The Best Resistance Bands on Amazon

Apr 19, 2024

Updated on 7/5/2023 at 4:45 PM

Despite their versatility, resistance bands are often overlooked and underrated in the realm of fitness gear — but they shouldn't be. You can use them in numerous ways, whether incorporating them into your at-home exercise routine or bringing them to a barre class for added resistance. They also make an excellent travel companion, taking up minimal space in your suitcase and allowing you to maintain your workouts while on the go. But what's even more enticing is their affordability, as a resistance band set typically costs between ten and 30 dollars. Considering their cost-effectiveness, they're a savvy way to target and strengthen your legs, arms, abs, and booty.

If you're new to resistance bands, it's important to understand the fundamentals. According to Karina Blackwood, a fitness trainer and certified Pilates instructor, resistance bands, also known as exercise bands or fitness bands, are elastic and versatile bands made from durable rubber or latex. They come in different lengths, thicknesses, and resistance levels, catering to individuals of varying fitness levels and exercise goals. There are various popular types of resistance bands, each offering unique features and uses. Ahead, we take a look at five of the most popular types of resistance bands, as broken down by Blackwood.

Five popular types of resistance bands go as follows:

Loop Bands: "Loop bands, also known as mini bands or booty bands, are small, continuous loop bands that you can place around your thighs, calves, or ankles. They are commonly used for lower body exercises, such as squats, glute bridges, and lateral leg lifts."

Tube Bands with Handles: "Tube bands consist of a long, flexible tube with handles at the ends. They often come with different resistance levels indicated by color-coded bands. These bands are versatile and can be used for both upper and lower body exercises, such as bicep curls, chest presses, and leg extensions."

Flat Bands: "Flat bands, as the name suggests, are flat and wide bands that do not have handles. They are usually available in different resistance levels. Flat bands are great for exercises that require wrapping the band around your body or anchoring it to a sturdy object. They can be used for exercises like lateral walks, shoulder rotations, and clamshells."

Figure 8 Bands: "Figure 8 bands have a unique shape resembling the number '8'' They typically have two handles or loops on either end. These bands are commonly used for upper body exercises, such as chest flys, tricep extensions, and shoulder raises."

Fabric Bands: "Fabric bands are wider and softer than traditional rubber or latex bands. Fabric bands are gentle on the skin and less likely to roll or dig in during exercises. They are often used for lower body activation exercises and can be great for adding resistance during Pilates movements."

When selecting the perfect resistance bands for your needs, consider your fitness level as a starting point, with lighter resistance recommended for beginners and gradual progression to higher levels as strength improves, says Blackwood.

Next, identify the specific exercises and muscle groups you want to target. Different bands are designed for the lower body, upper body, or full-body workouts, so choose accordingly, the expert continues. You'll also want to pay close attention to the length and size of the bands to ensure they are suitable for your intended exercises. For instance, short resistance bands may not be ideal for exercises requiring a long range of motion, such as lunges.

Lastly, prioritize durability by selecting resistance bands made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Bands with reinforced stitching or additional layers tend to be more resistant to wear and tear, Blackwood suggests, adding that checking user reviews and recommendations can also provide valuable insights into the quality, performance, and durability of the bands.

To make your search for a set of resistance bands a breeze, we've rounded up eight of the best resistance bands on Amazon. Keep reading to shop our picks.

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands ($13, originally $21)

This set features five mini latex bands, each offering a different level of resistance, from X-Light (up to 4 pounds) to X-Heavy (30 pounds). With almost 85,000 five-star ratings, it's no surprise that this set has claimed the top spot on Amazon's bestseller page for resistance bands.

RitFit Single Resistance Exercise Band ($16)

This tube resistance band is crafted from natural latex and features cushioned, non-slip foam handles for a comfortable and secure grip during workouts. There are nine color options and each corresponds to a different weight level. The yellow band offers the lightest resistance at five pounds, while the red band provides the highest at 50 pounds.

iRibit Fitness Figure 8 Toner Resistance Exercise Tube Band Set of 3 ($14, originally $16)

Flat bands don't have a continuous circle like mini bands and they're long, coming in at seven feet a piece. That makes them ideal for full-body workouts, strength-training, and stretching, among other forms of exercise and conditioning. These ones come in light (five pounds), medium (15 pounds), and heavy (20 pounds).

iRibit Fitness Figure 8 Toner Resistance Exercise Tube Band Set of 3 ($15)

If you're focusing on your upper body, it's worth adding some figure eight resistance bands to your equipment lineup. This set of latex ones comes with a carrying bag for easy portability, as well as three resistance bands of varying weights: light (10 pounds) to medium (15 pounds), and heavy (20 pounds).

Renoj Resistance Bands ($16, originally $26)

Thanks to the nonslip material inside these resistance bands, they'll stay firmly looped around your thighs without rolling up or slipping off during your workouts. In terms of resistance levels, the light band offers a range of 20 to 35 pounds, the medium band provides 30 to 50 pounds, and the heavy band delivers 45 to 75 pounds.

Bodylastics Resistance Band Set ($37, originally $50)

This set of five resistance offers up to 96 pounds of resistance when used at once. The set comes with five bands, a door anchor, slip-resistant handles, ankle straps, and a carryall bag. "These appear to be very well made, and durable with no signs of wear after three months of regular use," wrote one customer. "The relative resistances feel fairly accurate with clear, distinct increases in resistance from one band to the next."

GPPNKC Resistance Band ($17, originally $30)

To use these resistance bands for pull-ups, secure one end around a pull-up bar and the other around your foot or knee. Then, go about your pull-up as usual, relying on the bands for assistance.

THERABAND Resistance Band Set ($17)

Many shoppers have praised these resistance bands for their effectiveness in at-home physical therapy exercises. Several customers even mention that these bands are the very ones they have used during in-office therapy sessions.