How to pick the right resistance band for you

Resistance bands are compact enough for home workouts and simple enough for beginners.

But don’t be fooled by their simplicity — they get results. Rubber resistance bands tone by stabilizing your different muscle groups at the same time. Not only that, they pack easily and are very affordable compared to other home workout equipment.

If you choose the right resistance band, it can be a very effective workout.

Taking out the guesswork: Choosing the best resistance band

Choosing the right strength

Depending on the brand, the bands are going to be color-coded differently. A general rule of thumb: the thicker the band, the greater the resistance. The thinner the band, the easier it will be to use. What does that mean to you?

First, think about the range of motion. If you have a few feet to go to complete your move, you might want to try a thinner band. If the move calls for less than a foot of movement, a thicker band may do.

Then, think about the muscle group. Legs are usually stronger than arms. Your chest is a bigger muscle than your shoulders. If you use dumbbells, think of the different weights you generally use while working each part of your body. Scale appropriately between your bands.

If you’re unsure where to start, start light! If you can do more than 12 repetitions easily without batting an eye, go up a size. Make sure you’re keeping good form!

What if you only have one resistance band?

You can make exercises more challenging (and vary your workout!) by shortening the length of the band. You can do this by folding it in half, or by standing on the band.

The different shapes of bands

There are different types of bands depending on the exercise you want to do. A figure eight can be used for rotator cuff work, and bands with ankle straps are great for leg work. However, a traditional band with handles can be used for almost everything.