In gymnastics, the basis of most exercises is stretching. Good stretching allows you to perform the most important elements of rhythmic gymnastics without errors. From the very first lessons, young gymnasts begin to pull, that is, stretch their ligaments and muscles. In addition, trainers advise performing stretching exercises at home. By training at home, you can improve your performance, making the elements easier and faster. For home exercises, a stretching band is ideal. This expander exercise machine is convenient and safe for stretching a young athlete at home due to the fact that it puts minimal stress on the joints and connective tissues.
An elastic expander allows you to stretch your muscles calmly and measuredly.
Rating of elastic bands for fitness
Sports elastic bands for fitness differ in production materials, sizes, and intended use for specific muscle groups. Taking these features into account, we first selected reliable manufacturers, and then studied their products and identified the leaders in terms of demand and the number of positive reviews.
When ranking the top positions, we compared several characteristics:
- Type of expander;
- Materials, hypoallergenic, safety;
- Dimensions, weight, compactness;
- Elasticity, stretchability;
- Level of resistance, load capacity;
- Number of units included;
- What level of professionalism is suitable;
- Target audience, age indications;
- Target muscle groups;
- Price, company reputation.
A comparative analysis helped to compile a top list of 7 positions. For convenience, we divided the nominees into 2 categories - latex and fabric models. Thanks to the recommendations of trainers, bloggers from this field, and customer reviews, we have outlined the pros and cons of each product.
The best fitballs
Recommendations for training
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances and understand how to properly exercise with stretching rubber. When used correctly, rubber significantly increases work efficiency.
- When performing exercises, do not forget about breathing and active pre-warm-up before stretching.
- Increase the rigidity of your equipment gradually. You should not start working with a hard elastic band, even if you have mastered the initial level of stretching. It is important to get used to any equipment gradually.
The best latex elastic bands for fitness
The most common type on sale is latex rubber bands. This is a budget segment; products are characterized by increased elasticity, flexibility, and a long service life. The main advantages are compactness, light weight, bright design. The downside is the risk of developing an allergy to artificial material. 4 elastic bands for fitness expanders received the best reviews.
Baziator P0072
The first position of the top is occupied by a set of bright, compact factory-quality ribbons. Small ring shape fits in your pocket. The manufacturer is a trading company-importer from China “Baziator”.
Material – 100% latex. It is flexible, elastic, moderately elastic, safe for children, animals, and allergy sufferers. Why are there 5 rubber bands in the “mini bands” set? It's all about the degree of rigidity of each unit. It is different, so you can vary the level of load on the muscles. Different colors allow you to distinguish the ribbons from each other.
In the kit, the manufacturer includes a selection of effective exercises, instructions for performing them along with accessories, as well as a storage bag. The length of one unit is 30 cm (circumference 60 cm), width 5 cm, total weight 110 g.
Advantages:
- Hypoallergenic latex;
- 5 resistance levels;
- Storage bag;
- Instructions for use;
- Factory quality;
- Compactness.
Flaws:
- Not sold individually;
- The resistance level on the elastic band itself is not indicated.
The degree of resistance is determined by the color of the tape. The lightest green is 2-4 kg, followed by blue 4-6 kg, yellow 6-9 kg, red 11-13 kg, black 13-18 kg. Regular use promises fat burning, muscle strengthening, and buttock tone.
Bradex SF 0194
In second position is an expander tape from the Israeli brand of household appliances and consumer goods “Bradex”. This is a universal model in a practical color that trains all muscle groups.
Unlike the previously presented nominee, one belt is proposed here, but its degree of resistance and load capacity reaches 22 kg. Material – latex of increased density and thickness. Despite this, the tape is compact, easy to transport, and takes up minimal space.
The maximum size to which the model can stretch is 208 cm in length, 2.1 cm in width. Its total weight is 217 g. The latex is thick, which increases reliability, resistance to tears and damage. Black color.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Increased load capacity;
- Strong latex;
- Dark color;
- Good stretchability;
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Not always a convenient length;
- Not suitable for a beginner.
This product is recommended for athletes with experience behind them, for whom basic exercises do not seem difficult enough. An elastic band can not only complicate gymnastics, but also strength training.
Indigo Heavy 97669F
The third position is occupied by a closed expander band with special grips, which can be used to pump up the arms, legs, hips, shoulders and chest. Manufacturer: Chinese.
The nominee is a closed expander, divided into 8 parts by strong seams, each of which forms a loop. It is better to start classes with one and eight. Composition: thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with good elasticity and density. The surface is soft and pleasant to the touch.
The maximum load capacity is determined by color. The tape itself is lightweight, only 100 g, compact 90×4 cm, so it does not take up much space. Thanks to the presence of closed compartments, you can use it to hone your splits and train your legs.
Advantages:
- Closed form with 8 grips;
- Various colors and load capacity;
- Thermoplastic material;
- Durable seams;
- Pleasant to the touch surface;
- Good stretchability.
Flaws:
- Price;
- Hinges limit applications.
Most often, this model is used to train the limbs; they are placed inside the grips, after which the exercises are performed. The tape has proven itself well in the field of gymnastics, for example, in improving the splits.
Original FitTools FT-75-Morena
In fourth place is a set of 4 expanders of varying degrees of resistance. This is an excellent offer for beginner athletes, taking into account possible load combinations. The manufacturer is a young Russian company.
The material used is EVA, natural latex with good performance characteristics. The first 10 LBS tape has a thickness of 0.5 mm and can withstand up to 4.5 kg, the second 20 LBS 0.7 mm and 9 kg, the third 30 LBS 0.9 mm and 13.6 kg, the fourth 35 LBS 1.1 mm and 15.9 kg. For convenience, they have different colors and markings.
The set of elastic bands comes with a convenient storage bag and detailed instructions with exercises for different muscle groups. Maximum length 60 cm with strip width 7.5 cm, weight 168 g.
Advantages:
- Set of 4 expanders;
- Different degrees of tension;
- Informative marking;
- Comfortable width;
- Convenient bag;
- Detailed brochure.
Flaws:
- Smell when first opened;
- Static effect (electrified).
With the help of such a handy tool, you can increase the load on almost all muscle groups. A beginner is offered a minimum load capacity, which can be gradually increased by changing the color of the elastic band.
Rubber foot tape
To stretch the feet, or rather to form a beautiful arch of the foot, latex tape is used. It is better to start stretching your feet with soft rubber. As the climb progresses, they switch to medium or hard.
Also, latex tape is used to stretch the twine, practice swings, strengthen ligaments and muscles. To do this, loops are tied at the ends of the tape.
The best fabric bands for fitness
The second category of the rating represents elastic bands made from woven materials. They are hypoallergenic and therefore safe. Immediately from the first centimeters of stretching, the load will be high. Pros: no slipping, irritation or twisting. Disadvantage: price, risk of chafing. According to Vyborexperta.ru, the best were 3 fabric nominees that received high customer ratings.
Luting Hip resistance bands
The fifth place of the top is a set of elastic bands for fitness made of fabric with an anti-slip latex coating. What distinguishes the nominee is its adjustable size, 3 units of varying degrees of resistance. Manufacturer: Chinese.
Expanders are produced by a medical equipment plant that guarantees the safety of its products. The base is cotton with the addition of terylene. The package includes 3 units - green Light with a load capacity of 8-14 kg, pink Medium 14-22 kg, purple Heavy 22-31 kg. Also included is a brochure and case.
The length of one product is 43 cm, width 8 cm with a weight of 350 g. It can stretch up to a maximum of 76 cm, the size is adjustable. Latex upgraded Antislip coating prevents slipping.
Advantages:
- Fabric quality;
- Anti-slip coating;
- Different degrees of load;
- Bright colors;
- Safety;
- Adjustable size.
Flaws:
- The difference in tension is not very noticeable;
- Requires frequent washing.
The purpose of this set is yoga, Pilates, and shaping. The audience is adults. Users praise the fact that the elastic does not roll down, does not curl during exercise, and does not cause skin irritation.
Yogamatic 338592
In the sixth position are elastic bands made of natural cotton and latex for sports in a set of 2 pieces. They are odorless, do not tear, do not slip and are suitable for any method of training. Manufacturer: Russian eco-brand “Art Yogamatic”
The main difference between the nominee is the hypoallergenic nature of the raw materials used. 2 elastic bands of different hardness are made of a combination of cotton and natural latex. The fabric is durable and can withstand heavy loads. The addition of latex makes it elastic and prevents slipping and twisting.
This pair is thicker than its analogues, but the standard width is 8 cm. Length 35 cm, weight 400 g. The manufacturer supplies the product in a special storage bag, which is very convenient. Purpose – universal, for any type of physical exercise.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic;
- The thickness is greater than that of analogues;
- Strength, durability;
- No smell;
- Reliable fixation;
- Convenient pouch.
Flaws:
- The load capacity is not specified;
- Price.
We recommend this nominee to connoisseurs of all things natural and environmentally friendly. The set is compact, durable, and versatile. Especially appreciated in the field of crossfit, yoga, tabata.
Fitness Formula A3827
The review ends with the seventh nominee - expanders of different resistances that can be combined with each other. These are elastic bands for fitness for legs and buttocks from Russian.
The set includes 3 products in bright colors. Natural materials guarantee reliable fixation without slipping, resistance to stretching, and elasticity. Such bands are especially effective during training in the buttocks and lower extremities.
The length of each unit is 34 cm, the standard width is 8 cm. Loading capacity is up to 5, 10, 15 kg, respectively. The set includes a practical and convenient black storage pouch.
Advantages:
- 3 units with different tension levels;
- Pleasant colors;
- Durable fabric;
- Compactness;
- Possibility of combining several tapes;
- For different categories of athletes.
Flaws:
- Price;
- Load only up to 15 kg.
This is more of a fitness elastic band for women due to its low load capacity. You can start your first classes with it, gradually increasing the degree of resistance, which is determined by the color scheme.
How to choose a fitness band
After getting acquainted with the nominees, it remains to highlight several criteria for choosing which elastic bands are best for fitness. We recommend that you first of all pay attention to the type of elastic band itself, the materials used, the size and load level specified by the manufacturer. Let's take a closer look at each point.
Type of elastic band
The wide range of such products often confuses buyers. First, let's get acquainted with all the variety of models and briefly define how they differ.
According to the load level, expanders are classified into several types:
- extra light – decorated in yellow, light green, orange, resistance 2-5 kg;
- lightweight - made in bright red color, the degree of tension is not higher than 6-8 kg;
- medium - blue, dark green, dark yellow, their load capacity is indicated in the range of 9-12 kg;
- heavy - mostly red and blue, adding loads of up to 13-18 kg;
- extra heavy - gray, brown, black, their degree of tension ranges from 19-30 kg.
The following options are distinguished by size and shape:
- in the form of a tape - no longer than 120-250 cm and with a width of 5-6 cm, suitable for training all muscle groups;
- mini-loops - the length is reduced to 45-60 cm, but the width is increased to 5-10 cm, they do not slip, they are used more often for pumping arms and legs;
- in the shape of a loop - the strip is narrowed to 2-10 cm, extended to 150-200 cm, this is the choice of experienced athletes who have mastered the two previous varieties.
According to the area of working muscle groups, it is worth distinguishing:
- tape expander - a flexible flat tape, narrow, quite long, it is universal in purpose, allows you to expend maximum energy;
- loop - a comfortable wide elastic band, closed in a single circle, designed to swing mainly the lower limbs;
- butterfly - an elastic band in the shape of a figure eight for the buttocks and thighs, a kind of tourniquet connected into a ring with a jumper in the center to be fixed on the feet or hands;
- expander elastic band is the best choice for pumping up your back and arms; these are bands with rubberized external tubes attached to the ends (handles for a wide range of exercises).
Only by understanding all these subtleties will you be able to choose the appropriate option, taking into account the types of activities and training.
Material
The most budget products are made from rubber and latex. Polyurethane and fabric will cost more because they do not cause allergies and last longer. The most durable, safe option is, of course, polyurethane. The rubber type wears out the fastest. The fabric may chafe during intense workouts.
Size and load level
Be sure to match the size of the product offered to your level of training so that there is no overload or reduction in the effectiveness of the training. The load level is:
- “S” is suitable for you if you are still new to sports or belong to the teenage age group;
- “M” – is intended to warm up the muscles, which will be enough if you are a beginner or have not trained for some time;
- “L” – more suitable for training legs and buttocks; it is important that your level of physical fitness is not below average;
- “XL” – the model is suitable if you are at an advanced level;
- “XXL” – professional level elastic bands if you have extensive experience in sports.
For beginners, we recommend sports sets, where the load starts at a minimum and can increase. For those with high physical fitness, one elastic band is enough, but in size “XL”/”XXL”.
Which elastic band for fitness is better?
All the fitness bands presented in our review received high customer ratings. Some were chosen by beginners, others were preferred by experienced athletes and coaches. What to buy for you depends on your level, as well as the criteria that we listed earlier. Pay special attention to several points:
- Baziator P0072 – the best offer for women and first workouts, hypoallergenic latex and as many as 5 load levels;
- Indigo Heavy 97669F 90×4 cm – a leg expander tape closed with special grips, with which you can sharpen twine;
- Original FitTools FT-75-Morena 60×7.5 cm – best value for money, safety along with different loads and comfortable fixation;
- Luting Hip resistance bands – 3 expanders with anti-slip coating and adjustable size.
All of the listed models are suitable for the abs, buttocks, and general training to improve tone. For women, it is better to choose a medium resistance level for weight loss; for men, we recommend sizes “XL”/”XXL”. A home expander, if chosen wisely, will be the best replacement for a simulator or barbell.
Advantages of tape expanders
The expander has many advantages. Its popularity is explained by the following:
- Possibility of increasing the load and effectiveness of training.
- Versatility: elastic bands can be used for any muscle group.
- Convenience of home use.
- The ability to use the projectile regardless of the level of training.
- Large selection of products with different load levels.
Using a projectile for sports helps achieve the following effects:
- weight loss;
- improving muscle resistance;
- increasing skin tone and elasticity;
- fight against cellulite;
- the ability to develop joints and muscles after injuries;
- increasing the stability of joints and tendons.
The elastic bands are suitable for use both at home and in the gym. With their help, you can work both specific muscles and the body as a whole.
After the first lesson, you will notice that new muscle groups are actively involved, and after that your endurance will significantly improve and your relief will begin to form. The elastic band is small in size and can be taken anywhere. It can be used to work out the legs, buttocks, abs, back, and arms.
Such expanders will not lead to a significant increase in volume, but will help tighten and strengthen muscles, give the body beautiful shape, and improve posture. They also help develop flexibility, endurance and mobility. They are suitable for full-fledged regular training. They can also be used before and after strength training. The product makes it possible to diversify your workouts and make classic exercises more difficult.
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