Resistance bands are a portable and lightweight strength-training tool. These long, elastic bands provide resistance for various strength exercises. Resistance bands are available as bands, tubing or loops. Each category of resistance band has benefits and drawbacks, but you can use any of them to do a number of different strength exercises.
Identification
Resistance bands have several names, including exercise bands, exercise tubing and workout bands; all these terms are used interchangeably to refer to an elastic band or tube that provides exercise resistance. Resistance bands come in several different tensions, from extra light to ultra heavy. The fitness industry does not have a standard color code for the resistance levels, but in general, the lighter the color of the band, the lighter the tension. For example, a yellow band usually offers less tension than a dark purple band.
Bands
Resistance bands are long, flat and wide. The dimensions vary between brands, but typically, a resistance band is between 4 inches and 5.5 inches wide. You buy the bands in a bulk roll and cut them to the desired length. Resistance bands do not usually include handles, but you can tie the bands to handles that you purchase separately. If you don't have a handle, simply wrap the band around your hand for a secure grip.
Tubing
Resistance tubing is long, thin and tubular-shaped. The length varies, but most resistance tubes are between 3 feet and 6 feet long. You can purchase resistance tubing in bulk or as a single item. A single resistance tube has handles on each end that you hold in your hands to do different exercises. The handles are similar to a single D-handle on a cable machine.
Use resistance bands and tubing for both upper and lower body exercises, such as biceps curls, triceps extensions, rows, squats and presses. Anchor the band or tubing with your feet or wrap it around a post or other secure object.
Loops
Resistance loops are circular bands with no ends. These resistance bands are great for doing lower body exercises because you can step into the loop and wrap it around your ankles or thighs. You can also use exercise loops for upper body exercises, although the loops are shorter than tubes or bands so you will not have as much length to work with. Some exercise loops include foam padding that protects your skin from abrasions, while others have cuffs that wrap around your ankles.
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