The Six Best Resistance Bands for Seniors and Elderly People
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As we age, exercising can become more challenging, and even those of us that were active in our youth may have a difficult time finding a workout that works for us. Although proper nutrition and taking your vitamins can certainly help keep your bones and muscles healthy, maintaining a workout routine is the best way to keep your body strong and flexible. One of the most effective and safest ways to do this is with resistance bands. These can be used to strengthen, stretch and condition without high impact or heavy weights which can be hard on the joints of older adults.
Resistance bands and resistance exercises are a great way to build strength and endurance and can also be added to any workout program or adapted to any fitness level or physical ability. Plus, we love that they are affordable and portable so you can take your workout anywhere you travel.
To help you out, we've rounded up our favorite resistance bands for seniors in 2024. Keep reading to see our in depth reviews of each product as well as how to choose the right band for you, and workouts to get you started with your resistance band.
Our Picks for the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors in 2024:
- Overall Best Resistance Bands for Seniors: TRX Exercise Bands
- Best Resistance Band Set for Seniors: Bala Bands
- Best Full-Body Resistance Bands for Seniors: TRX Strength Bands
- Best Variety Resistance Band for Seniors: Force USA Super Bands
- Best Resistance Band for Seniors with Handles: Rep Fitness Tube Resistance Band with Handles
- Best Splurge Resistance Bands: Rogue Echo Resistance Bands
Overall Best Resistance Bands for Seniors: TRX Exercise Bands
TRX
Key Features:
- Thick and tear-resistant
- What's included: Four color coded bands
- Weight options included: Two to ten pounds
- Material: Latex
Our pick for the best overall resistance band is the TRX Exercise Bands. We love how versatile these mini loop bands are, and that you can take them with you so you never miss a workout. This set of mini bands comes with four resistance options which can be identified by color. Starting at the lightest level is yellow which is two to eight pounds of resistance, orange with five to twelve pounds of resistance, grey with six to seventeen pounds of resistance and finally black with ten to twenty-five pounds of resistance. Each band will have an approximate weight equivalent range that is impacted by how far you are stretching the band—the further you stretch, the higher the weight resistance.
These bands are thick and short which makes them ideal for hip thrusts, squats, planks and mountain climbers. They are also made with natural latex which makes them super durable and stretchy, but opt for another model if you have a latex allergy. You have the option to buy these bands in a pack of two, three or four bands.
Pros:
- Great for lower leg workouts
- Very affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Not good for curls or exercises that require a long band
Best Resistance Band Set for Seniors: Bala Bands
Bala
Key Features:
- Durable and low resistance
- What's included: Three color coded bands
- Weight options included: Light, medium and heavy resistance
- Material: Woven fabric elastic
While Bala is known for its wearable weighted bangles, the brand’s loop bands are our pick for the best resistance band set for seniors. This easy-to-use set comes with simple color coding for the light, medium and heavy bands, taking the guesswork out of which band is which.
Though latex bands have the advantage of being affordable and super stretchy, they can end up snapping and ripping overtime. A woven option like these Bala bands is more durable, won’t bunch up or roll and is usually more comfortable than a latex option. We love that these resistance bands come with a carrying bag which helps to keep them organized either at home or on-the-go.
These elastic bands are versatile and can be used for yoga, Pilates, home workouts, strength training and rehabilitation. These are also on the lower end for resistance which makes them great for beginners or those looking to target weak areas.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great for beginners
- Latex-free
Cons:
- Not good for curls or exercises that require a long band
- Low resistance
Best Full-Body Resistance Bands for Seniors: TRX Strength Bands
TRX
Key Features:
- Long skinny shape is great for full-body strength work
- What's included: Six color coded bands or can be purchased individually
- Weight options included: Five to 150 pounds
- Material: Latex
Exercise bands are a great option if you’re looking for a low-impact, full-body workout. However, you’ll need a wide range of resistance levels to properly target the different muscle groups in both your lower and upper body. That’s why we recommend the TRX Strength Bands as the best full-body resistance bands for seniors. This set comes with six bands that range from five to 150 pounds of resistance. Plus the long skinny loop shape makes them ideal for working your whole body. Target your upper body using the resistance bands for chest presses, shoulder presses or tricep taps, then slide a band around your legs for hamstring and glute work.
They can be used on their own in strength exercises like curls and rows, or to help adapt a workout to be easier (taking off some weight in a pull up) or more challenging (adding resistance to mountain climbers).
Since they are so long, they are also great for stretching and increasing mobility. You can loop a band around your leg or foot and pull to enhance a stretch which is particularly useful if you don’t have a partner to stretch with. You can buy these bands in a set of six, or individually to meet the needs of your fitness routine.
Pros:
- Large range of resistance
- Comes in large set or sold individually
- Very long which makes them great for stretching
Cons:
- Not safe for those with latex allergy
Best Variety Resistance Band for Seniors: Force USA Super Bands
Force USA
Key Features:
- Incredible resistance range
- What's included: Each band sold individually
- Weight options included: Five to 250 pounds
- Material: Latex
When it comes to working out, it’s always great to be able to change up your routine to keep things feeling fresh and motivating. Having a set of resistance bands in a variety of shapes and sizes allows you to try different exercises and target different muscles. That’s why we like the Force USA Super Bands.
A lot of bands will come in predetermined sets, but this one allows you to choose from seven bands ranging from five to 250 pounds of resistance. While these loop bands are on the pricier side, you can choose to purchase only the ones that will fulfill your workout needs. Not to mention, they are incredibly durable, designed to last through intense workouts year after year.
Force USA Super Bands are great for both assistance and resistance, and can fold up small enough to throw in a gym bag or travel with. These bands are also super versatile for both explosive and endurance workouts as well as stretch and rehab exercises.
Pros:
- Lots of resistance options
- Can select each resistance individually
- Great for assistance and resistance
Cons:
- Not safe for those with latex allergy
- Pricey
Best Resistance Band for Seniors with Handles: Rep Fitness Tube Resistance Band with Handles
Rep Fitness
Key Features:
- Grippy handles on each end of band
- What's included: Three color coded bands, or sold separately
- Weight options included: Light, medium, heavy
- Material: Latex band and plastic handles
While a loop band is the most common type of resistance band, they can be challenging to slide up and over your legs or arms if you are struggling with balance or mobility issues. That’s why we recommend the Rep Fitness Tube Resistance Bands with Handles as a great option for an exercise band for seniors. These tubes have a grippy handle attached to either end of the band which allows you to maintain a secure and comfortable hold during your workout.
You have the option of purchasing the full set, or a single band in the light, medium or heavy resistance. These resistance bands are a particularly great option if you want to focus on upper body exercises and arm strength as they are ideal for curls, flys, rows and more.
Pros:
- Great for strengthening upper body
- Can be purchased alone or as a set
- Handles make it easy to grip
Cons:
- Not safe for those with latex allergy
- Limited use for lower body exercises
Best Splurge Resistance Bands: Rogue Echo Resistance Bands
Rogue
Key Features:
- Levels devoted to specific exercises
- What's included: Each resistance sold as single or in pairs
- Weight options included: Zero to eight resistance levels
- Material: Latex
If you’re willing to splurge on a new set of exercise bands, check out the Rogue Echo Resistance Bands. These bands may be pricey, but they are super high quality made from durable rubber latex.
These bands come in eight different resistance levels and are color coded for ease of use. The lightest resistance bands are designed for general conditioning and rehab, while the heaviest bands provide maximum resistance designed for athletes and lifters looking to push their workout to the next level. With that in mind, we like that you can pick and choose which individual bands you want to purchase that will work best for your fitness goals.
To expand the versatility of your bands, you can also purchase the compatible door anchor which allows you to attach the bands to the door for a solid point of resistance.
Pros:
- Great for strength and mobility work
- Lots of resistance options
- Very durable
Cons:
- Not safe for those with latex allergy
- Pricey
How to Choose the Best Resistance Band as a Senior
When choosing the best resistance bands for you, there are a couple things to keep in mind that will help make sure you get the right type for your needs and workout preferences. We reached out to Michael Hamlin NSCA, CSCS, founder of Everflex Personal Training for advice on how to choose the right band. He has more than 15 years of experience training people of all ages, and believes that choosing the proper equipment is vital to creating your ideal workout.
Hamlin highlighted that there are three main factors to consider when choosing a band that can help determine which is right for you.
Level of resistance
According to Hamlin, seniors should look for bands with lower levels of resistance to avoid getting hurt and ensure that they can perform the exercises correctly.
“In many scenarios, choosing light resistance and increasing the rep counts can help seniors warm up the muscles that they are targeting and reduce the risk of injury,” he says.
Because older adults may have more past injuries or lower range of mobility, Hamlin says it’s “extra vital” to start with light resistance.
Type of band
When it comes to resistance bands, there are several types available such as tubes, loops and therapy bands. Hamlin says older adults should choose the band that is going to be the most comfortable and easiest for them to use.
“A tube band or a theraband is a great place to start for seniors if they are exercising by themselves. There are lots of different types and grades which give a person many options for how difficult the workout should be, and allow them to gradually increase resistance,” Hamlin says.
While loop bands are popular, according to Hamlin, they can pose an increased fall risk without the help of a trainer.
“They are also great to use for stretching when on the floor or in a stable seated position,” he says.
Quality of material
Resistance bands can range in material, but Hamlin suggests seniors opt for bands that are durable and resistant to wear and tear such as ones made from elasticized fabric or latex.
“They should look for latex tubing that has a powdery feel to it so that it doesn't catch on the skin on their legs if they happen to be using fitness loops,” said Hamlin.
How We Chose the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors
To choose the best resistance band for seniors we looked for top products that received high ratings and excellent customer reviews from those that had purchased and used the bands. We also considered bands for all types of workouts, preferences, strengths and budgets to come up with these six top models. We reached out to certified personal trainer Michael Hamlin NSCA, CSCS for expert advice as well as pursuing our own research.
Benefits of Resistance Bands for Seniors
“Resistance bands can be an excellent way for seniors to build strength and increase flexibility and mobility at home,” said Hamlin. “They are easy to use, affordable and very safe when used correctly. Unlike lifting dumbbells or using cardio machines, resistance bands allow you to tone and strengthen muscles with low impact and joint friendly options.”
Hamlin also mentioned that resistance bands are excellent at helping to improve balance and coordination as well as building strength and muscle mass— plus they are cheap and portable which makes them great for snowbirds or seniors on a budget.
Drawbacks of Resistance Bands for Seniors
Though resistance bands are generally pretty user friendly, they can have an adjustment period for newbies. “It is sometimes hard to choose the correct level of resistance for the right exercise, and resistance band workouts can become too easy or too challenging without a program,” said Hamlin.
Hamlin cautions there can be a risk of injury if the band has too high a resistance, if it is not used properly or if the band is worn out. “Some seniors may find it difficult to use the bands correctly at first and may need assistance to get started,” he said.
Resistance Band Exercises for Seniors
To help you get started, we asked Hamlin to guide us through some simple resistance training exercises. These are all beginner friendly, but to make sure you have proper form and are able to perfect the exercise, we suggest starting with a low—even too easy—resistance until you are comfortable with the movement. Once you have it down, you can increase the resistance a bit and repeat as many times as you like.
Seated row with handled tube resistance band
Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground and wrap the resistance band around a stable object in front of you.
Hold the handles on the resistance band and pull them towards your chest while thinking about keeping your shoulder blades in your back pockets. Extend your arms and repeat.
Seated hip abduction with loop band
Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground and wrap the fitness loop around your thighs.
Press your legs outward against the band, engaging your glutes. Press your legs back in and repeat.
Related Post: The Best Resistance Bands for Your Glutes
Standing Paloff press with handled tube resistance band
This is an anti-rotation movement that is great for your core. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Wrap the resistance band around a stable object, such as a power rack support, and grab with both hands.
Stand facing the stable object, then turn clockwise 90 degrees. You should be facing to the right with both handles in your hands. Now shuffle to the right until you feel some resistance.
In an athletic position with knees bent, you can now extend your arms while holding the handles, then bring them back to your stomach. You should feel your core turn on as you resist the forces of the band trying to twist you around. Turn and repeat on the opposite side.
FAQs
Are resistance bands good for seniors?
Resistance bands are a great way for seniors to build strength and flexibility without the use of heavy weights or high intensity.
Are resistance bands bad for joints?
No. Resistance bands can actually improve mobility and strength. Since they are low impact and come in many different sizes, users can choose the resistance and workouts that are best suited to their strength and fitness level.
How do seniors use resistance bands at home?
Resistance bands can be used both for building strength and increasing mobility. While there are countless exercise programs and fitness apps for coaching and guidance, some of the most popular ways to use them are for bicep curls, squats and clam shells, though the options are truly endless.
Can seniors build muscle with resistance bands?
Yes! Resistance bands are a great safe, budget-friendly and low-impact way to build muscle without using weights, especially as we age. As you adapt to one band strength, you can move up to one with more resistance for a more difficult workout.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking to improve your fitness, increase mobility or combat achy joints, resistance bands are a great way to workout at home. When it comes to senior fitness, these bands are easier to use than cumbersome gym equipment or heavy free weights, while still allowing you to get stronger and more mobile.
Not only can resistance bands provide a great workout, they are commonly used in physical therapy for their ability to gently and gradually work the muscles without causing too much stress or risk of injury. No matter your fitness goals or current fitness level, resistance band training is an affordable and effective way to stay healthy as you age and build an exercise routine that works for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
