The 13 Best Resistance Bands for Every Type of Workout, According to Fitness Experts

Can't wait to get your hands on a set? This Amazon number has racked up over 52,000 five star ratings, with people enthusiastically working out and writing up reviews at the same time (yes, simultaneously!). You'll find five different rubber resistance bands in this pack—ranging from extra-light to extra-heavy—along with a small pink drawstring pouch for storage. There's also a mini instruction guide to walk you through exercises if you're a first-timer. $13, Amazon. Get it now!

Talk about endless workout potential. This top-rated kit has everything you could possibly want for strength training—whether you're expanding your repertoire of fitness equipment or just getting started. For $50, you'll get five bands of increasing resistances (and with reinforced rope for extra safety), grippy detachable handles, padded ankle straps, and a door anchor, all neatly housed in a zippered carrying bag. The kit also comes with a detailed instruction manual, including links to free video demos. $50, Amazon. Get it now!

The creators of Bala Bangles also came up with an equally photogenic set of mini bands for resistance training and overall toning. If you want to strengthen your upper body (think biceps, shoulders, back region), the Bala cofounders say you can loop one of these bands around your wrists or ankles to do single-arm rows or overhead presses. Need to work your lower body? Secure them just above the knees while doing squats or donkey kicks, they say. $20, Bala. Get it now!

If holding a tight grip is a concern for you, Lee recommends picking up tube-like resistance bands with handles. One of the pros of having handles is that they “give you more range of motion while working out,” Lee explains. You can step on the band and use it for moves like upright rows or thrusters, or you can secure the tube to a door anchor if you want to work on chest presses and openers.

These thick bands will work your glutes like crazy. (They're called booty bands for a reason.) They're made of a high-quality stretch material that won't dig into your skin or loosen up over time. And because the fabric is wider than latex resistance bands, you'll also find these to be more intense while doing squats and lunges. This trio includes three levels—light, medium, and heavy. $16, Amazon. Get it now!

If you want grip but don't necessarily like the big handles, check out this resistance band from Nike. It stretches up to four times its length and features small loops to fit your hands through. You can even tie the sides together for an improvised “mini band” workout. $20, Nike. Get it now!

Flat loop bands (which basically look like giant rubber bands) are another type of resistance Lee likes using. This natural latex set is popular among Amazon shoppers who use the lighter resistance bands for warming up, and the heavier ones for pull-ups and tricep dips since they work well to offset your bodyweight. Some reviewers say they even use them when trying to level up in the free-weight arena. $50, Amazon. Get it now!

Yogis can use this long strap to add resistance to poses like Warrior One or Down Dog. And thanks to the loops that run along the band, you can even use it to warm up hamstrings and calves before a flow. All you have to do is slide your foot through one of the middle loops, then pull the strap back to stretch it out. $13, Target. Get it now!

It's hard to get a killer booty workout in if your resistance bands are constantly digging into your skin or getting caught in tiny hairs. Thick knit fabrics can be a good alternative to thin latex bands since they cover more surface area, and you can comfortably wear them with workout leggings, bike shorts, and of course, squat-proof leggings. $20, Gymshark. Get it now!

Mini bands can be tricky to hold in place for a long time, especially if you're focusing on lower-body moves. The solution: Grab a pair of ankle bands to avoid having to constantly fiddle with placement. The resistance level is moderate, meaning these are a great addition for at-home pilates and barre workouts that target hips, thighs, and glutes. $19, Free People. Get it now!

If you want a seamless full-body workout with the least amount of equipment possible, consider the Total Body Band. This one-and-done resistance band has soft handles and velcro ankle straps for a secure grip, and together it all weighs less than a pound, so you can take the TBB out to the park or use it in the garden once spring hits. $55, Carbon38. Get it now!

Brooke Cates, a holistic health coach and pre-and postnatal exercise specialist, founded The Bloom Method as a way to support women during their pregnancies through exercise. This trio of resistance bands (lightweight, medium, and heavy) can be used in workouts that promote pelvic floor balance and core strength during and after pregnancy. $15, Anthropologie. Get it now!

Nothing turns a good at-home workout into a “meh” one than finding out mid-way you're missing equipment. Keep this duo of rubber latex bands on deck next time your sculpt instructor asks who's ready for the extra challenge. $18, Obé Fitness. Get it now!