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Women's HealthSat, April 18, 2026 at 6:55 PM UTCresistance bands and a person exercising

The 6 Best Resistance Bands and How to Pick OneTheraBand/Getty Images/Jason Speakman

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When it comes to versatile, portable, and affordable training gear, a resistance band is the best bet. It’s perfect for those times when weights or machines aren’t an option (or when you’re just not in the mood!). Resistance bands are also great for elevating your favorite bodyweight exercises, such as squats or bicycle crunches.

“I love resistance bands because they can elevate any workout by providing extra tension that is different from what weights are able to provide,” says Sami Clarke, NASM, a certified fitness trainer and founder of FORM. “They are great for increasing strength for a variety of levels without overextending your body.”

Resistance bands add an extra challenge to your workouts while assisting with harder exercises you’re trying to master, like pull-ups. Plus, it’s incredible for muscle activation in warm-ups and enhancing your stretching exercises. There are many kinds of bands to choose from, each catering to a different fitness need. However, all the best resistance bands share similar durability, elasticity, and comfort. This makes it a reliable and versatile tool that can be easily integrated into any fitness routine.

*Additional reporting by Emily J. Schiffer

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