Best Resistance Band Exercises

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Build full-body muscle and strength from home with our guide to the best resistance band exercises…

Resistance bands are often dismissed as little more than warm-up or rehab tools, but when you know how to use them that can also be valuable additions to your strength training arsenal.

“Resistance bands offer a flexible and affordable introduction into resistance training,” says coach David Birtwistle. “They can be excellent tools for developing strength if you don’t have a wealth of weights at your disposal.”

In the gym, you can add bands to weighted lifts like the bench press or deadlift to apply greater resistance throughout the movement. But if you’re working out from home, one decent set of bands is enough to get an effective full-body workout in.

How to do resistance band exercises 

Check out our full guide on how to use resistance bands

Strength coach Jack Hanrahan’s dos and don’ts for resistance band training…

  • Start light – Find the appropriate band; start with a lighter resistance band and only progress when you can perform the exercise through a full range of motion.
  • Slow down –Perform at a slow controlled tempo so the band isn’t jerking you around and it doesn’t whip you back.
  • Stay secure – Anchor the band to something secure, like a fixed park bench or thin tree – not a curtain rail.
  • Grip strong – Use a strong grip and anchor the band under the middle of your foot.

Related content:

  1. Best Dumbbell Exercises For Every Body Part
  2. 23 Best Kettlebell Exercises
  3. 35 Of The Best Barbell Exercises For Every Muscle Group

Best resistance band exercises for upper body

man demonstrating step one of resistance band deadlift; he is bent over at the hips, knees slightly bent, holding a resistance band that is wrapped around his feet; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band deadlift; he is standing up straight, holding a resistance band that is wrapped around his feet; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Deadlift

Target areas: Lower back, hamstrings

How to do a resistance band deadlift:

  • Stand on the band with your feet close together.
  • Grip the ends of the band.
  • Take a deep breath and stand up straight.
  • To initiate the movement, reach the hips back, tilting your tailbone up and keeping your lower back flat.
  • Push your feet into the floor, drive your hips forward, and squeeze your glutes to transition back to standing.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band lateral raise; standing up straight, a resistance band is held under one foot; he holds the resistance band at hip height with the opposite hand; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band lateral raise; standing up straight, a resistance band is held under one foot; holding the resistance band with the opposite hand, he extends his arm straight out to the side until it reaches shoulder height; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Lateral Raise

Target areas: Delts

How to do a resistance band lateral raise:

  • Stand tall and anchor one end of a long band under your foot.
  • Grab the other end with your opposite hand.
  • Brace your core and raise the band out to the side, taking it to shoulder height.
  • Lower with control, but don’t let the band pass the line of your hips to maintain muscle tension.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band kneeling shoulder press; kneeling, a resistance band is held under his legs; he holds the resistance band at shoulder height; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band kneeling shoulder press; kneeling, a resistance band is held under his legs; holding the resistance band in both hands, he extends his arms straight above his head; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Kneeling Shoulder Press

Target areas: Shoulders, core

How to do a resistance band kneeling shoulder press:

  • Take a shoulder-width grip of the band.
  • Hold tight with the band in contact with the heels of your hands.
  • Throughout the exercise, your elbows should be directly under your hands.
  • Press the band overhead and lock your elbows.
  • Pull the band back down, keeping your elbows tucked in.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band bent over row; he is bent over at the hips, knees slightly bent, holding a resistance band that is wrapped around his feet; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band bent over row; he is bent over at the hips, knees slightly bent, pulling up on a resistance band that is wrapped around his feet; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Bent-Over Row

Target areas: Back, biceps

How to do a resistance band bent-over row:

  • Stand in the middle of a long band.
  • Hinge at the hips to bend over and hold onto both ends.
  • Now row each end to your hips.
  • Squeeze your lats at the top of the movement, then lower with control.

man demonstrating step one of seated face pull; seated with knees bent, he holds a secured resistance band; his arms are straight, outstretched in front of him; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of seated face pull; seated with knees bent, he holds a secured resistance band; his arms are bent as he pull the band towards his chest; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Seated Face Pull

Target areas: Upper back

How to do a resistance band seated face pull:

  • You’ll need an anchor point again for this one.
  • Loop the band around it and take a seat a foot or two away.
  • Now grab hold of both ends of the band and pull it towards your head, keeping a straight back and strong core.
  • As you pull, flare your elbows out to the sides – you should feel this move in your lats.

man demonstrating step one of press up; in a plank position, the resistance band passes over his back to be held by each hand on the floor; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of press up; with the resistance band passing over his back to be held by each hand on the floor, he bends his arms to lower his body towards the floor; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Press-Up

Target areas: Chest, core, shoulders

How to do a resistance band press-up:

  • From kneeling, grab your resistance band and bring it around your upper back.
  • Loop each end around your palms, then get into a press-up position.
  • Press the heels of your hands into the floor and brace your abs.
  • Descend into a press-up, then explosively drive back up.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band front raise; standing up straight, he is holding a resistance band that is wrapped under one foot in one hand; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band front raise; standing up straight, he is holding a resistance band that is wrapped under one foot in one hand; keeping the arm straight, he lifts and extends his arm up until it is level with his shoulder; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Single-Arm Front Raise

Target areas: Delts

How to do a resistance band single-arm front raise:

  • Loop one end of a long band under your foot.
  • Stand tall and hold onto the other end with the hand on the same side.
  • Brace your core and, with a straight arm, raise the band in front of you until it reaches shoulder height.
  • Lower with control.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band biceps curl; standing up straight, he is holding a resistance band that is wrapped under one foot; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band biceps curl; standing up straight, he is pulling up a resistance band that is wrapped under one foot; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Biceps Curl

Target areas: Biceps, core

How to do a resistance band biceps curl:

  • Loop the band under your feet.
  • Grip the other end of the band with hands at shoulder-width apart.
  • Hold the band with arms extended.
  • Curl the band up to chest height, squeezing your biceps at the top.
  • Lower with control.

man demonstrating step one of upright row; he stands upright, both hands holding a resistance band that is secured under his feet; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of upright row; he stands upright, both hands holding a resistance band that is secured under his feet; he pulls up on the band until level with his shoulders; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Upright Row 

Target areas: Shoulders, core

How to do a resistance band upright row:

  • Stand tall, with the middle of a long band positioned under your feet.
  • Hold onto the free side of the band, with hands shoulder-width apart.
  • Raise the band to around neck height, by leading with your elbows and bringing them as high as you can.
  • Lower and repeat.

man demonstrating step one ofreverse fly; standing up straight, he holds a resistance band out in front of him in both hands, shoulder width apart; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of reverse fly; standing up straight, he holds a resistance band in both hands, he stretches his arms outwards as far as possible; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Pull-Apart

Target areas: Upper back

How to do a resistance band pull-apart:

  • Stand holding a band with hands shoulder-width apart.
  • Raise the band to shoulder height, with arms extended.
  • Now pull the band horizontally across your chest.
  • Pull as far as you can, feeling the squeeze in your upper back.
  • Pause for a second in the pulled position, with retracted shoulder blades, then return to arms out front.

man demonstrating step one of lying chest press; laying on his back with bent knees, the resistance band is passed under his back; his arms are bent as each hand holds one end of the resistance band; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of lying chest press; laying on his back with bent knees, the resistance band is passed under his back; holding one end of the resistance band in each hand, he extends his arms up towards the ceiling; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Lying Chest Press 

Target areas: Chest

How to do a resistance band lying chest press:

  • From sitting, bring the band around your upper back and hold onto each end.
  • Lie down with knees bent.
  • Initiate the movement by pressing the band directly over your chest – feeling the squeeze in your pecs.
  • Pause for a second at the top of the movement, then lower until your triceps lightly touch the floor.

man demonstrating step one of single arm triceps extension; standing tall, his arm reaches behind his head to hold a resistance band that's held under one foot; his arm is bent; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of single arm triceps extension; standing tall, his arm reaches behind his head to hold a resistance band that's held under one foot; his arm straightens as he pulls the band and reaches up; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Single-Arm Triceps Extension

Target areas: Triceps

How to do a resistance band single-arm triceps extension:

  • From standing, loop one end of a long band around your foot.
  • Squat down to grab the other end and bring it to shoulder height.
  • Now bring it around your head, so you’re holding it with a bent elbow behind your head at around shoulder height.
  • Press the band directly overhead, keeping your elbow fixed in one place.

Best resistance band exercises for lower body

man demonstrating step one of resistance band front squat; standing up straight, he is holding a resistance band that is wrapped under both feet in two hands, holding it level with his shoulders; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band front squat; he bends his knees to 90 degree angles in a squat position; he is holding a resistance band that is wrapped under both feet in two hands, level with his shoulders; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Front Squat

Target areas: Quads, glutes, core

How to do a resistance band front squat:

  • Loop one end of the band around the base of your feet.
  • Cross your hip crease with the middle of the band.
  • Loop the other end over your shoulders.
  • Squat down with control, keeping core braced and shoulders retracted.
  • Drive through your heels, raise and tuck your hips.

man demonstrating step one of lateral step out; in a squat position, his knees are bent to a 90 degree angle with a resistance band wrapped around them; his arms are bent and hands adjoined at chest height; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of lateral step out; in a squat position, his knees are bent to a 90 degree angle with a resistance band wrapped around them; his arms are bent and hands adjoined at chest height; he steps out to the side so his legs are wider apart; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Lateral Step-Out Squat 

Target areas: Quads, glutes

How to do a resistance band lateral step-out squat:

  • Loop a short band around both knees.
  • Now squat until your quads are parallel to the floor, keeping your chest up and back straight.
  • Maintaining this squat, step out to the side so the band tightens.
  • Now step back to the middle and repeat to the other side.

man demonstrating step one of resistance band single-leg romanian deadlift; he bends over at the hips, holding a resistance band which is under his foot; his other leg is bent and positioned behind him; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of resistance band single-leg romanian deadlift; he stands straight, holding a resistance band which is being held under his foot; his other leg is relaxed and positioned behind him; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Single-Leg Deadlift

Target areas: Hamstrings, core, balance, proprioception

How to do a resistance band single-leg deadlift:

  • Stand on one end of a resistance band and grab the other with the opposite hand.
  • Hover your free foot off the floor and keep a very slight bend in your front knee.
  • Now hinge at the hips and raise your free foot behind you, lowering the band until your torso is parallel to the floor.
  • Return to standing.

man demonstrating step one of split squat; legs apart, he holds a resistance band under his front foot and around the back of his neck; his hands support the band in the middle; his arm is bent; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of split squat; bending down into a lunge position, he holds a resistance band under his front foot and around the back of his neck; his hands support the band in the middle; his arm is bent; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Split Squat

Target areas: Glutes, hamstrings, quads

How to do a resistance band split squat:

  • Loop one end of a long band around your front foot and the other around your upper back.
  • Step your free foot back and raise your heel off the floor.
  • With your weight slightly over your front leg, bend both knees to 90 degrees.
  • Drive through your front heel to return to standing.

Best resistance band exercises for core strength

man demonstrating step one of side plank high pull; in a side plank position, his top hand holds a resistance band that is secured under his bottom hand on the floor; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainersman demonstrating step two of side plank high pull; in a side plank position, his top hand holds a resistance band that is secured under his bottom hand on the floor; his top arm is bent as he pulls the band upwards; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Side Plank High Pull

Target areas: Core, shoulders

How to do a resistance band side plank high pull:

  • Assume a high side plank position: feet stacked, bottom arm extended, torso in a straight line from shoulders to hips.
  • Position one end of a band under your planted hand and hold onto the other end with your free hand.
  • The starting position is with top elbow bend, band loose.
  • Initiate the movement by raising your elbow and pulling the band tight.
  • Pull as far as possible, while maintaining your form in the high side plank position.

man demonstrating step one of plank row; in a plank position, one arm reaches out holding a secured resistance band; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of plank row; in a plank position, one hand holds a secured resistance band; he pulls the band in towards his chest; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Plank Row

Target areas: Core, lats

How to do a resistance band plank row:

  • You’ll need an anchor point for this one – either a pole or willing training partner.
  • Loop one end of the band around the anchor point.
  • Now get into a high plank/press-up position, a couple of feet away from the anchor.
  • Maintaining the high plank, reach one hand out and grab the end of the band.
  • Keep your core braced as you pull the band towards your hip.
  • Release and repeat.
  • Do all reps on one side, then switch.

man demonstrating step one of russian twist; sitting down with knees bent, he holds a secured resistance band in his hands in front of his chest; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers man demonstrating step two of russian twist; sitting down with knees bent, he holds a secured resistance band in his hands in front of his chest; he turns his body to one side; he wears a black fitness vest, black shorts and trainers

Resistance Band Russian Twist

Target areas: Core

How to do a resistance band Russian twist:

  • Loop the band around a fixed anchor point.
  • Grab the end of the band and bring it over your head, holding it at chest height.
  • Lean back slightly and twist your torso to one side with control, then the other.
  • Make it harder by lifting your feet off the floor slightly.

Try out some of these resistance band exercises and more in our full-body resistance band warm-up routine

The post Best Resistance Band Exercises appeared first on MensFitness.



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