Flat Resistance Bands Vs Tubes...Which Ones Are The Best?
Last Updated February 11, 2019 By Elizabeth Ibarra
Elastic resistance devices have been in use in medical treatment and fitness training due to its many benefits and practical uses. Elastic bands and tubes have actually been around for decades and have been applied by therapists and athletic trainers to a wide range of people from young to old, sick and healthy. And because of this, a lot of studies have been conducted to find out the different applications, advantages, and disadvantages of these two. Here are some of the comparisons:
Appearance
Resistance bands are flat latex elastics that are several inches wide while resistance tubes are round pieces of elastics with a hole in the middle which creates the tube shape. Both devices use colors to determine the difficulty level. While the colors are not standard, usually, lighter colors denote easier resistance levels while darker colors mean higher resistance.
Flat Resistance Bands
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Resistance Bands With Handles
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Usage
Flat bands offer greater comfort in use than tubes. It may be the best choice of equipment for workouts like pilates or yoga as the training gradually increases. It's also recommended to be used by kids and older folks undergoing rehabilitation exercises.
Since handles are mostly attached to tubes than bands, there is more flexibility in its usage. It can be attached to chairs, steps, or other objects for higher intensity workouts. Athletes and strong individuals can definitely maximize the use of tubes in their workouts.
Flat bands offer greater comfort in use than tubes. It may be the best choice of equipment for workouts like pilates or yoga as the training gradually increases. It's also recommended to be used by kids and older folks undergoing rehabilitation exercises.
Since handles are mostly attached to tubes than bands, there is more flexibility in its usage. It can be attached to chairs, steps, or other objects for higher intensity workouts. Athletes and strong individuals can definitely maximize the use of tubes in their workouts.
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Flexibility
Resistance bands and tubes are the most portable type of workout gadget that you can literally bring anywhere. They're lightweight and easy to pack which makes them perfect to carry around even when you're traveling. Most bands and tubes are also sold in sets and come with a case or carrier bag so you can take them on-the-go.
Bands don't need extra equipment so you can use it even when you're passing time in your hotel room. However, because of the lighter component of bands, stretching it too much might cause it to snap. So, go easy when using it and don't stretch it as much as how you use tubes.
Since tubes are generally sturdier and longer than bands, it can provide you with heavier, harder exercises even if you don't have access to a gym. Tubes can also provide choices to make your workout as extensive as possible. For example, tube sets may have different weight options 3lbs, 5lbs, 8lbs, and so on, for higher intensity workouts.
A Great Video Using Resistance Bands With Tubes And Handles
Another Good Video Demonstrating Using Flat Resistance Bands
Exercise
There are several exercises that you can do with either bands or tubes. Some of the core exercises are crunches, planks, twists, and bends. Lower body workouts include leg lifts, squats, lunges, and hamstring curls. For the upper body, there's chest press, shoulder press, and pulldown to name a few. You can check out this page for these exercises.
Health Benefits Of Resistance Bands And Tubes
In recent years, both the public and the private sector have been promoting physical activity in order to fight obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle. Research studies demonstrated resistance exercise training has profound effects on the musculoskeletal system, contributes to the maintenance of functional abilities, and prevents osteoporosis, sarcopenia, lower-back pain, and other disabilities.
More recent studies have shown that resistance training may positively affect risk factors such as insulin resistance, resting metabolic rate, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, body fat, and gastrointestinal transit time, which are associated with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
If an individual will allot 15- to 20-minutes training sessions twice a day every week, these benefits of resistance training can be obtained.
The debate on flat resistance bands vs tubes is ultimately left to you. We definitely think that because of its health and strength training benefits, both can actually help you in various forms. It just depends on which elastic resistance gadget can help you best in your exercise routine.
