Build Muscle with Resistance Bands – BoomerMuscle

Build Muscle with Resistance Bands

man using bands

An entire home gym in a small bag

Price Range: Typically in the $30 to $50 range.

Resistance Bands are a great option for anyone who does not want to join a gym or who can’t afford to outfit their home with lots of traditional equipment.

Plus, you can pack your entire gym in a small bag and take it with you anywhere you go. Today’s resistance bands are really quite remarkable.

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Bicep curls with resistance bands

One of the things I like best about them: they apply continuous resistance to the targeted muscle through the entire range of motion. That’s ultimately what builds muscle — constant tension.

In some ways, bands do it better than conventional weights or machines. The reason? It’s much easier to ‘cheat’ with weights.

It’s easier to get sloppy with a barbell and — instead of keeping constant tension on the muscle — let gravity take over at times to lower a weight. With bands, the tension remains even and constant.

But wait, you might be thinking these things are too wimpy to really build muscle. Well, not so fast. There are all kinds of resistance bands available, even some heavy duty versions that pack a lot of resistance. Plus, you can use more than one band at a time, allowing you to quickly and easily increase or decrease the tension.

I use bands along with weights

Personally, I use both traditional equipment and bands. I’ve been at this for a long time and have gathered lots of gear over the years. But if I was just starting out from scratch today, I would opt for a set of bands. For less than $50, you can get what amounts to an entire gym worth of exercises. You can always add to your collection from there.

I have 3 sets at home that both my wife and I use. They all provide a door anchor device that allows you to use the door as a mounting place to anchor the bands. We use our heavy front door, with a deadbolt lock, when we work out.

Most all will come with the necessary attachments: Door anchors that allow you to use a sturdy door as an anchor point for a wide variety of exercises. Ankle straps for lower body work and handles for upper body exercises. And you can adjust the amount of resistance by simply attaching more bands to the handles.

Check out my favorites:

Pinjian:

Pinjian — Beginners. Heavy duty, made from quality rubber latex. Set includes Door anchors, Ankle Straps, Foam Handles, a Chest Expander, Exercise Guide and a storage bag.

This set does not include shorter bands, just one length. But that shouldn’t get in the way of doing a full body workout.

Pinjian bands are generally very inexpensive. Under $15 at times.

Pinjian says:

  • Highest quality the pinion resistance band set is made of rubber latex
  • The real deal our resistance bands come with all the possible accessories you’d ever need and more
  • Portable the resistance band set is packed in a small storage bag and extremely easy to set it up for workout at anywhere(indoor/outdoor)
  • Free bonus besides all the resistance bands and accessories, we also offer a $9 worth chest expander

Koyto:

Koyto resistance bands

Koyto Bands

Koyto — Intermediate. A great all-in-one package that includes shorter bands to focus on lower body exercises and all the accessories and handles you need. Includes an e-book workout manual. Typically lists for under $30. Click the picture to see the latest price.

Koyto says:

  • Includes 5 long resistance tubes (2-4 lbs, 4-6 lbs, 10-12 lbs, 15-20 lbs, 25-30 lbs), 4 short ankle resistance bands (2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 15 lbs), two foam handles with metal clips, door anchor, two wrist exercise straps with d-ring, two ankle straps with 2-d rings, and carry bag.
  • A quality set with everything you need for a full body workout. Koyto offers a lifetime guarantee with a full refund if you’re not satisfied

Black Mountain:

Black Mountain

Black Mountain — Intermediate pricing. Includes pretty much everything you need for  a full body workout:

Black Mountain says:

  • Bands included: Yellow (2-4 lbs.), blue (4-6 lbs.), green (10-12 lbs.), black (15-20 lbs.) and Red (25-30 lbs.). All bands are 48 inches in length
  • This stackable set of resistance bands can produce up to 75 lbs
  • Features a metal clipping System on bands for attachment to soft-grip handles or ankle straps
  • Includes a door anchor, exercise chart, carrying bag, ankle strap and starter guide
  • All Black Mountain Products come with a manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty

GoFit Extreme Pro:

GoFit Power Tubes

GoFit Power Tubes

GoFit Extreme Pro Gym Set — Advanced and experienced. These are more hardcore for stronger bodies. And these are the bands I use most often. Has 4 bands that go from 20 to 50 lbs of resistance and can be combined for up to 140 lbs. You can also add to this set ala carte and purchase bands rated up to 100 lbs resistance. So, even if you’re experienced and pretty strong, this set can provide more than enough challenge to your muscles. Comes with a nice, laminated workout manual. Does not include shorter bands, just one length.

Not the cheapest. But if you’ve got some strength already, you’ll appreciate the extra ‘oomph’ these bands pack.

GoFit says:

  • Kit includes:
  • 20lb tube, 30lb tube
  • 40lb tube, 50lb tube
  • 4 Premium Rubber Resistance Tubes: 20 LB(Green), 30 LB (Red), 40 LB (Blue), 50 LB (Orange)
  • Resistance Tubes have extra thick nylon webbing, reinforced stitching and heavy duty metal connecting rings
  • 2 professional grade handles with easy grip rubber with heavy caliber
  • 2 door anchors with thick nylon webbing
  • 2 reinforced and padded ankle straps and 1 professionally developed laminated exercise manual plus 1 bag

Checkout at a full-body resistance band workout here. I look a little silly cuz I sped it up. But, I don’t know about you, but I hate slow videos 🙂

Full Workout in Fast Motion

If you have any questions about Resistance Bands, please feel free to leave a comment below, or drop me a note at Brian@BoomerMuscle.com

You can get my 5 Keys to Feeling Stronger – Right Away! by clicking here. Free. No sales pitch. Brief video on the 5 Keys plus a couple of downloadable guides.

Brian Patterson

I've been resistance training for nearly 50 years. As a younger man, I used to believe in using ever-increasing amounts of weight. Until one day in my mid-50's, my aching joints could not take the punishment any more. I had to develop a new way of working out that was effective, but free of pain. I found it. It works great. I'd like to share it with you.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below

Brian Patterson - July 24, 2021 Reply

Not necessarily better, but bands can give you a great workout. They can maintain smooth, constant tension. But which is better depends on the person. What works best for you is the best. I use bands, free weights and machines. I like them all.

Eric - July 23, 2021 Reply

Is utilizing bands for strength training better than using free weights or machines? Thank you for bringing this post to our attention.

Gymsportz.sg - October 10, 2020 Reply

Nice Post! The resistant band is the best option to build muscle, and it’s easy to carry. Thanks for sharing.

Brian Patterson - February 15, 2017 Reply

I hear you. I use a bit of everything in my workouts, dumbbells, barbells, machines and bands. One reason I tend to give bands a good mention is for all the folks who don’t own any equipment now and don’t belong to a gym. They really can be used on your whole body and they are inexpensive. The key is always to make sure you’re using the right amount of resistance, regardless of what type of equipment you’re using. The resistance has to take you to failure within those 8 – 12 reps on each set. Thanks for stopping by!

Lindsey - February 14, 2017 Reply

I think I like dumbbells more than resistance bands. I guess it’s like what you said. When I use resistance bands, I feel like they can’t do much to build muscle. I would use a dumbbell over a resistance band any day. Probably, the only time I would choose it is if I am going out and would like to keep up my exercise routine. It’s really good for taking around as you said. The options you have here look really good. Mine are a little old so may really consider getting some new ones. Thanks for the suggestions.

Brian Patterson - February 14, 2017 Reply

No pain is the only way to go, especially at our age. Glad you enjoyed the post. Bands have really progressed these days. Try the Go Fit if you want extra resistance.
Thanks again

Tony - February 14, 2017 Reply

Great advice Brian, I stepped on the scales just this morning and did not like what I saw. It is amazing just how quickly the pounds go on and how hard they are to come off. I have used bands in the past, but not to the extent that you are suggesting. By the way, you capture my thought with your header: “No Insanity or Pain”. Yea, I am done with the hard core stuff. Thanks,

Brian Patterson - February 14, 2017 Reply

Glad to hear your are having a great experience with resistance bands. They are amazing, effective and so easily portable.

Fabi I - February 14, 2017 Reply

Hey Brian
a friend showed me a resistance band and I was so excited that I bought one for myself. I can take it on vacation and train everywhere like in the park, at the beach or at home.
I’m using it for every kind of workout. It is a fantastic investment I think 🙂
Have a nice day!

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