The resistance band is an inexpensive, efficient, effective, and handy piece of exercise equipment that allows you to perform myriads of exercises anytime and anywhere.
Many people use it at home to enhance their fitness and build a muscular physique.
But do resistance bands build muscle and strength? Let’s find the answers based on studies and real-life experiences.
Can You Build Strength with Resistance Bands?
Yes, resistance bands can be as effective as weight training (machines, barbells, and dumbbells) for increasing strength.
A study has shown that training with a resistance band provides similar strength gains in the upper and lower body compared to weights. 1Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis – National Institute of Health Database And suggested that bands can be a possible alternative to weight training.
Note: The above meta-analysis included a total of 8 studies, comprising 224 individuals aged between 15 and 88 years who had a systematic habit of performing strength training.
However, practically speaking working out with resistance bands has limitations when it comes to strength development. For example, you can deadlift 200-300 pounds with barbells and plates but can’t do it with bands.
And this has also been revealed in a study that showed band workouts could be helpful for building muscular strength but are not superior to other forms of resistance training for improving functional performance and muscle strength.2Effects of Elastic Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Functional Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – Journal of Physical Activity and Health
Conclusion: Bands can a possible alternative to weights for gaining strength, however they are not superior. They can help you build strength to some extent but if you want to stronger, you need to lift weights.
Do Resistance Bands Build Muscle Mass?
Resistance bands allow you to perform countless exercises for each muscle group, from the chest, shoulder, and triceps to the back, biceps, leg, and core, and help build muscle mass.
They provide a better range of motion so that you can target each muscle specifically.
Resistance band exercises have shown beneficial effects on muscle mass, muscle quality, and physical function in older women with sarcopenic obesity, as demonstrated in a Scientific Sports trial. 3Effects of elastic band exercise on lean mass and physical capacity in older women with sarcopenic obesity: A randomized controlled trial – Scientific Sports
Note: The experiment was done only on females, so the results may not be the same for males.
You can also maximize the results by increasing the intensity and load, letting your trained muscles recover efficiently, and feeding your body optimum nutrition.
Conclusion: Resistance bands help increase lean mass and improve body composition to some extent. However, if you want to beef up your muscles and get bulk, you need to lift weights in the gym and consume sufficient nutrition.
Resistance Bands vs. Weight Training
Weights are superior to bands for developing strength and mass. But resistance bands are also greater than weights in some areas.
For example, the banded exercises elicited higher muscle activation in the upper body (deltoideus anterior, biceps brachii, and latissimus dorsi) than dumbbells– demonstrated in a study published by the Journal of Human Kinetics. 4Muscle Activity in Upper-Body Single-Joint Resistance Exercises with Elastic Resistance Bands vs. Free Weights – Journal of Human Kinetics
Another research has revealed that the elastic bands can be a feasible training modality for lateral pulldown, unilateral rows, and Romanian deadlifts in terms of muscle activation.5 Multiple-joint exercises using elastic resistance bands vs. conventional resistance-training equipment – European Journal of Sport Science
Verdict: Bands can be more effective for eliciting activation in some muscle groups but for majority, traditional weight training is great.
The Summary
Bands are not as effective as weights for overall fitness development. However, they can be a perfect pick if you’re looking for a less expensive but effective way to build muscle.
They are compact and portable so that you can use them anywhere, at home, club, or gym.
You can do many exercises to build strength and muscles and improve balance, grip strength, and flexibility.
But you need a workout plan to train in an organized way and achieve maximum results.
Moreover, you should also increase the intensity and load, let your trained muscles recover efficiently, and feed your body optimum nutrition to maximize the results.
You can also combine elasticity band exercises with weight training to gain strength and build muscle.
References
- 1Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis – National Institute of Health Database
- 2Effects of Elastic Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Functional Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – Journal of Physical Activity and Health
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- 4Muscle Activity in Upper-Body Single-Joint Resistance Exercises with Elastic Resistance Bands vs. Free Weights – Journal of Human Kinetics
- 5Multiple-joint exercises using elastic resistance bands vs. conventional resistance-training equipment – European Journal of Sport Science
