Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any workout routine, but navigating the world of bands can be confusing. Two popular options are tubular resistance bands and flat resistance bands.
The tubular band, or tube resistance band, is cylindrical and often attached to ends that are either handles or connection points. A flat resistance band is an uncovered, ribbon-shaped band often seen as a standalone device. It’s important to understand their differences, and figure out which one might suit your fitness goals.
The Birth of Resistance Bands
How are resistance bands born? Typically made of rubber or latex, these bands undergo a manufacturing process that involves extrusion. Extrusion is a term for squeezing material through a shaped opening to create a continuous profile. In this case, it’s the elongated shape of a resistance band. This extrusion process can form the band band into different shapes such as a tube or a ribbon.
Tubular Resistance Bands
As the name suggests, tubular resistance bands have a cylindrical shape. Picture a flexible tube, and you’ve got the idea. These bands are often seamless and provide consistent resistance throughout the length. They’re known for durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty exercises.
As a consumer, you’ll often see this type of band produced with something on the end like a handle, clip, or strap. These attachments provide an anchoring without having to loop it around something or tie it.
From a physical perspective, a tubular resistance band provides all-around strength in the band’s body since strain can be evenly distributed across the surface.
Flat Resistance Bands
Flat resistance bands resemble giant ribbons. They’re wide and flat, providing a different feel in your hands.
Flat bands are a very common form to see, and they were likely the first type of band to be used in exercise. The look of one can vary depending on resistance level. a light band can appear thin and ultra-flexible, with about the thickness of a slice of deli meat. A heavier, more resistant flat band will appear more layered, or it will be wider.
Flat bands have a weak point in their design, however. Remember how tubular bands would distribute stress evenly around their circular bodies? With flat bands, the edges of the band get more of the strain than the rest. That can devolve into quicker instances of tears and hyper-extension damage to the band.
Along those lines, a double-edged sword of flat bands is how much you’re paying for them. Because flat resistance bands are made so thin, they are often the cheaper option for an athlete trying not to break the bank. Nevertheless, cheaper equipment is inevitably weaker equipment in most cases, and you likely will end up needing to replace your bands for more quickly than you normally would have.
Wrapping It Up
Personal preference and comfortability is always king when it comes to workout equipment. Both types of resistance bands offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your fitness goals and the type of exercises you enjoy. And if you want the best of both worlds – durability, versatility, and added protection – consider opting for a sleeved resistance band. Whether tubular or flat, resistance bands bring a dynamic element to your workouts, ensuring that every stretch and pull takes you a step closer to your fitness goals.
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