Getting an effective workout at home appeals to most people. However, choosing the right equipment is key. You don't want to devote your precious time using equipment that doesn't meet your needs. Both bands and dumbbells add resistance, causing your muscles to work and giving you a total-body workout if used properly. They both help build muscle mass, improve posture and stabilize your core muscles.
Benefits
Resistance bands are small rubberized bands that are compact and easily stored for working out at home or on trips or vacations. They allow for more functional exercises and greater range of motion than dumbbells do. They are also used for sports injury prevention and rehabilitation. Dumbbells come in higher weights and are easy to add small increments of weight to. Certain exercises can only be done with dumbbells
Drawbacks
Dumbbells are the more expensive of the two. You will need several sets for different exercises, such as for a chest press or a biceps curl. As your fitness level improves, you also might need to invest in an additional set. Some dumbbells come with adjustable weights, but these are more expensive than resistance bands. Dumbbells are typically bulky and take more space to store. They also might require a bench to perform the exercises on. Resistance bands come in many different strengths, but increasing weight increments is more difficult to judge than simply adding a weight plate.
Functions
Dumbbells can be used simply for upper-body exercises or used as an increased load for lower-body exercises, such as squats and lunges. Resistance bands can also be used for upper-body and lower-body work. The handles can be attached to your feet to add resistance for exercises that tone your legs and butt.
Types
Dumbbells come in almost any weight. Some are also adjustable and allow you to choose different weights for your workouts. Resistance bands come in different strengths and thicknesses. They are typically color-coded for different resistance levels.
Considerations
Before buying resistance bands or dumbbells, decide what type of training you will be doing. If you travel often, resistance bands will be more practical. If you have a workout room or extra storage space, free weights might be a better option. When you work out, if you enjoy the feel of free weights, don't settle for resistance bands. Injuries that decrease your range of motion might make free weights less comfortable. Choose the equipment that meets your particular needs, budget and space constraints.
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