Are you giving your members enough variety in their workouts? Resistance bands are an often-overlooked tool that can add serious value to your gym, offering versatility and affordability.
As an equipment consultant who interviewed experts from 7 resistance band manufacturing plants, I’ve gathered insights directly from those who design and produce these essential tools.
Resistance bands are popular for their simplicity, compactness, and affordability, making them a top home fitness choice. They’re also crucial for gyms, offering versatile training options that meet members’ needs.
In this guide, you’ll learn the types of resistance bands, its lifespan, key features to look for, and common pitfalls to avoid when buying them.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Quick Comparison Chart
This comparison chart highlights the key differences between various resistance band types and how their material impacts performance. And the best part is that it provides a clear overview of the quality and features of each band, helping you easily rule out options that aren’t suitable for your gym.
Resistance Band Type Comparison Chart
This chart highlights the main differences between resistance band types and how their material affects performance. Here is a detailed chart to guide your decision-making:
Length | Width | Thickness/ Diameter | Resistance Range | Price Level | Snap Resistance | Fitness Level | Exercises | |
Therapy Band | 5-8 feet | 5 inches | Thin | 3-10 lbs | Cheap | Low | Beginner | Stretching, yoga, pilates |
Typical/Mini Loop Band | 1-4 feet | 2 inches | Medium | 20-80 lbs | Cheap (slightly more than therapy bands) | Low | Beginner + Medium | Lower body, stretching |
Power Resistance Loop Band | 7 feet | 2 inches | Medium | Up to 200 lbs | Medium | High | Advanced | Lower & upper body, bodyweight |
Clip Tube Resistance Band | 3 feet | N/A | 6-8 mm | 8-60 lbs | Medium (slightly more than flat bands) | Medium | Beginner + Medium + Advanced | Lower & upper body |
Fit/Handle Tube Resistance Band | 3 feet | N/A | 6-8 mm | 8-60 lbs | Medium-high | Medium | Medium | Lower & upper body |
Figure-8 Resistance Band | 1-2 feet | N/A | 6-8 mm | 7-22 lbs | Cheap-medium | High | Beginner + Medium | Lower & upper body |
Resistance Band Material Comparison Chart
This chart breaks down the different resistance band materials. It highlights the pros and cons of each, helping you make the best choice for your gym. Here are the details:
Latex | TPE | Fabric | |
Material | Natural material | Man-made material | Mixture of fabric and latex |
Elasticity | High elasticity | Medium-high elasticity | Low elasticity |
Versatile | Targets minor and major muscle groups | Targets minor and major muscle groups | Targets mainly major muscle groups |
Age Range | Good for all ages | Good for all ages | Good for young people |
Motion Range | High | High | Low |
Slip Resistance | Low | High | High |
Cleaning | Easy to clean | Easy to clean | Difficult to clean |
Price Range | $10 – $40 | $5 – $25 | $20 – $60 |
Resistance Progression | Provides gradual resistance increase | Provides gradual resistance increase | Limited resistance increase |
Allergies | Can cause skin allergies | No allergies | No allergies |
Ultraviolet and Ozone Resistance | Sensitive to ultraviolet rays and ozone | Better resistance to ultraviolet rays and ozone | Better resistance to ultraviolet rays and ozone |
Environmentally Friendly | Biodegradable | Non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment | Biodegradable |
2. Resistance Band Types
Resistance bands come in a variety of types, each designed to suit different workout needs and fitness levels. Understanding the different types will help you choose the best options for your gym and your clients’ training goals. Resistance bands are generally divided into 2 main types:
- Flat Bands
- Tube Bands
Flat Bands
Flat resistance bands are made from a single piece of flat rubber and do not come with separate handles. These bands are held directly in the hands or wrapped around the body during exercises. Flat bands are popular in physical therapy and are ideal for lower body exercises. The thicker the band, the more resistance it provides. Below are the main types of this band:
#1 Therapy Resistance Band
Therapy resistance bands offered by YR Fitness are flat, thin, and open-ended bands primarily used for rehabilitation. Their enhanced width distributes tension evenly, making them effective for gentle stretches and recovery.
Pros:
- Easy To Carry And Store
- Affordable Due To Simple Design
- Provides Enhanced Flexibility
Cons:
- Difficult To Grip Without Handles
- Prone To Overstretching And Damage
- Not For Muscle-Building Workouts
#2 Pilates Resistance Band
Pilates resistance bands are commonly used in Pilates and yoga workouts to improve flexibility and core strength. These bands are typically thin and flat, perfect for full-body stretches and low-impact exercises. These bands are favored for gentle movements and rehabilitation exercises.
Pros:
- Great for improving flexibility and range of motion.
- Lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry and store.
- Ideal for low-impact exercises and rehabilitation.
- Provides smooth resistance for controlled movements.
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced strength training or heavy resistance exercises.
- Can wear out faster with frequent stretching due to the thin material.
#3 Loop Resistance Band
Loop flat resistance bands are designed as a continuous loop, making them versatile for wrapping around fixed objects or body parts during exercises like bicep curls. They come in regular, mini, and power versions, each varying in size but sharing the same basic structure. Here are the details for each type of loop resistance band:
- Typical Loop Resistance Band: The typical loop resistance band is 1 inch wide and 4 feet long. It’s thicker than therapy bands, making it more durable and ideal for lower body training.
- Mini Loop Resistance Band: These are smaller and thinner with multiple colors and strength levels, perfect for targeting smaller muscle groups like the rotator cuffs, ankles, and legs. Their compact size makes them easy to carry and store any corner of your gym.
Pros:
- Affordable
- The wider design provides even tension distribution, enhancing comfort.
Cons:
- Short length results in higher resistance, which may not be ideal for some exercises.
- Prone to breaking when overstretched.
- Power Loop Resistance Band: These bands are thicker and longer than mini bands. The cool thing is that their size and strength provide more energy potential for tough workouts.
Pros:
- The high resistance level is great for advanced training.
- It’s very durable and less likely to snap because of its thickness.
- It’s a helpful tool for pull-ups and muscle-building exercises.
Cons:
- Its larger size makes it harder to carry around and store.
- More expensive.
Tube Bands
Tube resistance bands are made from either hollow or solid rubber tubing. They offer a wider range of resistance than flat bands, making them better for certain types of training.
However, when wrapped around fixed objects, tube bands can create uneven tension, making some exercises uncomfortable and less effective. Here are the different types of tube bands that you might want in your gym:
#1 Handle / Fit Tube Resistance Band
Handle tube resistance bands, also known as fit tube bands, are equipped with comfortable handles, usually made from plastic or foam, which enhance grip during workouts. These bands are designed for versatility, and many models come with additional features, including:
- Door attachments for exercises like rowing, chest presses, and lat pulldowns.
- Carabiners that allow for swapping out different resistance tubes or stacking multiple tubes for increased resistance.
Pros:
- Convenient, as there’s no need to reattach the band in switching exercises.
- The 2 handles allow for bilateral exercises, engaging both arms simultaneously.
Cons:
- Less suitable for exercises requiring a single handle or unilateral movements.
- Limited use for lower body training, making it harder to isolate leg and glute muscles.
#2 Clip Tube Resistance Band
Clip tube resistance bands are similar to handle tube bands but offer more flexibility, as they feature clip-on ends that can be attached to various accessories such as handles, ankle cuffs, or door anchors. It is made from latex rubber, providing more training options than fixed-handle bands.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of exercise options, copying movements performed on cable machines.
- Delivers smoother, more consistent resistance during workouts.
- Flexible enough to pair with various accessories, increasing its functionality for different exercises.
- Allows for progressive resistance training by stacking multiple tubes simultaneously.
Cons:
- Carrying multiple accessories with the band can reduce its portability and convenience.
- A tube breaking under tension can result in a snapping effect, posing a safety risk.
- Bilateral exercises are not possible unless you use 2 tubes with the same resistance level.
#3 Ring Resistance Band
Ring resistance bands are small, tubular bands with soft handles attached to each side. They are typically around 1 foot in length, which is round, giving them a different feel and function during workouts.
Pros:
- Ideal for lower body exercises like leg and glute workouts.
- Compact and easy to carry due to their small size.
- Soft handles provide a comfortable grip.
Cons:
- Not suitable for upper body training.
#4 Figure-8 Resistance Band
The figure-8 resistance band, also called the bow tie band, is made from latex rubber tubing. It has soft handles on each end with a rubber sleeve in the middle for extra grip. Its short length and unique design make it great for upper body exercises, especially targeting the arms.
Pros:
- Easy to use with soft handles on both ends.
- More affordable compared to other tube resistance bands.
Cons:
- Limited range of motion, offering fewer exercise options.
- Not effective for lower body workouts.
3. Resistance Band Materials
The durability and quality of resistance bands depend on the materials used in their construction. The 3 most common materials are:
- Latex
- Non-latex (TPE)
- Fabric
Latex
Latex is a natural rubber sourced from rubber trees. The process involves making cuts in the tree bark to extract a white liquid that is later processed into rubber. And you know what? Over 90% of resistance bands on the market are made from latex.
Pros:
- Variety of Resistance Levels: Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Elasticity and Strength: Highest elasticity and tensile strength among all materials.
- Better Range of Motion (ROM): Helps prevent injuries and improves flexibility.
- Easy to Clean: Its smooth surface does not absorb dirt.
- Portable: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry.
Cons:
- UV and Ozone Sensitive: Breaks down over time in sunlight.
- Poor Heat Resistance: Latex can be easily degraded in high temperatures.
- Latex Allergies: This material may cause allergic reactions for some people.
- Strong Rubber Smell: Latex odor can be off-putting.
- Slippery When Wet: It can become hard to grip if it gets wet.
Non-latex (TPE)
Non-latex resistance bands are made from TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer), a petroleum-based material. TPE is an excellent alternative for people with latex allergies. YR Fitness offers high-quality TPE resistance bands that provide durability and comfort while offering safety for users with latex sensitivities.
Pros:
- Anti-Allergy: Chemically inert and does not react with other substances.
- UV and Ozone Resistant: More durable than latex in sunlight and outdoor conditions.
- Good Heat Resistance: Can handle higher temperatures.
- Elasticity and Strength: Slightly lower than latex but still effective.
- Durability: Lasts longer than latex bands.
Cons:
- Non-Biodegradable: Harmful to the environment since it doesn’t break down naturally.
Fabric
Fabric resistance bands are made from a combination of latex and stretchable fabric. The fabric material allows these bands to come in unique designs and colors. They are also more user-friendly, offering a smoother feel that’s gentle on the skin. The soft, firm grip prevents the band from slipping, no matter the direction or movement.
Pros:
- Effective Slide Resistance: The fabric material prevents slipping during exercises.
- UV and Ozone Resistant: Durable for outdoor use.
- Skin-Friendly: Gentle on the skin, making it comfortable for long workouts.
- Allergy-Free: Safe for users with latex allergies.
- Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly and doesn’t contribute to pollution.
Cons:
- Low Elasticity: Offers the least stretch, which limits the range of motion during exercises.
- High Resistance Levels: Not suitable for beginners, children, or those in rehabilitation due to higher resistance.
- Hard to Clean: Fabric bands can get dirty easily but can be machine washed.
- Less Portable: Heavier and bulkier than other bands, making them harder to carry around.
- Expensive: Generally more costly compared to latex or TPE bands.
4. Resistance Band Physical Properties
Understanding the physical properties of resistance bands is essential for selecting the right product for your gym. Below are key details on the construction of flat and tube bands, which directly impact their performance and longevity:
Construction
The construction process of a resistance band determines its strength, durability, and overall performance. High-quality bands are designed with specific methods to enhance longevity and prevent damage during intense use.
For Flat Bands:
The most durable flat resistance bands are made using a continuous layering process, which helps prevent damage or tearing. This method increases the band’s durability, making it ideal for heavy use. But here’s the problem: the process is complex, time-consuming, and expensive, leading to higher costs for these bands.
For Tube Bands:
The most durable tube bands are made with “resistance cords,” where multiple tubules are woven together to increase strength. To provide maximum durability, there should be no visible seams on the outside of the tubing. Bands with visible seams are less reliable and should be avoided as they are prone to breaking.
Resistance Level
Resistance bands come in different resistance levels, which depend on the thickness of the tubing or the rubber in flat bands. To make it easier for users to identify the right resistance, most manufacturers color code their bands by resistance level. Here is an example of how a manufacturer color codes their resistance bands:
Color | Resistance Level | Description |
Yellow | Extra Light | Best for beginners and rehab exercises. Suitable for light stretching and gentle muscle activation. |
Blue | Light | Ideal for warm-ups and mobility work, providing slightly more resistance than yellow bands. |
Green | Medium | Commonly used for full-body workouts, providing moderate resistance for strength training. |
Black | Heavy | Suitable for advanced exercises and building muscle strength, offering a challenging resistance level. |
Red | Extra Heavy | Best for experienced users requiring high resistance for strength and power exercises. |
Comfort
A high-quality resistance band should be made from skin-friendly materials to prevent discomfort or irritation during gripping and stretching. According to Grand View Research, the resistance bands market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4%, showing increasing demand for comfortable bands. Investing in bands with added features like handles, cuffs, or clip-ons can enhance overall usability.
4. Resistance Band Accessories
To maximize the effectiveness of resistance band training in your gym, having the right accessories is essential. These tools can increase the versatility of exercises, allowing your members to target multiple muscle groups. Here are some accessories that every gym owner should consider:
- Handles: Attachable handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, making resistance band exercises more user-friendly. They are beneficial for upper body workouts such as chest presses and rows.
- Ankle Straps: These straps allow for the attachment of bands to the ankles, enabling a variety of lower body exercises. They are ideal for targeting the legs and glutes, offering more workout options for your members.
- Door Anchors: A door anchor secures resistance bands at different heights, enabling a broader range of pushing and pulling exercises. This accessory eliminates the need for additional equipment, making it a versatile addition to any gym.
- Carabiners: Carabiners enable stacking multiple bands to increase resistance, providing customizable tension. And on top of that, this flexibility makes them a valuable tool for members seeking more intense resistance training.
- Cuffs: Padded cuffs attach to wrists or ankles, providing comfort and support for pulling or stretching exercises. This accessory is useful for upper and lower body exercises, offering comfort without sacrificing performance.
5. Buying Tips and Traps to Avoid
When purchasing resistance bands for your gym, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, functionality, and durability to avoid potential risks and disappointments. Investing in the right products ensures a better experience for your members and reduces the chances of accidents. Here are some essential tips and common traps to avoid:
- Safety: Avoid cheap, low-quality bands as they can snap and cause injury to users. For instance, always look for bands labeled “snap-resistant” and regularly inspect for seams, cracks, or holes.
- Functionality: Check the range of motion for the bands you plan to buy, as different bands offer varying flexibility. Make sure the band meets the exercise requirements for effective training.
- Material: If any of your members are allergic to latex, opt for TPE or fabric bands as safer alternatives. Why is this so? This helps avoid allergic reactions and keeps training inclusive for all users.
- Color Coding: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s color-coding system, which identifies different resistance levels. Avoid brands that only offer 1 color or resistance level, limiting variety.
- Comfort and Convenience: Consider bands with interchangeable handles for flexibility across exercises. Also, test the grip and comfort level of the handles, as some bands come with hard or oversized handles that may be uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Resistance bands are an essential tool for any gym, offering a wide range of resistance levels and training options. Choosing the right bands for your gym requires attention to quality, durability, and comfort.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on buying the best resistance bands for your gym. If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer of high-quality resistance bands, YR Fitness specializes in providing durable, comfortable, and versatile bands for all fitness levels. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your gym’s needs.
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