Resistance bands are probably the most affordable piece of strength training exercise equipment you will ever own.  If you get the right kind, bands can offer an extreme resistance workout while being compact, light-weight, portable and quiet.  Unlike heavy weights or bulky machines that can cost thousands, resistance bands can be taken anywhere - the office, family vacation, on business trips, and more.

Don't be mislead by wimpy bands found in the sporting goods section of your local big-box store.  Often times their so-called "exercise kits" with just a few accessories cost more than a superior quality complete system.

Before you buy any kind of exercise equipment or some type of home gym system, be aware that the massive piece of metal you're thinking about putting in the middle of the family room may not be able to work every part of your body like resistance bands can. Bands are very capable of giving you a complete body workout; chest, back, shoulders, arms, abs, and legs.  Plus, they are safe enough for the entire family. 

Different Types Of Resistance Bands

Flat Bands
Rating:  "So-So"  2 out of 5

Pros:  If you're looking for a small footprint, low price, and portability, nothing beats flat bands.  They can easily be stuffed inside a shoe in a gym bag or a pocket.  They are sometimes referred to as pilates bands.  Flat bands can be purchased in pre-cut lengths or by the bulk roll so you can custom cut them to any desired length. 

Cons:  Unlike the thicker hi-grade resistance tubes, these bands are thin and can rip if they get nicked by sharp jewelry or other objects.  Flat bands have no handles which means you have to wrap them around your hands or grip them firmly to keep them from slipping.  The amount of pressure needed to keep them from snapping out of your hand while they're stretched can cause excess strain on your hands and wrists.  Repetitive gripping can lead to carpal tunnel symptoms if they're used on a frequent basis.  Notice the model's knuckles while she extends the bands in the picture on the far right.  She has to clamp down very tightly to hang onto the band as it's stretched.  Tension rating of light to heavy makes it difficult to gauge resistance.

Resistance Tubes With Attached Handles
Rating:  "Better"  3 out of 5

Pros:  Some tubes come with handles already attached making them easier to hold for a wider range of exercises.  Bulk tubing can also be purchased in rolls allowing the user to cut to a custom length.  Handles can also be attached to custom cut tubing making them much easier to hold and control.    

Cons:  Since each tube has its own handle, you can't attach additional tubes to the handle to create more resistance.  As you see in the picture below, the tube is slipped through the grommet of the handle with a knot tied on the other side.  Unless that knot is large enough, stretching the tube could cause it to unravel or slip through the hole during exercise, snapping a user and possibly causing them to lose balance and fall.  Cheaper tubes only list tension rating of extra light to ultra heavy making it difficult to gauge resistance. 

Bodylastics Resistance Tubes With Detachable Handles
Rating:  "Best"  5 out of 5

Pros:  By far, tubes with clip-on removable handles are the superior resistance workout bands. Single or multiple tubes can be attached to the handles creating a customized resistance workout ranging from easy to extreme.  Clips on the end of each tube are heavy-duty, yet light-weight sturdy aluminum.  Resistance level in pounds is clearly stamped on each clip so you can more accurately adjust the resistance and assess your progress. 

Cons:  Tubes and accessories can be expensive if purchased individually.  It's best to purchase a complete system.

Recommendation:  Our recommendation would be to purchase a complete system like those from Bodylastics.  They are available in three fitness levels as shown below.  Each system comes complete with workout guide, travel bag, handles, ankle straps, door anchor and of course, the tubes.  I suggest you also get the circuit training DVD to learn how to get a total body workout in about 10-12 minutes.

FREE Download - Download a free 1-page color-coded quick reference chart detailing how to create custom resistance levels with Bodylastics bands.

Use The Coupon Code Below For 5% Off!
The Entire Bodylastics Lineup
Terrell Owens Super Strong Man Up to 254 lbs Tension	Max System Up to 134 lbs Tension		Basic System Up to 88 lbs Tension
7 tubes from 5-30 lbs 4 Handles 4 Ankle Straps 1 Door Anchor 1 User Manual 1 T.O. Diet & Workout Guide 1 Travel Bag Lifetime Access to Strength Band University	5 tubes from 5-23 lbs 2 Handles 2 Ankle Straps 1 Door Anchor 1 User Manual 1 Travel Bag 1 Year Access to Strength Band University		4 tubes from 5-19 lbs 2 Handles 2 Ankle Straps 1 Door Anchor 1 User Manual 1 Travel Bag 1 Year Access to Strength Band University
Only:  $94.81	Only:  $55.95		Only:  $45.95
With DVD & 2nd door anchor:  $104.81	With DVD:  $59.95		With DVD:  $49.95