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Resistance bands are versatile strength training aids.
They're lightweight, portable, and cost less than a month's membership at most gyms, yet they're still capable of significantly enhancing strength-training workouts.
I considered 23 sets of tires and rated 11, and found that these stackable tube resistance bands from Bodylastics are the best and safest to use for most people.
Very easy to attach to your door so you have enough options for a whole lot of exercises:
If you're looking for excellent pull-up assistance or mini-bands for physical therapy exercises, I've listed those for you in this article as well.
Bodylastics' stackable tube resistance bands have built-in safety guards that we haven't seen in other tires we tested: woven cords tucked into the tubes are intended to prevent overstretching (a common reason tires sometimes break) and also need a avoid a rebound snap.
In addition to five bands of increasing resistance (which can be used in combination to provide up to 45 kg of resistance), the set includes
- a door anchor for creating points at different heights to pull or press against,
- two handles
- and two padded anklets
This is a fairly common set, but we found the Bodylastics set to be generally higher quality than the competition, and the company is one of only two we looked at that also sell extra tires in higher pressures.
Perfect for when you want to expand later (or now).
This five-band set is easy to use and comes with a detailed tutorial, including links to free practice demonstration videos and subscription-based workouts on the company's website and app.
Let's take a quick look at all the choices, then I'll dig deeper into each of these toppers:
| Resistance band | Images |
|---|---|
| Overall best fitness elastics: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands | 
|
| Runner-up: Specific Resistance Bands | 
|
| Most sturdy fitness elastics: Tunturi Power Bands | 
|
| Best resistance bands for crossfit: fruscle | 
|
| Best mini fitness bands: Tunturi mini tire set | 
|
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Best fitness elastics reviewed
Overall Best Fitness Elastics: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands
Each tube in this easy-to-use five-band set is reinforced with an inner cable designed to increase safety.
One of people's biggest concerns about resistance band training is the fear that the rubber could break and potentially injure them.
With an internal cord, Bodylastics stackable tube resistance bands have a unique protection against overstretching, the most common reason for breakage.
Indeed, if you stretch one of the straps to its full length, you will feel the cord grab on the inside, but otherwise the system has no effect on the workout.
No other tubular tires I've reviewed have this feature.
The tires themselves appear to be well-made, with heavy-duty components and reinforced stitching, features that were also highly praised in Amazon's overwhelmingly positive customer ratings (4,8 out of five stars over 2.300 reviews).
They are labeled on both ends with the estimated weight resistance they should provide.
Although those numbers don't really mean much, the labels can help you quickly know which tire to pick, because the proportions are of course correct.
Like all the kits I've reviewed, the Bodylastics kit offers plenty of resistance and plenty of tension combinations, from very light to quite heavy.
The handles feel comfortable and secure in the hand. Bodylastics handles have added the least extra length to the tubes.
A good thing because handle straps that are too long can affect some exercises by adding unnecessary slack and thus no tension.
The door anchor strap is padded with the same soft neoprene from the ankle straps, which also seems to protect the straps from damage.
One complaint: the already visible oxidation on the carabiners, so if you sweat a lot, I think you should pay extra attention to this.
The Bodylastics handles were the favorite of the test group. However, those large metal rings can get in the way with some exercises.
The Bodylastics door anchor is lined with neoprene padding to protect the tubes, but the large foam around the anchor end may degrade a bit faster than the material on other anchors I've seen.
The Bodylastics kit comes with a comprehensive guide, with suggested URLs for free online videos on how to do everything from door installation to 34 exercises.
They have on their site for example, also a lot of exercises and are also active on Youtube to show you everything about fastening the tires to handy training.
These are grouped by muscle groups and are also cleverly photographed and described, including strap placement and handle use.
Overall, this was the best guide to any of the sets I've looked at, and the free workout instructions, available through the app and on YouTube, are a nice bonus.
Especially since no other tube set I've reviewed here has explained how to do exercises in a complete workout.
For a fee you can buy additional Bodylastics training sessions via eternitywarriorfit.com.
The Bodylastics kit offers many tension combinations, from very light to quite heavy.
The anklets work great for leg exercises, but are quite long — not form-fitting like some other sets.
Even with the shorter than most Bodylastics handles, some exercises should be done with the tubes alone for proper tension.
Unlike most companies that sell resistance bands, Bodylastics also sells individual bands, replacing or supplementing those in this kit.
Flaws but no deal breakers
Our pick was the only set I looked at that had small carabiners on each strap, with a large ring on the handle/ankle strap to clip onto (most sets have smaller rings on the straps and one large carabiner on the fasteners).
The large rings on the Bodylastics bands can get in the way and puncture the forearms or cause some rubbing during certain exercises such as chest or overhead pushes.
Also read more about the right fitness gloves if you are serious about getting started with exercises.
The anklets that come with this set are longer than most. If you prefer a snug fit, you may not be happy with this set.
Most door anchors with resistance bands are difficult to get into place, and the Bodylastics was no exception.
While it worked fine, I'd be concerned that the thick foam around it will deteriorate faster than the materials on other door anchors I've looked at.
Right out of the box, the metal of the carabiners on these tires looked slightly oxidized. This did not affect their function.
Runner up: Specifit Resistance Bands
This five-band set is well made, with a good manual and storage bag, but it lacks the top choice tube-reinforcement cords, and also costs more.
If the Bodylastics is not available, I recommend this one. It also seems to be a bit sturdier, but you sacrifice a bit on ease of use, in my opinion.
Consisting of four superbands plus attachable handles and an anchor, this set is ideal for those who frequently train using resistance bands.
This set matches the top pick in terms of overall build quality (minus the inner safety lanyard, which only my top pick had).
From the handy manual to the nicer-than-most carrying case to the rubberized handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip, this kit will give a professional look to your home workout.
In addition, the ankle straps can be adjusted much tighter, which provides a more secure feeling.
The included door anchors, a large ring sewn into a wide nylon strap, also seem a bit more durable than the foam-covered body elastics, and two sets allow you to position them at different levels so you don't have to make frequent adjustments mid-workout.
However, the heavily reinforced straps were a little harder to fit into a jamb compared to others we've looked at.
The set comes with five tires. Based on my thickness measurements, it's only missing the lightest. This is probably not much of a problem for most people.
However, in my estimation it reduces the total load you can make with all the tires at once.
Like the bands in our selection, these bands are conveniently labeled on both ends.
The handles are nicely made, with significantly reinforced stitching, but they are not as satisfying to hold as Bodylastics.
The anchor is heavily reinforced and the kit comes generously with two. One Bodylastics anchor (bottom) has foam around the loop to protect the tubes - a good thing - and foam on the anchor side - less good, as it can break more quickly.
The manual is nicely illustrated and clearly written, especially the kit setup section.
The glossy manual is thorough, if not as detailed as Bodylastics's.
The 27 included exercises are clearly explained and organized by anchor location rather than body part.
In a way, this makes sense, because it's absolutely annoying—not to mention training disruptive—to have to move the anchor when transitioning from one exercise to the next.
On the other hand, since the GoFit set comes with two anchors, this is less of an issue.
And with little indication to the reader of which muscles each exercise targets (other than those named after body parts, such as chest press), it may not be as helpful to someone less familiar with band training.
Furthermore, the manual does not provide structured training, neither in the manual nor on the website, so if you don't know what you're doing, you'll have to figure it out yourself.
The kneeling pull-down exercise helped determine that these five bands together felt less resistance than the Bodylastics bands.
Most sturdy fitness elastics: Tunturi power bands
Our upgrade pick for the best resistance bands, the Tunturi power bands set.
Consisting of five super bands, this set is ideal for those who often train using resistance bands.
If you're serious about resistance band training, this package is worth considering.
The kit comes with five bands, from orange to black in different resistances and thicknesses.
Used individually or in combination, you'll get loads comparable to the mid-range on most tube sets, but also well beyond what they can deliver.
The bands are made by fusing overlay and many sheets of thin latex around a core, of which the American College of Sports Medicine says this is the most sustainable manufacture.
While most tubular tires with a handle will last about a year, Tunturi says the tires should last two to three years when used according to the company's instructions.
No door anchor with this set, but you can use it perfectly on other fitness equipment, such as a barbell for squats (squatrack called like this) or maybe a pullup bar on your door frame.
Read Everything about pullup bars here too that will really make a difference in your arm muscles and back muscles if you also want to train for that.
You can also use the straps without being attached to anything else by putting them directly around your hands, arms or legs or looping them around your limbs, which isn't as comfortable as using handles or ankle straps, but it is. provides additional training options.
The consensus among trainers I consulted was that this kit is good value despite its higher price tag, but only if you're motivated to actually use it.
View the most current prices and availability here
Best Resistance Bands for Crossfit: Fruscle
For assisted pull-ups and other super band exercises, Fruscle's are the best in their price range.
Anyone who has ever set foot in a CrossFit gym has probably seen such resistance bands.
Like Tunturi's bands, Fruscle Bands are made from overlay and fused sheets of latex, making them more durable than most molded loops.
The set comes with four tires of increasing size. The heaviest tire may not be necessary for most people, but perfect for the top performers.
Serious Steel's lighter bands are great for assisting pull-ups (provided you don't need more support).
The heft of the largest band is probably too much for most people, and after playing with these and other super bands, I'd recommend that if you need a lot of help (or want a lot of resistance for other exercises), you get two of the smaller ones. used instead of this big one.
Compared to those in another super tire kit I looked at, Fruscle .'s tires had
- a uniform length
- smooth stretch
- a nice tactile, powdery grip
- and, surprisingly, even a pleasant, vanilla-like scent
While they are more expensive than some of the other excellent ones I've considered, I'm confident their higher quality is worth the extra cost.
Best mini fitness bands: Tunturi mini bands set
For rehabilitation or rehab, these mini-straps are higher quality and more useful than the competition.
It would be hard to find a modern physiotherapy clinic without some sort of mini bands, and with their low cost, it's not a huge investment to buy one yourself for home exercises.
The Tunturi Mini Bands were the best I've watched.
They have indeed outperformed, starting with the simple fact that they are shorter and therefore able to resist faster in every range of motion, something several Bol reviewers have also praised.
The Perform Better bands (below) are much shorter than others, but that's actually a good thing to provide enough resistance in a wider variety of exercises.
This set comes with five tires. External rotation of the shoulder may be a challenge with the shorter Tunturi mini straps, even with the lightest resistance.
One complaint we've heard about these types of bands in general is that they tend to curl up and pull on body hair.
If the possibility of accidental pulling is a problem for you, we recommend that you wear sleeves or pants while using such mini-straps.
This is something that every kind of mini-strap brand will have.
When do you use resistance bands?
Resistance bands provide an easy way to challenge your strength without the mess and expense of bulky, heavy weights.
By stretching against your force in pushing or pulling exercises, these rubber tubes or flat loops add extra stress, both on the action and on the return.
This means that you can effectively gain strength without having to lift heavy things against gravity, and because the tires themselves need some control, they will also improve your stabilization.
You can also use certain bands (usually superbands) to aid certain bodyweight exercises, such as pull-ups and push-ups, so that you can train the full range of motion while building enough strength to no longer need assistance.
Finally, physical therapists often recommend that their rehabilitation and pre-hab clients use bands (usually mini bands) for adding light or targeted resistance to hip or shoulder strengthening exercises.
How the choices are determined
As an athlete, I like tires because they add resistance without adding weight, and provide tension independent of gravity.
This means you can take actions like rowing or chest pressing from a standing position rather than a prone or reclined position.
Bands also make it easy to add pulls to a program, which strengthen back muscles usually neglected in at-home weight workouts.
I looked at the three main types of resistance bands:
- Interchangeable tubes can be added together and clipped to a handle or ankle strap and anchored to create a secure pulling point for pulling or pushing. The tubes themselves are hollow inside and can have reinforcements outside or inside to prevent the tube from being overloaded.
- Superbands look like giant rubber bands. You can use them yourself or attach them to a beam or post by looping one end around the beam and through the loop and pulling tight. Some companies sell handles and anchors individually, or as part of a set.
- Mini bands are flat loops and are usually used by forming a loop around a limb or limbs so that another part of the body becomes the point of tension.
For this guide, I decided to go with sets rather than resistance bands sold separately.
Experts and trainers emphasize the importance of using different resistances for different exercises, as well as the ability to increase the resistance as you get stronger.
If you can easily stretch each band to the end of the tension in a given exercise (or have to do this to feel the effects of the exercise), not only will you not be getting proper strength adjustments in your muscles, but the integrity of your muscles will also be compromised. endanger the tire by constantly pushing it towards the potential break point.
Some tube sets come with an anchor, which consists of a looped strap, usually made of woven nylon, and a large, covered plastic bead on the opposite end.
You thread the loop end between the door frame and the door on the hinge side and then close (and ideally lock the door) so that the bead is securely fastened to the other side of the door.
You can then put a tube or tubes through the loop. Some super tire manufacturers sell individual anchors similar to the tube sets.
To narrow down the dozens of options by type, I took into account customer reviews, from sites like bol.com, Decathlon, and Amazon.
I've preferred brands that I've seen popping in to over some of the lesser-known ones on online retailer's bestseller lists.
I also factored in the price, bearing in mind that the resistance bands are supposed to last longer than a year or so.
Conclusion
All resistance band manufacturers have claims about the amount of tension each band provides.
But experts we interviewed said you should take those numbers with a grain of salt.
Because of the increasing tension toward the end of the band's stretch, bands are best used for exercises that need to get harder or put the most strain on the muscles at the end of the range of motion.
Things like pushing and rowing are well suited to resistance bands, bicep curls, where the muscle needs the most stress in the middle of the movement, are less so.
Furthermore, the weight levels provided by the manufacturers vary wildly for tires that look, feel, and appear to be similar in size and dimensions.
The most important thing when choosing which bands to use while exercising is to challenge yourself.
If you can easily stretch the band to the end of its safe range — about one and a half to two times its resting length — for a million reps, you won't get much of a strength advantage.
A good rule of thumb: choose a band that you can handle with good form and where you are able to control the release of the movement and not let it bounce back.
When you can hold this for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions of a certain exercise, you have good band resistance.
If that's too easy or is starting to get too easy, it's time to increase your resistance.
Also read: these are the best fitness hula hoops if you want to try a new workout
