The best resistance bands to level up your workouts
Shop GQ's pick of the best resistance bands to add a new layer of difficulty to your strength sessions
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The jury is out on whether resistance bands can accurately be called an underrated part of commercial and home gyms anymore, but the catch-all fitness prop could certainly be showing up in a lot more workouts. A slip of a thing that can easily slide into any gym bag pocket, the resistance band can give as heavy a workout as a dumbbell or kettlebell (just ask Chris Hemsworth) without taking up much room at all.
Regular travellers, in particular, should be adding a resistance band to their repertoire of suitcase essentials since a holistic model like the GymProLuxe can fill in as a multi-gym when the hotel you're staying in has closed its gymnasium (or doesn't have one). Even if you're heading to your local gym every day, being in possession of your own resistance bands can help you jump the communal queue, and turbo boost your gains.
The king of physical rehabilitation, lighter resistance band use can help recover muscles, while heavier ones can strengthen and encourage leanness, targeting smaller and more diverse muscles than your average gym bench weight routine. Sound simple enough? It is… mostly. But first, read on to find out about the things you need to know before clicking add to basket.
What are the best resistance bands?
A holistic set of bands and handles that reach resistance weights of up to 200lbs (or approximately 90kg), the Gymproluxe 2.0 is one of the best bands we've ever tested — and a must-have accessory for anyone serious about pumping up their workout routine from home or hotel room.
A budget pick since you can buy each of these bands separately, TRX makes a series of options at a myriad of weights. Select accordingly and be ready to whip out your debit card again when you level up.
Myprotein's set of bands is all about making your next lifting session as comfortable as possible: foam handles make arm workouts as pleasant an experience as can be reasonably expected, while a door anchor means you can take your lifting regime home.
- Best overall resistance bands: Gymproluxe,
£189£109 at gymproluxestore.com - Best premium resistance bands: Core Zone, £1,499 at eBay.co.uk
- Best budget resistance band: Umi, £6.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best covered resistance band: Adidas, £19.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best resistance loop: Nike, £17.50 at sportsdirect.com
SKIP TO: What types of resistance bands are there? | What do the different colours of resistance bands mean? | What are resistance bands made from? | Can resistance bands break?
What types of resistance bands are there?
Though most resistance bands look the same, there are in fact several differences that you should be aware of. Before we get into them, though, know that you will see similar results from comparable techniques across most kinds. Tube resistance bands have handles, often come with myriad attachments that can fit on a doorframe, and are made to help you imitate your favourite gym weight routines at home.
Flat resistance bands, on the other hand, come sans handles, and finish a complete loop like a giant elastic band. The third kind, though similar to this type, are much smaller and go by the name of mini resistance bands.
If you're new to the game, consider where you'll be using yours: if you're forgoing the gym for home workouts, tube resistance bands might be your best bet, whereas if you're complementing your existing schedule with exercises associated with reformer pilates then flat or mini resistance bands are the ones for you.
What do the different colours of resistance bands mean?
More than just a design choice, colours on your resistance bands represent their corresponding weights. Be aware before you dive into a lateral raise and glute bridge extravaganza, though: these measurements are not universal, so make sure you check your particular set first.
Unless you're buying yours for rehabilitation purposes, the rule of thumb is that lighter bands should be used for shoulder and arm exercises, while heavier ones are best deployed as part of your leg, glute and chest routines.
What are resistance bands made from?
Synthetic or natural latex rubber are the composition of most resistance bands, which are generally constructed in continuous sheets or tubes. Latex allergy? Obviously, opt for synthetic, but if you're lucky enough to have the choice, the natural rubber does have more elasticity.
Can resistance bands break?
Like your childhood Stretch Armstrong, improper or excessively heavy use can snap what everyone thought un-snappable. Don't leave your latex bands in direct sunlight or other hot, dry conditions as they can dry out, become brittle and degrade. And while many bands can be wrapped around poles or handles to give them new functions, it's better for their longevity to use them with dedicated resistance band anchors, which are often available in the same place you're buying your bands from.
Shop GQ’s pick of the best resistance bands you can buy…
1/16Gymproluxe band and bar 2.0
Pros: Complete home gym workout | Easily storable and a great travel set | Up to 90kgs resistance
- Number of bands: Up to six
- Material: Silicone
- Resistance: Up to 200lbs
Easily one of the best resistance band sets we've ever sampled, Gymproluxe's belt and bar 2.0 is the absolute dream setup for anyone who can't make it down to the gym regularly. With up to 150 workouts available at your muscular disposal, the bands offer up to 200lbs of resistance, with a simple system to raise or lower the weight between workouts, so you can target biceps, quads or chest across multiple exercises in seconds.
After a few weeks of use, we've noticed muscles are more resilient to sustained pressure and are generally stronger, largely because we spend less time aching and wincing, which was often the case when using free weights.
£189.95£109.95 At gymproluxestore.com
2/16Myprotein
Pros: Flexible workouts | Attractive design
Cons: Expensive compared to similar rivals- Number of bands: Five
- Material: Not mentioned
- Resistance: 10-50lbs
This set mixes things up with a resistance band set that comes with foam handles, leg straps and a door anchor, letting you mimic pulley exercises while you're at home or on your travels. The included carry bag makes it easy to pack too, so you can bust out squats and curls with ease, wherever you are. From £9. At myprotein.com
3/16Hygym
Pros: Comes with a handy travel bag | Heavy duty
Cons: Can't be used by those with a latex allergy- Number of bands: Four
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15-125lbs
This heavy-duty four-pack from Hygym is a great starting point for most people, thanks to a selection of bands from different resistances ranging from 15-125lbs. Colour-coded for ease of use, it comes with a useful travel bag for transport and storage. Latex allergy sufferers will have to give this a miss though, as each band is made from 100 per cent pure latex.
£45£35. At hygym.co.uk
4/16TRX
Pros: Sturdy | Slick design
Cons: Currently can't be bought in a multi-pack- Number of bands: Seven (sold separately)
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 5-150lbs
TRX's attractive set of bands can currently only be bought separately, and while pricier than some rivals, you can't argue with the quality on offer. Offering a generous range of different strengths, you can select the ideal resistance to meet your needs, upgrading to tougher selections as you progress. From £14.95. At trxtraining.eu
5/16Fitness Mad
Pros: Affordable | Generous selection
Cons: No accurate resistance ratings- Number of bands: Five
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: Extra light-extra strong
The advantage of opting for a selection of resistance bands, rather than just one or two individual bands, is that you can really take the opportunity to progress with each exercise while also targeting different areas of the body that need more or less resistance. Ranging from Extra Light to Extra Strong, you'll certainly have room to mix up your workouts with this set from Fitness Mad. The bands have a 35cm diameter that makes them suitable for plenty of different exercises and both upper- and lower-body training. And with the mesh carrying bag, you'll be able to take them to the gym with you when you're not feeling a home workout. £12.49. At wiggle.co.uk
6/16CoreZone
Pros: Strong build | Decent number of bands
Cons: Expensive- Number of bands: Seven
- Material: Not mentioned
- Resistance: 5-225lbs
This might be one of the more expensive sets out there, but CoreZone prides itself on quality. With seven different bands included (each one coloured to represent their resistance level), you should find one for every occasion. With a lifetime guarantee thrown in too, that high price tag doesn't seem too hard to swallow. From £13. ebay.co.uk
7/16Umi
Pros: Sturdy | Reasonably priced
Cons: No multi-pack- Number of bands: Five (sold separately)
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15-150lbs
Amazon's own-brand bands can be snapped up in various different sets, depending on the level of resistance you're after. Suitable for anything from assisted pull-ups and dips, to yoga training, stretching, resistance exercises and more, they come with a lifetime guarantee so you know you're in good hands. From £14.99. At amazon.co.uk
8/16Spri
Pros: Attractive design
Cons: No accurate resistance levels- Number of bands: Three
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: Not stated
A useful kit if you’re looking to achieve a range of different resistance training exercises at home. The tubing system in this Spri Exercise set allows you to adapt and progress through different levels of difficulty by moving between light, medium and heavy resistances. £59.99. At johnlewis.com
9/16Core Balance
Pros: Storage bag included | Handle for comfortable, varied exercises
Cons: Handles can't be bought separately (if they wear out)- Number of bands: Five
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 100-200lbs
This affordable set of five colour-coded tubes offers a huge variety of at-home workouts, thanks to the included handles and door anchor. With clear instructions for all manner of different exercise types included, it's a great, compact way to get in a workout while travelling. A steal at this price, especially when on offer.
£29.99£13.99. At corebalancefitness.co.uk.jpg)
10/16Takemirth
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Not suitable for those with latex allergies- Number of bands:Five
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 10-50lbs
For a comprehensive set of resistance bands that will take you through a wide range of workouts, Takemirth’s has pretty much everything you need to get started and more. Each set includes five tubes, all with different resistance levels to allow you to progress and adapt the level based on the exercise you’re doing. Starting at 10lbs, you can move through at 10lb intervals up to 50lbs, after which you can stack them together to make different resistances. Use the door anchor for a great at-home workout; the two foam handles and two ankle straps mean you can use this for both upper- and lower-body workouts. From
£16.99£13.59. At amazon.co.uk
11/16Adidas
Pros: Great design | Sturdy parts
Cons: Expensive- Number of bands: Three (sold separately)
- Material: Covered tube
- Resistance: 5Numbers not available
Adidas’ aptly named Power Tubes are designed with comfort and durability in mind, thanks to foam-covered handles and a durable outer sleeve that should handle all the regular wear and tear you’ll care to throw at them. This cover also doubles up as a safety sleeve, preventing each tube from causing any injuries from snapping. They come in three different resistance levels to suit your needs, and with Amazon’s easy return policy, it’s no sweat if you need to exchange one for a higher or lower resistance either. From £20.99. At amazon.co.uk
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12/16Opti
Pros: Compact | Comes with a carry bag
Cons: No stated resistance levels- Number of bands: Four
- Material: Not stated
- Resistance: 5-150lbs
Opti’s resistance loops are a basic but effective way to step up your training game. The kit comes with four resistance bands, each with a different level of resistance, allowing you to swap between them to target different areas. The bands also come in a lightweight bag that you can use to transport them to the gym, or to take them on holiday with you for a quick workout. Simple, affordable and a great way to increase your training, this is a good place to start if you’re trying to increase the intensity of your gym sessions. £13. At argos.co.uk
13/16Nike
Pros: Attractive design
Cons: Expensive for a single loop- Number of bands: One
- Material: Knitted material
- Resistance: N/A
Nike’s minimal yet classy resistance loop is designed to help strengthen your legs, with an inner silicon tape texture for improved grip (just watch out for catching your leg hair). Made from a durable, stretchy fabric and prominently displaying the Swoosh logo, it’s as much a fashion statement as it is a lower-body workout.
£25.99£8. At sportsdirect.com
14/16Pro Fitness
Pros: Well made
Cons: Expensive for just three bands- Number of bands: Three
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: Not stated
Particularly suited to upper-body work, these bands can be incorporated into a wide range of exercises, meaning they’re far more multi-purpose and useful than other, more limited types of fitness equipment. The set comes with three bands, each with different thicknesses and resistances, which allows you to progress through them as you get stronger or target different parts of the body more appropriately. £32. At argos.co.uk
15/16Bestope
Pros: Carry bag included | Reasonable price
Cons: None at this price- Number of bands: Four
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15-125lbs
Resistance bands can be used for all sorts of exercises, but you do need to be careful to buy the right type of band for some more specific uses . For pull-ups specifically, you’ll want to make sure you have bands that are not only long enough but also have a higher level of resistance. This set of pull-up bands includes four bands, ranging from a 15-35lbs resistance all the way to 50-125lbs resistance. If you’re new to pull-ups, start with the higher level and work your way down until you don’t need a band anymore. £29.99. At amazon.co.uk
16/16Corength
Pros: Very strong
Cons: None at this price- Number of bands: One
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 100lbs
Made from 100 per cent natural latex, this training band from Corength is robust enough to handle anything thrown at it. Its 45kg rating makes it an ideal choice for assistance during exercises like pullups, where a little extra help can help keep you on form while minimising the risks of injury. £14.99. At decathlon.co.uk
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