Resistance bands snapping is always a huge bummer during training for several reasons. If your resistance bands keep breaking often, there could be a few reasons why.
First and foremost, it’s important to have a realistic expectation of your bands. There’s no such thing as a resistance band that lasts forever. If you’re taking proper care of your bands and using them the right way, even a frequently-used band should last up to 2-3 years before it wears down enough to break on its own. For a workout instrument running you less than $30 for most items, that’s a pretty good deal, one of the reasons why resistance bands are getting more popular.
Of course, due to the wide market of resistance band makers and the different styles of bands that are available, the real life of your band can vary widely. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality bands that can be trusted to last long enough to be a reliable workout tool. Slastix resistance bands by Stroops are some of the best you’ll find, and we’d recommend them for any athlete.
1. Stretching Too Far
It may not be easily apparent to tell how far to stretch a resistance band is too far. It’s not as if the band will simply stop stretching. However, with any band, there is usually a general point of elasticity where stretching beyond that point can result in immediate irreversible damage to the band’s structural integrity.
For most resistance bands, it’s best not to extend it beyond about 2 to 2 1/2 times its normal length. There are bands out there like the Stroops Toner that are a safe option to stretch up to 3 times the original length. When you stretch your band beyond that safe point, down to a microscopic level, the fibers of the latex band are tearing apart. It’s possible that you may not even notice these tears since the structure can weaken both outside and inside. It may not happen immediately, but the band will eventually snap under the pressure.
2. Poor Maintenance
Like any workout equipment, it’s important that you take care of your stuff so it’ll last as long as possible. With resistance bands, however, that care doesn’t just mean getting rid of some dust. Poor care of your bands will directly affect how durable and reliable they are over time.
Between uses of our resistance bands, or at least on a periodic basis, inspect your bands for cuts, nicks, tears, and other abrasions. These kinds of exterior damages will immediately impact how solid your band is. Take time as well to make sure your bands are clean. Wipe them down with water, but avoid using soap as it may dry out the bands and make them more brittle.
3. Bad Storage Practices
When not using your resistance bands, where and how you store them are vital things to consider. It’s best to store them by hanging them up in a location that is temperate and out of sunlight. Sun damage is one of the most common causes of deterioration in resistance bands that users don’t realize. UV rays from the sun render the latex brittle and weak.
Hanging up your bands is usually the best option simply because it keeps them out of harm’s way from getting stepped on or buried under other workout tools. The Hanging Rack by Stroops is a solid and fairly low-cost option for any gym or workout studio setup.
4. Rigorous Use
We get it, you want to get a good workout and have fun doing it. We see you. Resistance bands aren’t so delicate that you can’t work them hard. However, you want to be aware of how rigorous exercise, especially in more rugged environments like the outdoors, can affect your band over time. The more your band impacts the ground and other objects, the more likely it will incur abrasive damage that will deteriorate it.
Because of this, it’s important to be mindful of how you use your bands. If you’re going to be rougher with them, things we previously discussed like proper maintenance and storage are even more important. Let your workouts be the only time you’re mean to your bands.
Of course, there are better ways to keep bands in good shape before doing any of this, which leads us into our final point…
5. Buying Cheap Resistance Bands
Take yourself seriously as an athlete by investing in proper, high-quality training equipment. The market for resistance bands is unfortunately quite saturated with really bad products that neither work well nor last long enough to be worth your time and money. Sure, that $5 flat loop band may seem like an easy grab—you probably even got it for free from a physical therapist at some point, but you’ll feel pretty duped if/when that wears out and snaps after just a few months of diligent use.
When considering the time you’ll spend using them and the effect they’ll have on your fitness routine, even pricier resistance bands in the realm of $30-40 aren’t really breaking the bank, so you might as well put more of your money where your mindset is and get yourself some good bands. Otherwise, your resistance bands will simply keep breaking. You might even end up spending just as much or more money than a decent band would have cost you.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the longevity of your resistance bands depends on the quality of your investment and how well you treat them. Choosing high-quality bands significantly extends their lifespan, ensuring they remain a reliable workout tool for years. To avoid premature snapping, it’s crucial to understand and respect the limits of your bands. Avoid stretching them beyond their recommended range, practice good maintenance by inspecting for damages regularly, and store them properly in a temperate, shaded area. Rigorous use and purchasing cheap, low-quality bands are surefire ways to expedite wear and tear. Investing in quality equipment is an investment in your fitness journey, promoting safety, durability, and long-term value. So, when it comes to resistance bands, choose wisely, care diligently, and make the most out of your workouts with reliable and enduring fitness tools.
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