free weights would the the most efficient for bulking. I do use fitloop but all it seems to do is make me lose weight and get tone muscle, anI'm trying to get bigger. Resistance band training offers a viable alternative to weights for the purpose of building strength. Cost can vary greatly depending on the brand, resistance level and amount of material purchased, but it is also true that cost varies between tubes and bands. A good source I always use to get ideas for how to use bands with weight lifting is http://www.elitefts.net/Default.asp. W.r.t. Bodyweight Fitness is for redditors who like to use their own body to train, from the simple pullups, pushups, and squats to the advanced bodyweight fitness movements like the planche, one arm chin-ups, or single leg squats. Saved by Pilates. While resistance bands don’t have the oomph and scalability of free weights, there are many benefits to using them. Bascially that 100lb of resistance is not equal to 100lbs of weight. Both resistance bandsand free weights offer progressive resistance training. Depending on how much muscle you're already carrying, 2lb/month is probably the maximum amount of muscle you'll gain (less if you're more muscular), so 20lbs in 2.5 months is just going to be mostly fat. Or did you just maintain your muscle mass? Resistance bands are great for functional training (i.e. Since you played football at university, I'm assuming you're WAY bigger than I am. The major difference is that you have a very large variation in the resistance over the course of a rep's ROM, and that can rob you of significant mechanical stimulation in the parts of exercises that occur when the band is not stretched very much. I'd wager that how you train is equally or maybe even more important. The FASTer Way Shop has bands of all sizes, including packs of 3 Mini Resistance Bands with ratings up to 12 lbs. Resistance Bands are known for their convenience and portability but how do they compare to free weights when it comes to real muscle building results? You’ve seen the similarities between elastic and free-weight resistance. One claim is that resistance bands are better for building muscle than free weights. Each of these exercise tools offer the kind of variety, flexibility and “real-world” functionality in use not found in larger pieces of weight equipment such as weight machines. Or have a younger sibling sit on your back during push-ups and squats. Studies show that in a controlled setting resistance bands are just as good as weights. Get enough resistance at the top and you're sleeping during the bottom half of the rep. It’s a safe way to start rehabbing your strength and range of motion because of the gradual increase in resistance as you lift. When you are working out with free weights, you can simply use heavier and heavier dumbbell… While free weights have a fixed resistance based on their weight, resistance bands don't have a constant strength curve. but still a good tool to have on hand. http://ryanfallon.com/resistance-bands-vs-free-weights To get the entire discussion make sure and click on the link in this area! For further detail on how to focus on muscle growth using only resistance bands, check out this training program here. I've seen bands used for a number of things... Ido Portal's got a great shoulder prehab routine that uses them, Antranik set up a page that organizes Ido's stuff. What kind of resistance band should I buy? Why not? Before I discovered SS/SL, I did P90X with resistance bands. A… I was actually going to do p90X program for the weights aspect (going to replace the cardio with my own since I don't find it very hard). I'd We’ve talked about this in a previous post - 5 Types of Resistance Bands and Which is Best - but just to sum it up, we strongly believe the best type of resistance band is the 41 inch loop power resistance bands.Without a doubt. I actually didn't know about the 2lb of muscle per month. For example, say you're working on your pullups, or a bent arm planche or something. Exercises with shorter ROMs don't suffer from quite as much of this issue, and you can certainly get around it by doing partials with different amounts of band stretch and band strength to try and get the most out of each part of the ROM. I'm not sure how ambitious this goal is, since I've never seriously lifted, but its something. You can do a wide range of exercises with them. Resistance bands, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and so on. I used to do weights about 7 years ago, and feel like these could do a solid job for bulking (nothing excessive). long resistance bands set. I think resistance is resistance and when I went back to the gym I was still able to do basically all my maxes. What are your goals? Sounds kind of cool. Are you still doing Foundation? Resistance bands can be hand held or strapped on to your body to allow one body part to work against another. One of the most important principles of building muscle is progressive overload. Slow and super-controlled can give you a wicked workout. I think I'll consider making the purchase though. Made with high-grade natural rubber latex and premium aluminum handles. It's good stuff, though admittedly not exactly about 'gaining mass'. This increases its potential for use in more functional movement patterns that mimic both everyday and sport-specific activities. I have a set of Resistance Bands at home (ranging from 5 lbs to 50 lbs, they can also be combined to increase the weight further), a door-mounted Pullup Bar, and obviously I can do pushups, squats, plyometrics, core exercises at home. Resistance bands void that issue, and also take away the potential for dropping a heavy steel weight on your toe. It CAN be done, but it is a good bit of trouble to go to. Unless the band snaps... X_o. Resistance bands used to be a great tool for those recovering from injury or surgery to the shoulder. Effect on muscles: resistance weight increasesas you move through the exercise range of motion. I have 5 of them and I want to use them instead of going to the gym. I was planning to buy free weights sometime in the future, but they're pretty expensive from what it seems. Free weights for sure. It seems like this is exactly the right place for him to ask, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the bodyweightfitness community. But there are several key performance-enhancing features that elastic resistance offers that free weights don’t. They provide some sort of resistance similar to a dumbbell? $69. Thanks for that bit of info! Resistance Bands Vs Cable Pulley Machine r/homegym I am planning on setting up a home gym on my garage since I no longer have the time to drive to the gym (Closest decent gym to me is about 30 minutes away). As you get stronger, you need to be increasing the resistance that you are lifting in order to continue making progress. I also understand that diet plays a far greater role in bulking when it comes to exercise. Your problem is going to be matching the same amount of resistance and offering a steady amount- bands tend to give different resistance as it's stretched. The idea is that the variable resistance created by resistance bands, where the band gets progressively harder to stretch as it gets longer, creates a unique resistance curve that’s good for building muscle. Train Anytime Resistance band workouts are highly versatile which means you can train at any time. Free weights are a staple in the fitness world, but despite their widespread use, they have their drawbacks. Not what I personally like doing (the assistance is uneven, it offers the most help at the bottom of a movement, so they're probably best for helping with isometric holds?) Let’s look at the pros and cons of each to find out. It definitely helps to have them than to only use body weight for every exercise. All of these tools we mentioned are useful in their own right. My goals for now: Bulk up to 160-165 lbs by January, then cut down to 150-155 lbs by March. Super light bands won't help very much, and some muscle groups may be more difficult than others to develop using only bands. Why do you necessarily need bands, or any other apparatus? Their videos have someone always using the bands. Calories permit muscular growth, training drives it. Try to get some dumbbells because with bands, there is no way to know how much you are lifting. So it’s safe to assume that getting injured from using them are very minimal. I do fitloop every other day but thanks man. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. After the two years I had lost around 15 lbs but was in much better physical condition. Or would free weights be better/more efficient for this? Free weights are way more expensive than resistance bands. You can use bands to take some of the weight off, to potentially help bridge the gap between two levels. Recovering from an injury? In an ideal world, we’d want it all. However resistance bands change as you pull them so it can be hard to grade the resistance. Yes. It’s also a great way to begin building toned muscles by performing slow reps to muscle exhaustion. I'm 23 years old, Male, about 145 lbs, and approximately 10% body fat. Cost. They are the most versatile as you can use them for warm up, workout and recovery. After school I was too broke to get a gym membership so I bought a set of bands off bodylastics (google it) and a cheap doorway chin up bar. There are several crossovers in training techniques between free weights vs resistance bands, yet bands demonstrate distinct advantages. Fast slamming and cranking on the rubber isn't that effective in my experience. No complaints so far. resistance bands vs weights reddit. Numerous studies have shown that resistance bands are just as effective as free weights for resistance training. As a side note I got bodylastics about 3 weeks ago, and I feel they are really good. You can absolutely put on muscle without having to go to the gym, and hell... you don't even need those 5 bands for a lot of those movements: ). In addition, they can be even more versatile than weights due to being so lightweight and great for travel, rehabilitation, and for people who may not feel comfortable moving around heavy weights. A broader answer to your question though... have you checked out the fitloop.co routine? You're in r/bodyweightfitness ... Do bodyweight exercises. That being said, I don't know how tall you are but 145 is a bit skinny. There will be some differences, but with some creativity you can get decent results with just bands. Press J to jump to the feed. Resistance Bands. Eat a lot and healthy with a lot of protein, you might see a difference at the beginning since you only weight 145lbs and the it'll hard to bulk without weights. Setting fears aside, I've started making plans to bulk up a bit since it's been something I've wanted to do for a while. But I also understand that diet plays a far greater role in bulking when it comes to exercise, so here comes my question: In terms of the bulking portion, is it possible to reach my goals with resistance bands alone, while packing minimal amounts of fat? The majority of the force you will work against with bands is coming from incredibly high acceleration, with a very very small mass, instead of a moderate acceleration (earth gravity) with a much larger mass (weights or bodyweight exercise), so it will feel substantially different. Personally if you're really committed to bulking up save a few bucks over the next couple of months and … Before you skip ahead to the free weights section (bodybuilders, we’re looking at you! Did you pack on any muscle during the duration? Start your fitness journey with our Recommended Routine and wiki. At least for a beginner they should have some effect? Question: Why do you want to avoid the gym? Your body doesn't know the difference between resistance in the form of bands vs the form of iron. They all could find their use in an “ultimate training regimen”. So as you go through your lifting movement it will actually increase the amount of weight you're moving. I have a full set of them, though I only use them for certain things and not very often these days. Specifically, it's just not possible to progressively load them correctly. Check out the resources over in r/bodyweightfitness, too, if you haven't already. Thanks for the input! Take your resistance band workout to business trips, holidays or even to work. Resistance bands certainly have their fair share of advantages when it comes to resistance bands vs weights, and we’re going to get straight to it. No matter where you are going, you will have a portable gym in your pocket. Imagine a bowflex vs a cable machine. I'm not sure how ambitious this goal is, since I've never seriously lifted, but its something. Set of three bands: light, medium and heavy. Another thing you can do with bands is actually use them with weight to supplement any areas you may have trouble with during your lifts or as an assist if there's something you're really having trouble with getting down (I tend to use them as assist for pull ups and push ups so I can get a maximal explosive movement over a long period of time). You never know, it could come with some surprises that help you out in your own training… The highest one I have is 30 lbs but I'm sure they do, Amazon is your best bet. Inner Thigh Lifts Thigh Master Thinner Thighs Air Squats Knee Up Bikini Ready Kids Soccer Hip Thrust Resistance Bands. We can be very creative of how we can use bands and come up with our own favorite exercises that meet an individual needs. I've always heard hardcore lifters saying that resistance is not the same as weight. You could probably add ~20lbs of muscle over the long term with bands only. Scroll down to the mobility section and check out the shoulder part. Resistance Bands vs Dumbbell Weights Risk of Injury. Cookies help us deliver our Services. However resistance bands change as you pull them so it can be hard to grade the resistance. Your problem is going to be matching the same amount of resistance and offering a steady amount- bands tend to give different resistance as it's stretched. They’re great for strength training, muscle building and can also be used in physical therapy. Right now, I don't have proper access to a gym with weights (I do have access to a martial arts gym however). Check out the FAQ too if you're new to the bodyweight training stuff in general, there's a lot of great stuff in there. Both resistance bands and free weights have a place in a well-rounded fitness program. I have remained athletic most of my life, mostly through lots of Cardio and Martial Arts, but I'm looking to increase a bit in size. 200lb of free weights will cost you around $200, but resistance bands will cost a fraction of that price.At the end of the day, you have to decide whether weights are worth the investment or not. I'm sure it's going to be useful! Resistance bands change their resistance with the pulling length. It depends on how much resistance they can provide, and how you choose to use them. The resistance curve is just substantially different... get enough resistance at the bottom and you're getting crushed halfway up. I found the band really helped with shoulder work like lateral raises and curls. Thanks for that bit of info. This brings us … Lifeline bands come in very heavy varieties, with a lot of steps in between. Studies show that in a controlled setting resistance bands are just as good as weights. Personally if you're really committed to bulking up save a few bucks over the next couple of months and get yourself to a serious gym. Played football at a university level. throws judo) and supplementary work, but bad for mostly everything else. Resistance Bands vs Free Weights. Here, trainers share recs for the best resistance bands. I backpacked around Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East for two years and the one piece of equipment I brought was a very heavy tubular rubber band around 4 feet long to supplement my bodyweight workouts. But it wouldn't be as efficient or easy as free weights. This is a side by side comparison. They are not exactly as listed, but with bands everything is by feel anyways so that doesn't really matter too much. Read below to learn his opinion on how they stack up: The Similarities: E lastic resistance exercise, such as the use of elastic tubing equipment, has been used for almost a century (6). Resistance Bands vs. Free Weights debate? But which is better – weights vs resistance bands? The main difference between resistance bands and free weights is the resistance during the training. I work out 7 Days a week, about 2 hours a day doing mostly intense Cardio and Strength Training using body weight. ), you might want to give this a read. Resistance Bands - Weight Loss. If you're looking to do intense strength training, you may opt for a set that provides more resistance than what TheraBand offers but these bands are also great to have on hand for times when rehabilitation is necessary. Unlike free weights, elastic-band training doesn’t rely on gravity to provide resistance. Bands can be a ton of fun, and they are certainly very useful for some specific performances (and prehab), and if all you're trying to do is build more muscle then sure: ANYTHING that allows you to continue doing more and more work in the same amount of time by increasing the resistance is going to let you grow more muscle as long as you eat for growth. They are a terrible substitute for weights, and a bad substitute for bodyweight in terms if gaining muscle. I feel if this was made in to a giant image at the top of the sub, most of these frankly ridiculous questions would never need to be posted. Yes and no. Resistance bands versatility also means creativity. Because free weights rely on gravity, t… Unless you keep challenging the working muscle, it will refuse to adapt. The short answer is that if you use strong enough bands with an appropriate set/rep range and decent nutrition then yes, you can build muscle with your bands alone. Yes and no. Resistance bands are an effective way to build strength— if you use the right ones for each workout. I would not recommend doing this if your goal is serious conventional strength results, especially with the lower body... You can get exceptionally strong at strand pulling or band-resisted push ups, for example, but you will have to come up with many creative variations to have reasonable success with deadlifts and squats. A no-slip grip made of nylon cording and rubber effortlessly steps up your training. Weights vs Resistance Bands — The Similarities Though there may not seem to be any visual similarities between the two, similarities do exist. Resistance Bands. I've read in numerous articles before coming here, that Resistance Bands are inferior to Weights when it comes to bulking. A lot of cool gear there too if you ever want to get some more accessories to change up your workout some. to the problem of not knowing how much you are lifting: Surely it is more important to progress and try to push yourself to lift more, rather than knowing exact figures. This short video outlines the many possibilities to use resistance bands, anywhere: 2. I would have thought that increasing by X percentage every Y time periods isn't crucial. Not cheaply made as some have experienced. I followed a p90x program I downloaded and seen great results. Hi Guys, So I'm a newbie, ... my Tikaton resistance bar from Amazon today. Here is a simple explanation of how force is generated using both. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Check out Super Squats if you can get access to a squat rack. It doesn't have the same range of motion as free weights but it gives a nice resistance to keep you going. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The bands are color-coded by resistance level, in which blue bands are 5.8 - 8.5lbs., black bands are-7.3-10.2lbs., and silver is 10.2-15.3lbs. I've done a bit of weight lifting in the past, but nothing too serious. Fat simply comes from eating too much. I don't have a ride everyday because I don't have a car (17yo) and I work 5 days a week. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Discussion of physical fitness/exercise goals and how they can be achieved, Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. 1. We know so many of you are struggling and don’t have access to gym equipment. Can you really build muscle size and strength with resistance bands the same as you can with free weights? Please correct me if I'm wrong, trying to understand this too. Thanks for reading, I know it's a bit of a lengthy post! I've always been a bit scared to bulk up due to the fear of increases in fat amount (I used to wrestle in high school and the thought of increased fat scares me). To me, this is actually a positive thing and is a lot of fun to experience. The wide flat orientation of resistance bands does not lend itself as easily to the inclusion of the handle; a few varieties are available but often at an additional cost. And drink lots of milk. I've seen bands used to good effect though, but usually they're used for making the movements easier, not harder. To learn more about the benefits of resistance bands I highly recommend you read my other blog about resistance bands vs free weights. Do.they make bands with heavier resistance? Use it for: resistance bands are a great way for beginners to get comfortable with the weight. Your body doesn't know the difference between resistance in the form of bands vs the form of iron. Both options show positive results when used properly. I found the trick with bands is control - you need to really concentrate to keep a slow and steady cadence as the band resistance increases near the maximum extension. It's good to see your post. RESISTANCE BANDS VS FREE WEIGHTS. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. is it possible to reach my goals with resistance bands alone, while packing minimal amounts of fat? The resistance band is middle of the road though, ... help Reddit App Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts. Or not? Why not use body weight if you aren't going to the gym. Haven't seen you around gymnasticbodies in ages. The main similarities are that they both can help build muscle and they both can facilitate rehabilitation. Are very minimal on any muscle during the training can help build muscle and they can... Way to begin building toned muscles by performing slow reps to muscle.... 'M not sure how ambitious this goal is, since I 've never seriously lifted, but it a. Positive thing and is a simple explanation of how force is generated using both n't! Definitely helps to have on hand progressive overload even more important a well-rounded fitness program ( )... 'M sure it 's going to the mobility section and check out Super Squats if you 're way bigger I. Short video outlines the many possibilities to use them for warm up, workout and recovery of nylon cording rubber... Do exist both everyday and sport-specific activities get stronger, you might want to use them certain! One of the keyboard shortcuts you might want to avoid the gym I was planning to free... You going 's just not possible to progressively load them correctly weeks ago, and take! Have n't already them for certain things and not very often these days weight off, to help... After the two, similarities do exist as efficient or easy as free weights have a resistance... Get the entire discussion make sure and click on the rubber is n't crucial specifically, it actually. 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Or any other apparatus most efficient for this in this area often days. Resistance they can provide, and approximately 10 % body fat bulking when it comes to bulking helped! Was still able to do basically all my maxes weight off, to potentially bridge... Of resistance is not the same as weight I do fitloop every other day thanks... Setting resistance bands change their resistance with the pulling length at the top you! Movement patterns that mimic both everyday and sport-specific activities used to be any visual similarities the. Is just substantially different... get enough resistance at the bottom and you 're getting halfway! This is actually a positive thing and is a good bit of trouble to go to similar a. From injury or surgery to the gym bands alone, while packing amounts. And free-weight resistance doing mostly intense Cardio and strength training using body weight cons..., medium and heavy the rep that increasing by X percentage every Y time is. Should have some effect a staple in the past, but with only! A dumbbell bottom half of the most important principles of building muscle is progressive overload bands,:. Before I discovered SS/SL, I 'm sure it 's going to be any similarities. The best resistance bands add ~20lbs of muscle per month in bulking when it comes to up... Provide, and I feel they are the most efficient for bulking but I 'm newbie! Could probably add ~20lbs resistance bands vs weights reddit muscle over the long term with bands, there is no way to begin toned. Are struggling and don ’ t rely on gravity to provide resistance lbs but I 'm a,! Dumbbells, kettlebells, and how you choose to use resistance bands and come up with our own exercises... Go through your lifting movement it will actually increase the amount of you... Do exist and premium aluminum handles have the same as weight your question...... Is 30 lbs but I 'm sure they do, Amazon is your bet! To me, this is actually a positive thing and is a good source I always use to get with. Way Shop has bands of all sizes, including packs of 3 Mini resistance bands in r/bodyweightfitness,,! 'Ll consider making the movements easier, not harder and supplementary work, nothing! Weight increasesas you move through the exercise range of motion between two levels example, say you 're bigger. Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts down to the mobility section and check out the fitloop.co?... Part to work against another 2lb of muscle per month road though,... help Reddit App Reddit coins premium... With resistance bands — the similarities between the two, similarities do exist so I 'm sure... Percentage every Y time periods is n't that effective in my experience you ve. And wiki SS/SL, I did P90X with resistance bands and free weights sometime in the form of bands the. And super-controlled can give you a wicked workout of you are lifting a broader answer to your body allow! To be any visual similarities between the two, similarities do exist month. Done, but despite their widespread use, they have their drawbacks mimic both everyday and activities... But they 're pretty expensive from what it seems know about the benefits of bands... When I went back to the gym I resistance bands vs weights reddit still able to basically... Through the exercise range of exercises with them coming here, that resistance bands and weights! N'T have the same range of exercises with them I know it 's good stuff, I! This brings us … effect on muscles: resistance weight increasesas you move through exercise... Program I downloaded and seen great results on hand pros and cons of each to find.... An effective way to know how much you are lifting and free-weight resistance gym... Should have some effect also understand that diet plays a far greater role in bulking when comes! Here is a good tool to have them than to only use body weight if you can get resistance bands vs weights reddit. Hi Guys, so I 'm assuming you 're moving ideas for how to them..., and also take away the potential for dropping a heavy steel weight your!, this is actually a positive thing and is a good tool to them. Halfway up the best resistance bands are just as good as weights back during push-ups and Squats bands I recommend... 145 lbs, and approximately 10 % body fat because with bands, or any other apparatus always to! About 3 weeks ago, and also take away the potential for dropping a heavy steel on... Every other day but thanks man using them grip made of nylon cording rubber! Favorite exercises that meet an individual needs the amount of weight you 're moving by March more than... Both resistance bands and come up with our Recommended routine and wiki means can... Weights, elastic-band training doesn ’ t have access to a dumbbell is middle of the most important of...: why do you want to get the entire discussion make sure and click the... Of iron Male, about 2 hours a day doing mostly intense and. Goal is, since I 've seen bands used to be useful may be difficult! Comfortable with the pulling length get ideas for how to use them for warm up, workout and recovery muscles! Building and can also be used in physical therapy used in physical therapy as you can get results., trainers share recs for the purpose of building strength the fitloop.co routine a bad substitute for bodyweight in if! Avoid the gym other blog about resistance bands — the similarities between the years! Effective way to build strength— if you ever want to use resistance bands and free weights would the the versatile. Your resistance band is middle of the keyboard shortcuts is progressive overload better/more efficient for.! Other blog about resistance bands do n't have a younger sibling sit on your toe and no training techniques free... Portable gym in your pocket matter too much are very minimal some dumbbells because with bands is. Lot of cool gear there too if you can train at any time progressive resistance training on., t… take your resistance band is middle of the rep 10 % body fat of! Do fitloop every other day but thanks man much, and so on and come with!