Band Types And Their Differences

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Resistance bands are resistance bands right? Unfortunately it is not that easy. There are quite some different versions of resistance bands out there. And that’s why we gonna have a look at all the different versions, see how they are different from one another and what the pros and cons are.

We just gonna jump straight in to it and compare all the different versions in one overview. We took 6 categories and rated 6 resistance band versions regarding these categories. Additionally, we rated the different bands regarding their ability to be used for the following 6 fields:

Muscle Building
Strength Training
Weight Loss
Stretching
Injury Recovery
Toning

But don’t stop here! Further below you can find out what each of the versions is best used for as well as their pros and cons. So don’t choose too quickly.

Oh! Before I forget it… We looked here at the 6 most commonly used bands in the fitness industry. In case you are allergic to latex, we have the right bands for you with a detailed description right here.

	Big Loop	Small Loop	Flat Thera	Handle Tube	Clip Tube	Figure-8
Hurt Potential (Metal Clips)
Versatile Use Of One Band
Resilient To Tearing
No Fillers – 100% Natural Latex
Adjustable Resistance On The Fly
Possibility Of Combining Several Band
Can Be Used For:
Muscle Building
Strength Training
Weight Loss
Stretching
Injury Recovery
Toning

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Big Loop Resistance Bands

The most versatile resistance band version out there. Big Loop resistance bands come in different resistance levels, from very light to super heavy and you can basically do every exercise you would do with free weights. If you get a whole set of big loop resistance bands you basically have a gym in a bag. You can train anywhere and can even pack them for a trip.
The big loops are around 82” long (circumference) have a thickness of 0.18″ and vary in the wideness between 0.5″ to 2.5″. The wider the band is the more resistance it will provide.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Train every muscle in your body as good or even better when weights
You can combine several band together to get more resistance
prevent using momentum and cheating
Resistance can be adjusted by simple grabbing the band further down toward the fix point
Due to its length you can double the band and adjust the resistance in this way
Versatility: From stretching to muscle or even strength training
Have along lifetime even under high stress
Can be used for assisted body weight exercises like pull ups or dips
Can be incorporated into weight training (powerlifting)
Free range of movement: band provide resistance from any angle
Can be used with a lot of attachments to further diversify the choice of exercises
Price: cheap

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Need to get used to the bands: grips, exercises
Recommended to use gloves to prevent stress on the hands

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Small Loop Resistance bands

A great addition for the big loop bands are the smaller brothers of them. The small loops are not that versatile but provide a better size for stabilization work or target specific muscles like the side leg muscles. They are also great for girls who want to rather tone their muscles.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Great to target muscles which big loops are not perfect for
You can combine several band together to get more resistance
Can be incorporated into cardio and HIIT workouts
Have along lifetime even under high stress
prevent using momentum and cheating
Free range of movement: band provide resistance from any angle
Price: cheap

Only specific exercises can be performed
Can’ be used in addition to body weight or free weight exercises

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Flat Resistance Bands (Thera Bands)

These resistance bands follow a different idea. These are not formed in a loop but rather are simply a band with open ends. They are usually made of latex and are quite fin but wider than the loop bands. Most common these bands are used for lighter resistance training and injury recovery exercises.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Very small package size
great for stretching
You can combine several band together to get more resistance
wider range of exercises you can use them for

Less versatile than bis loop bands
Tears are more common due the very thin build of the bands
Can produce not as much resistance compared loop bands
gripping the band is harder since it is thin and doesn’t have connected ends

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Handle Tube Resistance Bands

A different approach to resistance band equipment make the tube resistance bands, which also mostly come with handles attached. Due to the handles these band have open ends in comparison to loop bands. Most versions out there can be adjusted in length with a mechanism in the handles. These bands are especially great if you like to have a firm handle to grab on. They come in variety of resistances from very light to very heavy.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Train every muscle in your body as good or even better when weights
prevent using momentum and cheating
Bands are very heavy duty and have a long lifetime
easy transition from weight to band training due to handles
Adjustable band length in the handle mechanism

Combining several band together is not possible since every band has a handle
Can’ be used in addition to body weight or free weight exercises
The handle connection is a weak spot and can break faster than the band
Adjustment of length takes time
Price is higher than the other versions

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Clip Tube Resistance Bands

This version is an attempt to eliminate the disadvantage of handle tube resistance band by not being able to combine several band together. The idea is to have only one handle and clips at the tube bands which you can use to attach the tube band to the handle. With this it is possible to clip several bands to a handle and adjust the resistance in this way.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Train every muscle in your body as good or even better when weights
prevent using momentum and cheating
You can combine several band together by clipping them to the handle to get more resistance
Bands are very heavy duty and have a long lifetime
easy transition from weight to band training due to handles

Can’ be used in addition to body weight or free weight exercises
The clip is a weak spot and can break faster than the band
Adjustment of resistance takes time
Price is higher than the other versions

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Figure-8 Resistance Bands

This a rather special form of resistance bands. It is shaped as an 8 and has foamed hand protection incorporated in the design. This is also a protection for the band at the same time. It is much shorter than the big loop bands and has a similar length to the small loop bands. Mostly used for toning specific body regions but can still be used for additional exercises like biceps curls or deadlifts.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-thumbs-up” i_color=”green” i_background_style=”rounded” color=”green” border_width=”2″ add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]

Great to target muscles which big loops are not perfect for
You can combine several band together to get more resistance
easier transition from weight to band training due to handles similar design
Can be incorporated into cardio and HIIT workouts
Have along lifetime even under high stress
prevent using momentum and cheating

Less versatile than bis loop bands
Only specific exercises can be performed
Can’ be used in addition to body weight or free weight exercises
Can’t be adjusted in length

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Last but not least a quick overviews which bands are the best choice for the 4 most common training goals.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1588870132613{border-radius: 2px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Muscle Building

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Strength Training

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Weight Loss

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Injury Recovery

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