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If you're struggling to find a way to exercise away from a gym, have you considered a great resistance band? Resistance band training may just be the best thing that’s ever happened to exercise. You get the same intense muscle workout that you would with weightlifting, but the best resistance bands are lightweight, versatile, and able to go anywhere you do.
Aside from the fact that you can do it in the comfort of your home (or anywhere you are), there are plenty of other perks to this type of workout. Resistance training can offer a variety of health benefits, the most obvious being that it strengthens and tones your muscles. This, in turn, can make you less susceptible to injuries and help build your stamina over time. Resistance bands are also a fantastic tool for increasing flexibility; they can be used to give you a good stretch before and after workouts, and some bands can even take your regular yoga or pilates routine up a notch. Additionally, they can also enhance your posture and improve your balance.
With all the apparent benefits, the only real question is which bands you should buy. I've done all the research for you, rounding up the best resistance bands in a variety of styles, so you can find the right fit for your needs.
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The Best Overall: Fitness Insanity Exercise Resistance Bands
What's great about it: This 10-piece resistance band set has just about everything you could need, with a handful of special attachments that let you customize your workout to your particular fitness style. In addition to the five color-coded bands, this set includes two cushioned handles, two ankle straps, and a door anchor, so you can adapt your movements for a full-body workout. Each 1.2-meter band is marked with a weight indicator and can be used alone or combined for up to 150 pounds of resistance. As a bonus, the set comes with four eBook downloads that walk you through various exercises.
According to one reviewer: "LOVE this set. So versatile and takes up barely any room. It truly is like having a portable home gym. The door anchor is what makes these bands so awesome. Great quality, and I love that the bands are 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 lbs, which is more than most other sets. Love that you can stack them for up to 150 lbs of resistance!"
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The Most Affordable: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
What's great about it: If affordability is what you're after, this simple set is the perfect selection. The no-frills resistance bands forgoes handles and attachments in favor of simple elastic strips that you can hold at the ends or wrap around your hands. The set includes five color-coded bands with varying levels of resistance. In addition to strength training, the latex-free bands are especially great for yoga and rehabilitation
According to one reviewer: "I never knew that elastic bands could cause me to feel so much burn! I was very surprised by how durable and elastic these bands are. Even after prolonged rigorous workout sessions, I have noticed absolutely no wear or tear whatsoever! Extremely good quality for the price."
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The Most Adjustable: DYNAPRO Resistance Bands
What's great about it: The magic in these DYNAPRO resistance bands is that you can adjust the length of the straps for the most comfortable fit, depending on the exercise. The bands can be shortened to do a series of squats or lengthened to do a set of shoulder press reps. The handles are soft and comfy, while the adjustable connector system gives you consistent tension. Available individually or as a complete set, the bands range from 5 to 50 pounds of resistance. One note: the heaviest band can't be adjusted.
According to one reviewer: "These are great resistance bands. I don't have a cable machine in my home gym but these bands do a really good job as a replacement. I ordered the heaviest available initially (black - 35 to 50lbs I believe) and was so happy with it I've ordered the entire collection since. I can mix and match to vary the weight I'm using."
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The Best Belt System: WearBands Resistace Bands and Belt
What's great about it: For folks who really want to up their resistance band game, you can't find a better resistance workout than with this genius WearBands belt system. The patented design essentially ditches the handles and attachments, allowing you to strap the bands directly to your waist and feet. The result is total muscle engagement beginning at your core and continuing through your legs and down to your feet. Available in four sizes, the set includes a unisex belt made of military-grade material, a pair of "socks," and five front-and-rear resistance bands in three lengths.
According to one reviewer: "Great fitness product. I use it to add banded resistance during strength training, cardio, sprints and agility drills. Once I started using them I was firing muscles in ways I hadn't before."
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