Resistance bands and strength tubing are a convenient and cost-effective way to spice up any client's workout. Light, portable and available in a variety of strengths, lengths and loops, they add a satisfying amount of challenge to almost any exercise for any fitness level.
Flex-Band® vs. Strength Tubing™ vs. Resistance Loop™ — What's the difference?
All three accessories are designed to add resistance and help strengthen and sculpt muscles. But each one is ideal for specific types of exercises. Here's a quick rundown of the specific benefits of each prop.
1. Flex-Band®
Available as a long, straight piece in latex and non-latex versions, this versatile resistance band is designed for maximum comfort and stretch, and is often used in mindful movement practice. The user can elect to increase the tension by moving hands closer together to shorten the band or decrease the tension by moving hands further away. If grip is an issue, you can purchase handles separately.
Flex-Band® Loops
Our new loop version, which comes in two strengths and lengths, can be placed around the ankles, calves and above the knees for lower-body movements, and around the wrists or forearms for upper-body strengthening. They're also ideal for targeting the abductors and adductors: Try looping them just above the knees in a side-lying position for clamshells.
Quick tip: The Flex-Band and Flex-Band Loops are also ideal for physical therapy and injury recovery exercises. For best results, keep wrists neutral while holding the band, don't bend the wrists. When placing it around the legs or ankles, spread it out flat so it doesn't roll up into a cord shape.
2. Strength Tubing
Great for movements where you need a comfortable grip and a higher level of resistance, these tubes with handles are popular for cardio-based exercises and more intense programming. They're available in two styles: Strength Tubing - Core is designed for upper body and core movements, and come in two strengths with easy-to-grip foam handles. Strength Tubing - Ankle is a closed loop with Velcro-fastened ankle cuffs to keep it in place as you move. It comes in three strengths and is great for toning all lower body muscle groups.
Quick tip: Since legs are stronger than arms— and some clients are stronger than others— having a collection of bands with different tensions ensures no exercise is too easy or too hard for any client.
3. Resistance Loop™
Available in two lengths in light and regular strength, this continuous loop differs from the Flex-Band in a couple of ways. Originally designed for fascial movement, the band is thicker but narrower, making it a sturdier, more durable band that can support weight and offer greater resistance. You can loop it around the hands or feet (or both - using the XL version for a "starfish" movement to strengthen the back), onto a Stability Barre or other fixed and stable surface for rows, bicep curls, pull-downs and kickbacks, or to support chin-ups and dips when looped under the feet.
Need some ideas for adding bands and tubing into your programming? Check out these videos:
Props for fascial movement: Resistance Loop
Prenatal workout with Stability Ball and Flex-Band
Dynamic Resistance Training with Tubing