Resistance bands can be a popular option for people of all fitness levels, ranging from beginners to intermediate to advanced. Depending on your level of experience with exercise, they may also be a more appropriate option than high intensity interval training for certain populations, according to the CDC.
For one, research suggests that training with resistance bands can be beneficial for older women with osteosarcopenic obesity, per the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Additionally, when compared with traditional resistance training, elastic resistance training with tubes and Thera-bands showed similar improvements in strength, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis from SAGE Open Medicine.
Plus, if you don’t belong to a gym with free weights or have access to equipment, buying a few resistance bands can make for an affordable and lightweight option to reach for in a pinch. The best part? They are equally easy to store at home or take with you on the go. If you’re interested in stocking up on your own set or two, we’re rounding up a list of 15 best resistance bands options to try ahead.