Okay, so you heard or saw or maybe even tried using resistance bands. They are probably most famous for booty shaping but the reality is that resistance bands are very versatile. You can use one and get a full-body workout that will leave you sweaty and exhausted. Or you can always go the more casual route and use slow movements to build deep muscle tone.
You might not be aware of this but there are actually several different styles of resistance bands. Some even look like they are made from different materials. Are they all the same? Are the differences purely cosmetic? The breakdown is below!
This is probably the type of band that comes into your mind first when someone starts talking about resistance bands. These are very versatile and heavily used for targeting thighs and glutes. Within this category there are different styles with some being paper-thin rubber or latex, some being a very thick rubber and others that are made from fabric and elastic. The differences are mainly personal preference and usage type.
This style band is most popular for a reason though. You can use them for just about any muscle group. These bands tend to be longer so they easily fit into whatever exercise routine you have going on for the day. The only exception would be the fabric loop bands. Those ones are usually set sizes and unlike the rubber loop bands, you can’t tie a knot in them to alter the size.
Chooses loop bands if you want an all-around band that you can use for several different muscle groups. Choose the thicker rubber ones if you are planning on using them for assisted pull-ups or weighted push-ups.
Rubber tube style bands often have hooks or attachments at either end. These are typically used in conjunction with other equipment and are for more advanced home workouts or additions to your gym routine. You can attach handles to the ends of these bands and work various body parts and muscle regions. This band variety is considered more of a true accessory than a stand-alone product.
Tube bands can easily be stacked for increased resistance and are ideal for working the upper body. However, you can definitely get creative and use them from other muscle groups as well.
You’ll want to get a set of tube bands if you plan to use them for working your arms, back or chest. Also if you want more of a traditional workout that cables offer at the gym. Sets usually come with door anchors so you can set them up quickly without taking up much space.
These bands are a thin strip of rubber or latex. Since this band is open-ended they are fantastic for not only physical therapy but also for stretching, yoga, and Pilates. Broadening your range of motion and releasing tension is the main aspect of this variety of bands.
Therapy bands offer much less resistance than loop or tube bands. They usually range from 2 to 30 pounds of resistance. Which makes sense since they are for more gentle usage.
Therapy bands are ideal for anyone trying to increase mobility and flexibility. They are a wonderful tool to help you achieve deeper stretches and help to loosen any stiff muscles.
These interesting looking bands have many uses but the favorite is that the various grip sections make this an all in one resistance band. The grips allow for effortless interchanging of resistance levels. The closer to the middle you move your grip the harder the resistance becomes. Instead of purchasing several bands at different resistance levels you only need one ring band. They are also very useful for stretching and push-ups.
This type of band works best for arms, back, abs, and chest workouts. With a simple shift in your grip, you can change the range of motion and resistance level.
Rings bands are best for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with a bag full of resistance bands but still needs some diversity in the usage.
Figure 8 bands offer a much smaller range of motion. As you can see it looks like two some small handles attached to a rubber tube in the shape of an 8. These bands are fantastic for more targeted training such as chest, shoulders or biceps. The range of motion is a lot smaller so you can get specific about which muscle groups you target
Figure 8 bands might look simple but they are actually very challenging. The more restricted your range is the more targeted the focus is. This band is ideal for training smaller muscle groups.
Figure 8 bands are for people who desire to train using a short-range of motion. People who wish to target smaller muscle groups such as the forearms, triceps or shoulders.
Lateral bands are very popular in sports training. Think boxing, sprinting or basketball. Each end of this band has a Velcro cuff on it which is designed to be secured to both ankles. The band restricts lateral movement which in turn builds muscles for sideways movements and increases speed. It is a wonderful training tool for agility and also strengthens the hips and inner thighs.
Never underestimate the burn of this type of band. Put one on and walk around for a few minutes and you are going to be feeling it. Using this band will also challenge your coordination and help improve agility.
The lateral band is for anyone who needs to strengthen their hips, glutes, and thighs. It’s great for boxers, sprinters, and basketball players to help with their footwork and overall awareness. Generally speaking, using a later band is wonderful for enhancing body awareness, symmetry, and balance.
The Conclusion…
The type of band that you train with greatly depends on your current condition as well as your goals. It is very beneficial if you have the opportunity to try out one or two different types so you can see which ones you like best. Resistance bands are very affordable and also one of the most portable fitness accessories available. You can use them any time and anywhere, you can travel with them and also increase mobility and release tension. Adding a resistance band to your routine is sure to expand your workout creativity and increase coordination.
