In days gone by your gym bag most likely contained your kit, possibly a protein shake for afterwards and never quite a bit else, however these days no gym bag is complete without a set of resistance bands. Often touted as one in all the most effective pieces of workout gear, gym-goers previous and new have cottoned onto the idea that the humble resistance band is the perfect bit of low-cost and high-impression kit for constructing muscle, growing mobility and staying fit.
However, demand for resistance bands, as well as the surge in popularity for dwelling workouts throughout occasions of ‘social distancing’, means that it can be difficult to get your arms on a set. That’s why we have accomplished the searching for you and found six, in-stock sets of resistance bands which might be lightweight but nonetheless ship heavyweight results.
As we’re sure you will agree, as well as figuring out where to find resistance bands, it is also vital you know the way to use them, so consider this your induction information to the humble – but devilishly efficient – gym instrument, which needs to be a staple of your workouts, wherever you are getting your session in.
Why Use Resistance Bands?
Resistance bands are, you guessed it, bands of rubber – at varied lengths, thicknesses and durability – which can be designed to help you keep match, versatile, cell and strong wherever you are. Resistance bands may also be used for stretching or mobility routines and can be used on their very own or as a part of one other train to increase or decrease resistance.
For example, including a resistance band to your pull-ups, no matter your present pull-up progression, will train your physique to build the energy for a full rep, helping to get your chest to the bar. Conversely, adding a resistance band to a deadlift or one other pull-centered train just like the bicep curl will enhance resistance, helping you get extra out of the carry. It’s good if you’re not ready to shift up a weight, however still need just a little additional problem.
In short, resistance bands are ideal for the guy who needs to get a workout in completely wherever – from the residing room, to the garden and to the park.
Which Resistance Band is Best for Me?
For those unaware, resistance bands come in numerous codecs, each with a special intended objective. Some resistance bands are more effective on different muscle teams. Here’s what to look out for:
Tube Resistance Bands
These are the resistance bands that come with handles and door attachments – they’re good for inside house gyms, where you might be short on house and may be packed away simply. An excellent resistance band for Elastic Band hypertrophy.
Flat Resistance Bands
Like an enormous elastic band (devpost.com), flat resistance bands are the typical mobility and elastic webbing band energy-work-on-the-fly bands that you’ve seen peppered throughout health-focused social media accounts. They’re the final word area saver, weigh almost nothing and are extremely affordable. Similarly, you may grind out almost every standard train with one of those resistance bands. That they’re suitable for yoga and pilates is simply an added bonus.
Mini Resistance Bands
Lastly, ‘mini’ resistance bands – the circumference of a big dinner plate – are ideal for decrease-physique warm-up and strengthening work – similar to glute bridges – while additionally helping appropriate lifting kind, similar to knees caving throughout squats.
One of the best Resistance Bands for Workouts in 2021
As you have in all probability guessed sure resistance bands work better for certain activities than others. Below you may see our high picks to search out the one that’s right for you.
GOWOD’s super bands are tear-resistant, stretch and extremely flexble. Due to the pure fibres used, they’re washable and are skin-pleasant.
Offering five totally different levels of resistance, these resistance bands from Gritin provide incremental resistance weights of 10,15, 20, 30 and 40lbs. They’re seriously mild too, meaning you will never must take them out of your gym bag.
Use GOWOD’s Loop band for warming up, mobility and glute strengthening.
Using over 5 totally different resistance levels, Myprotein’s resistance bands have a whole lot of five-star reviews.
Unlike some sets of resistance bands, this set from Pepmune incorporates completely different thicknesses that will help you activate your muscles, stretch out sore areas and assist or challenge a variety of bodyweight moves like pull-ups, dips and press-ups.
Ready to take your property workout up a notch? This resistance band set comes with a door anchor, handles and ankle strap. It will aid you isolate your biceps, triceps and back muscles without a dumbbell or kettlebell in sight.
Made from 100% seamless latex, these resistance bands from Bulldog Gear are extremely strong.
After a resistance band set? Do this set, from Lets Bands, that will work nearly every muscle group in your body.
This hip resistance band will show you how to target your glutes, abductors and quads throughout squats, while encouraging razor-sharp form. These are made from premium polyester fabric and latex, for a powerful non-slip design.
Lightweight and versatile, this resistance band packs 15kg of resistance for beneath £10. Perfect if you’re on a budget.
Can’t decide which weight to go for? Play it safe and invest in a multipack, like this Tomshoo set on Amazon. Ideal for any workout that you must grind by way of, these will do the job. Plus, there’s a handy product guide and door attachment to modify things up.
Total-Body Resistance Band Circuits
What Science Says About Resistance Bands
Recent research printed in the Journal of Human Kinetics analysed muscle activation throughout higher-body strength training workouts with resistance bands versus the same motion carried out with free weights. The examine found that the results were largely comparable, as a result of instability created by the resistance bands inflicting muscle fibres to ‘fire’ throughout exercise even greater than they would with free weights. Not dangerous for a fraction of the value.
Resistance Band Workout
Got your resistance bands? It’s time for a workout.
Perform this workout thrice a week to enhance power and definition, and remember by sustaining constant tension all through every exercise you’ll recruit extra muscle fibres for sooner progress.
Stand on the resistance band (securely, please) and hold it at shoulder height, palms forward. Squat deeply (A) explode up and press overhead (B), holding for 1sec at the highest.
Together with your left foot on the band, grasp the handles with an overhand grip. Step to the precise and drop right into a deep lunge (A). Drive up arduous off your right foot to return (B).
Swallow your pleasure and settle for a leg-up. Stand on a chair, loop the band over a bar and place your legs in it. Squeeze your lats to tug up (A); return to deadhang (B).
Make sculpting a V-shape much less arduous. Hold the handles at knee peak with legs slightly bent, again straight (A). Squeeze your shoulders to drag up to your ribs (B).
Kneel, band secured under your proper foot. Grab a handle and relaxation your elbow inside your right knee (A). Curl toward your left shoulder (B). Do eight reps, then swap sides.
Anchor your band on the legs of a bench, or other weighted object at dwelling, grab the handles and lie flat (A). Exhale as you press up, squeeze at the highest (B), decrease with management.
Secure the band low, behind a flat surface. Grab the handles (A), brace your core and press your arms instantly above your chest (B). Bend your elbows to decrease the band.
A tricky full-body transfer: type a plank, 2ft from the secured band (A). Pick it up with one hand and row to your facet (B). Do 6, then hold a plank for 10sec. Swap sides.
Wrap the band round your feet and lean back to place your abs below tension. Keep the handles together and twist to contact them to your proper facet, then left.
Blast stubborn fat with this finisher. Fix the band at hip peak and switch facet-on.bArms prolonged, rotate to pull throughout your body (A); slowly return (B). Don’t let go.
Sign as much as the Men’s Health publication and kickstart your property body plan. Make optimistic steps to develop into healthier and mentally sturdy with all the perfect health, muscle-constructing and nutrition advice delivered to your inbox.