Flat and Thin Forms of Resistance Bands

Resistance bands and tubings bands are becoming a more popular for rehabilitation and training tool due to their effectiveness, low price, and easy portability. They are mainly used to improve your muscular strength. Resistance tubes and bands are similar training tools. One can often be substituted for the other, but there are some fundamental differences between the two.

Shape

The form of the bands is the biggest and most noticeable difference between the two training tools. This is what gives them their different two names. Resistance bands are flat pieces of elastic that can tend to be at least several inches wide. Resistance tubes are round pieces of elastic with a hole in the middle which creates the tube shape. Most tubes measure to be about less than 1 inch in diameter.

Handles

The inclusion of the handles is another big difference between both bands. Although handles can be fitted on both bands and tubes, they are more often found with resistance tubes. Many different styles of handles can be found on various resistance tubing. Some come permanently attached to the tubing while others can be removed and switched from one tube to another. The broad but flat orientation of resistance bands does not lend itself as easily to the inclusion of the handle; a few varieties are available but often at an additional cost.

Pros of Flat Resistance Bands

Exercises

Most tasks can be completed successfully with either type of resistance material, but a few activities are completed with greater ease when using one version over the other. Activities that call for the resistance cord to be anchored to the floor, such as when used to add strength to the bench press, are best completed with a resistance band. Exercises that require the strength be held or attached to pulleys are best achieved with resistance tubes.

Varieties

Several types are available in both resistance bands and resistance tubing. One type that is closely associated with resistance bands are loops that can be used for lateral movements. One type that is related to resistance tubes is those that are attached to steps, chairs or other stationary objects. Overall, resistance tubing is more associated with many variations than that of bands.

A key advantage of the flat resistance bands is greater comfort in use. When you’ve got the band wrapped around your foot to do curls, for example, the pressure is evenly distributed. Since tubes are comparatively thin, the strength is noticeable against your body which some may be bothersome to some depending on the application.

It’s ideal for travel as flat bands can be folded and fit into tight spaces in suitcases. To top it off, they’re lighter than tubes.

Better for kids, older folks with weak joints, or simple rehabilitation exercises.

Maybe the best choice for specific activities associated with Pilates and yoga in which Increasing one’s strength is not the key motivating factor for use.

Pros of Resistance Tubes

Resistance tubes are resilient and last significantly longer than flat resistance bands. Bodylastics in particular feature “snap guard” which is an inner core that prevents you from over-stretching the band.

Tubes offer more choices regarding resistance for different applications.

For serious athletes and active people, tubes are better for heavier exercises. Fans of programs on the more intense side such as P90X, P90X3, and FOCUS T25 will prefer to stick with tubes.

Resistance band kits sometimes can be more extensive with as much as 31 pieces included with the Bodylastics Mega Resistance Bands sets. Some of the sets can include door anchors, different types of handles, ankles straps and even carrying cases are included in any decent set.

Flat and Thin Resistance Bands

Flat and thin resistance bands are quite simple bands that you can manipulate to boost your strength. These bands do not come with extra attachments and are usually about four feet in length. These types of exercise bands are ideal for toning your lower body or strengthen your ankles. As with all kinds of resistance bands, flat and thin resistance bands come in individual colors that indicate their level of resistance.

Cost of Resistance Bands

If your goal is to use one or more resistance bands for strength training and general fitness, it’s important to select the most appropriate resistance level. Many sets offer little to high resistance levels, allowing you to increase the resistance as your fitness levels improve. Training with elastic resistance can help prevent you from injury and assist in strengthening your muscles, making you a stronger athlete or individual overall. They’re a very convenient size for when you might be traveling. Resistance bands are typically available in tube and loop styles. Tube bands often have handles and are ideal for strength training exercises. Loop bands don’t have handles and tend to lie flat against the body. Browse a wider selection of resistance bands on Amazon for more options if this list doesn’t have what you need.

These durable resistance bands are commonly made with a natural latex material and are usually ideal for a wide variety of workouts. There are five separate resistance levels to choose from based on your level of fitness. Each band is hand tested before it’s shipped to ensure the highest quality product. Included with the bands is an instructional booklet is along with an eBook to help you get started. You could also search online video workouts to use as a guide.

Cost can vary widely depending on the brand, resistance level and amount of material purchased, but it is also true that cost ranges from tubes and bands. Most often, you will find that bands are more cost effective than tubes. Bands and tubes can both be bought in bulk which can then be cut down to the size needed. This can help save on costs. Buying bands in bulk are commonly found when owning a gym or an active user that likes to add variety to their workouts.

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