Are Rubber or Fabric Resistance Bands better to use?

Whether you’re using Rubber or Fabric Resistance Bands, these are a great form of external resistance if you’re limited for space or want something easy to store and use in your home workouts.

Resistance Bands are excellent for strength building, activation, warming up, stretching and toning. If you want to take your workouts to the next level, you need to invest in the best resistance bands on the market! So, are Rubber/Latex Resistance Bands or Fabric Resistance bands better?

What is the difference between latex versus fabric resistance bands

The key difference between latex or fabric resistance bands, is simply the material they are made from and how this impacts your exercise movement. Latex or rubber resistance bands are, of course, made from rubber. On the other hand, fabric resistance bands are made from a stronger material, usually cotton or another durable fabric.

These offer unique resistances, support & functionality during work outs.

Are Fabric Resistance Bands better?

This is a great question to ask before investing in Resistance Bands. To answer whether Fabric Resistance Bands are better for use, let’s talk quickly about the functionality of the latex resistance bands or rubber resistance bands:

Pros of Rubber Resistance Bands:

1. As they are made from rubber, latex resistance bands generally stretch a lot more than fabric resistance bands, which ultimately gives a bigger range of motion.
2. Generally come in a bundle pack which is great for varied resistance options! 

Cons of Rubber Resistance Bands:

1. As the rubber can cling to skin (and be quite painful) you’ll need to make sure you are wearing leggings. You will find they may also roll up if the rubber resistance band doesn’t catch on to your active wear.
2. Rubber is more likely to “wear and tear” over time and not be as durable as fabric bands. This means the resistance can decrease or may even snap over time – if this has happened to you, ouch, we feel you!
3. If you are allergic to latex you may not be able to use these in case of a reaction.

Fabric bands also have their pros and cons, depending on your goal.

Pros of Fabric Resistance Bands:

1. Fabric Resistance Bands are much stronger than latex bands, adding a great amount of resistance when performing leg exercises.
2. Due to their high quality & durability, they offer better support and grip, so you will find they don’t roll or slip like the rubber resistance bands do.
3. Hygienic – you can throw these in the washing machine after each use.
4. Durable – will last much longer than rubber resistance bands and are therefore a more eco-friendly purchase

TIP: great for movements that can benefit from extra stability like hip thrusts, squats, and crab walks.

Cons of Fabric Resistance Bands:

1. Don’t offer as much stretch as fabric bands so not as common for upper body workouts, unless you purchase a bundle pack that has a variety of resistances to give you options for a full body workout. Our 5 pack is an excellent option to cater for all exercise movements, offering a range from extra light, to extra heavy, to accommodate for all needs!

NOTE: Each type of band has its own purpose What you’re training for and with is unique to you! If you are going to go with fabric resistance bands, try and purchase a pack with a variety of resistances so you can embrace the benefits in a full body workout.

So, what are the best resistance bands to use?

There are so many Resistance Bands on the market, which can make choosing one a bit overwhelming! Here are some things to consider when shopping:

1. Tension Level – what resistance are you after? Do you just need a single band for one purpose i.e. glute activation, upper body or booty workout? Or do you want a pack that gives you a few bands with a range of resistances. This should be your starting point. Most brands will bundle a 3 or 5 Pack of Resistance Bands.
2. Fitness Goals – If you’re after a band to help you with upper body toning only, you may veer more towards the rubber resistance bands. However, if you want a more durable strength, and do a lot of stable movements like hip thrusts, squats etc, then fabric resistance bands may be right for you! Have a read of the above pros and cons to make sure you are making a purchase that makes sense with your goals & routine!
3. Price Point – no matter if you go for latex resistance bands or fabric resistance bands, overtime, they will lose their tension. You want to ensure you get the highest quality to get the most out of your bands. Our favourites Latex Resistance Bands and Fabric Resistance Bands are:

You can also check out the full Range of Resistance Bands. Note fabric bands will always be slightly higher in price as they are more durable and will last you longer.

Want to know how to use Resistance Bands? Check out some of our videos on Instagram and Sweat with us! #sweatwithes