Buying Exercise Bands

What to Know Before You Buy a Resistance Band

Exercise bands, also known as resistance bands, stretch bands, workout bands etc. have been around for quite a while. They started out as rehab tools but have become mainstream in the fitness world.

The bands are among the most portable, versatile and low tech pieces of exercise equipment one can have. They provide adjustable resistance for both stretch and strength exercises.

There are two main kinds of exercise bands, regular bands that look a lot like extra big ribbons, and bands that are made of tubing. The tube bands are usually cinched in the middle and have handles. Naturally, the kind of exercise band you choose will depend on the kind of exercise you want to use it for.

I usually see the regular flat ribbon type of bands used in Pilates studios and DVDs.

This kind is barefoot friendly and easier to manipulate around the body. The tubing style bands are certainly adaptable to Pilates uses, but I see them more often in the context of strength training where one might need to hold onto real handles while doing intense bicep curl, for example.

Choosing Exercise Bands

Buying an exercise band is not a huge expense; nevertheless there are a few things to consider:

• Make sure that the band is long enough. It is better to choke up on the band than to have one that doesn't allow you full range of motion. A rule of thumb would be to get a band length within 8 inches of your height. I have seen exercise bands sold off of bulk rolls in some fitness or medical supply stores, if you are especially tall this might be a good way to go.
• Most of the ribbon style bands are made of latex. If you are allergic to latex you can find latex free bands.
• Get the right resistance level for you. The exercise bands are often sold in packs with different levels of resistance and I think this is a good way to go. For Pilates the resistance levels are usually in the mid-range, medium to medium heavy. I like to use different levels of resistance for my upper and lower body workouts.
• The tubing bands are often offered in much heavier weights so if you are looking for a lot of resistance, then tubing is the way to go.
• Many bands sold with resistance band lessons plans or DVDs. A good choice if you are new to stretch band workouts.
• Some of the latex ribbon bands are sold with a detachable handle option. This is great for simulating Pilates reformer workouts.

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