose a resistance band that comes with handles, make sure that they're comfortable to hold. Some come with interchangeable handles, which allow you to switch from one to another band for a different level of resistance. 

Most handles are made of rubber. Some are covered with foam grips to protect the hands, while cheaper resistance bands may only come with plastic handles. 

You should check the size of the handles too! To be safe, check a lot of reviews on what other people say. You'll be able to see how others felt regarding the size and comfort of the handles.

It might be difficult to choose the right type of band, size, and weight resistance, especially if you’re a beginner. If this is the case for you, we suggest getting a variety set. It'll give you a wide range of exercise options. 

Since there is a variety of weight of resistances in one set, you can utilize them in cardio or strength training. In general, each weight resistance has its own unique color in a set, so you'll be able to find the one you're looking for quickly!

Esther says, "Keep in mind that resistance bands are like rubber bands. They are tight and stretchy, but over time they will loosen and could break, dry out, or stretch out to the point where they need replacement. 

Unlike dumbbells or weight plates, they will need to be replaced over time. However, the versatility that resistance bands offer can help shake up a normal routine or add something new to the mix. Be sure to look up some creative uses for whatever types of bands you decide to get."

Now that you've gotten your resistance band, maybe you need some ideas for a good workout. Here's a full-body routine, just a little over eight minutes long, created by The Live Fit Girl.

Portable exercise equipment is convenient for all fitness levels and styles of workouts. Plus, these can be great for bringing outdoors, to the gym, or on the road! Besides resistance bands, you might be interested in other portable exercise products. Check out our other highly-rated suggestions! 

Whether you're a beginner looking to add a little strength training to your routine or a fitness junkie looking to add intensity, we've got you covered! We recommend keeping in mind three main things when buying resistance bands: your desired use, the types of material, and your fitness level. Once you have those in mind, choosing the right band will be easy! 

Author: Apinya Masuda

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You might still be at a loss how to get your home workout started in the right direction. We've consulted online fitness instructor Natalie Mitchell for some of the top picks to make your journey to fitness more effective.