If you are thinking about buying some resistance bands, read this first.
Not all resistance bands are created equal. I've used quite a few brands over my career as a personal trainer and have narrowed the vast field of resistance bands down to two dependable brands: Lifeline Fitness and Stroops.
Lifeline Fitness
I've been using Lifeline Fitness resistance cables (aka resistance bands) for about 10 years, and absolutely love them! I use their triple grip handles, which can hold up to 3 cables per handle. This is incredibly useful because I can simply add an additional cable to each handle when I want to up the challenge or add the other end of one cable to the
same handle to do single handle exercises. The rotating grip handles make exercises like bicep curls and shoulder presses more comfortable because the bulk of the handle rotates as you move through the exercise.
The cables are incredibly strong and durable because Lifeline Fitness cables are constructed with multi-layered latex. In comparison, most other resistance cables have just one layer of latex. The Lifeline Fitness cables can safely stretch three times their original length whereas
most others only stretch twice their original length. Why does that matter? It means you can do more bi-lateral exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, front raises, etc. without needing to do them one side at a time which makes your workout more efficient. It also means that these cable retain their maximum resistance longer. In fact, I've never had to replace any of these cables because they lost their resistance or became too stretched out. I've used these cables in small group training, classes, as well as personal training, which means they've been well used.
Lifeline Fitness cables ranges from 10lbs to 100lbs of resistance. By purchasing three different cables, you can quickly and easily increase the challenge of your workout. I have 10lb, 20lb, and 30lb cables in my gym. To date, that is all I've needed to challenge not only my clients but myself too. As clients get stronger, I either switch them to the next level of cable or add another cable to their handles if appropriate.
In terms of accessories, there are multiple handle options to choose from and a door anchor.
Ready to check out LifeLine cables? Click here
Stroops
I've been using the Stroops Slastix Resistance Bands for about 6 years and have never had a problem with them. Unlike most other resistance bands (or cables) the band is housed in a safety sleeve, making them the safest band on the market.
Why does this matter? If a resistance band breaks during a workout, it could hit you or others around you. However if a Slastix resistance band breaks the safety sleeve protects you because the band can't fly out and hit you if it breaks. Additionally, these bands last longer because the elastic sleeve protects them from wear and tear as well as exposure to the elements.
There are quite a few attachments available with the Stroops Slastix Resistance Bands too! The Slastix resistance band has a steel caribiner at each end of it which allows you to attach it to a wide variety of training accessories thereby making it the most versatile resistance bands I've ever used. So far I've utilized the following accessories: foot strap, power pull belt, textured grip handles, and Fit Stik Bar. However there are also punch cuffs, a shoulder harness, Fit Stick Pro Bar, Pilates Cotton Loops, and a universal swivel belt! To check out all the Stroops attachments click here.
Furthermore, Stroops offers a variety of anchoring options from a simple door anchor to the Spine. Check out all the options here.
The Stroops Slastix Resistance Bands range from 10lbs to 30 lbs of resistance as well as a variety of lengths from 10inches up to 20 feet. With caribiners at both ends of the Slastix, you can combine multiple bands to an attach-
ment such as handles or a foot strap.
Ready to check out Stroops Slastix Resistance Bands? Click here.