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Resistance Bands vs Tubes

How to get a Full Body Workout Without Fluff while Travelling

LifesHarlequin
LifesHarlequin g Joshua Barker
30 Post(s)
30 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: October 10, 2017
Posted

I just sold my Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells today; I hadn't actually used the dumbbells in months, especially as the 5-52.5lbs range was too light for me now. With some of the money I'd like to upgrade my resistance equipment. I currently have a basic set of SPRI branded green/red/blue tubes with perma-attached handles and here are the problems I have with them:

1. Not enough resistance, even when combined
2. Tubes are not the same length between resistances (green is shortest with blue longest)
3. Handles are individually attached and awkward to combine to increase resistance

 

So I'm looking to upgrade, but don't know what would be better, bands or tubes. Or which brands to go with (I do see Monster Bands are promoted both here and through Rogue) 

 

Tubes: 1. There are brands with equal length tubes with D-ring ends for attaching multiple to a single handle; 2. Lower resistance levels; 3. Cheaper for a full kit of 5-50lbs tubes

Bands:  1. Very high resistance; 2. Usuable on power racks for intermediate and advanced lifts; 3. Generally more expensive; 4. More adaptable for various lifts (like using with a broom stick to get over head press or low-bar squat)


Prime consideration is I want them for travelling when unable to do the traditional barbell lifts but want a simple, effective, full-body workout. Also for the wife to use to do things like assisted pullups and pilates.

33 / Military (Navy) / Avid Cyclist (fixie and touring) / Assistant Command Fitness Leader / Currently doing Starting Strength Barbell Training
Scott_Herman
Scott_Herman a Scott Herman
7.1K Post(s)
7.1K Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Bodybuilding Date Joined: August 8, 2008
Posted
Posted By: LifesHarlequin

I just sold my Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells today; I hadn't actually used the dumbbells in months, especially as the 5-52.5lbs range was too light for me now. With some of the money I'd like to upgrade my resistance equipment. I currently have a basic set of SPRI branded green/red/blue tubes with perma-attached handles and here are the problems I have with them:

1. Not enough resistance, even when combined
2. Tubes are not the same length between resistances (green is shortest with blue longest)
3. Handles are individually attached and awkward to combine to increase resistance

 

So I'm looking to upgrade, but don't know what would be better, bands or tubes. Or which brands to go with (I do see Monster Bands are promoted both here and through Rogue) 

 

Tubes: 1. There are brands with equal length tubes with D-ring ends for attaching multiple to a single handle; 2. Lower resistance levels; 3. Cheaper for a full kit of 5-50lbs tubes

Bands:  1. Very high resistance; 2. Usuable on power racks for intermediate and advanced lifts; 3. Generally more expensive; 4. More adaptable for various lifts (like using with a broom stick to get over head press or low-bar squat)


Prime consideration is I want them for travelling when unable to do the traditional barbell lifts but want a simple, effective, full-body workout. Also for the wife to use to do things like assisted pullups and pilates.

I'd say for what you want them for, bands are your better option. They might be more expensive, but you get what you pay for so if you have to spend a little more to get a bit better product, it might be worth it.

 

That being said, it might be worth having one or two tubes with the D-rings on the ends in case you ever want to switch it up, and some of those tubes can still have good resistance. You can use resistance bands for a lot of exercises when you don't have access to a gym, but having the handles might be more convenient in that instance to for doing something like a bicep curl or an overhead press etc.

 

But if you have tubes and aren't liking them much right now.. bands are probably you better choice.

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