Why You Need A Resistance Band Bar For Your Workouts

With resistance band training, many people have seen or used tube bands with handles. The handles improve the grip and ergonomics of using the bands, which would otherwise require squeezing the bands with your hands. While tube bands are a viable option for many exercises, we will look at three that benefit dramatically from using a bar: Chest press, overhead press, and deadlifts. The chest press is a staple exercise for the chest, shoulders, and triceps. The overhead press is an excellent exercise for the shoulders and triceps. Deadlifts are a full-body exercise that targets the back, legs, and core. All three exercises can be done with tube bands, but using a bar can make them more effective and comfortable.

Chest Press:

Tube

To perform a chest press with tube bands, you must use a mid-anchor point to provide the right tension. This can be a door anchor or a wall anchor.

With the tube bands, you are also limited by your ability not to have the bands pull you back. Imagine the bands were metal wires, and you were trying to push them together. The bands would pull you back, and you would have to resist that force. This can be a good thing, but it can also limit the force you can use.

Loop + Bar

With the loop + bar, you can skip the anchor point and eliminate the tendency for the bands to pull you back. This allows you to push the bar away from you without worrying about the bands pulling you back, allowing you to focus on the movement, not the resistance.

Overhead Press:

Tube

Performing an overhead press with tube bands seems pretty straightforward. Using a bar may not seem like much benefit. However, the bar can help you keep your hands in the correct position. It's difficult to position directly through your hand; it pulls force vector directly from behind or in front of you.

Loop + Bar

The bar improves the exercise's ergonomics. Higher-tension bands are also easier to use.

Deadlifts:

Tube

Deadlifts with tube bands can be challenging because they are difficult to tension correctly. The video below shows a lot of excess slack in the tube bands between his legs.

Loop + Bar

With the 41" loop, or even 37", you get proper tension without worrying about slack. This exercise is easy to set up, and the loop bands will typically produce more force.

Conclusion

There are several resistance band bars available on the market; the X3 is the most popular. These bars have revolutionized the resistance band workout game, making achieving higher forces and better lifting ergonomics easier. If you want to build muscle, don't overlook the importance of using bars. While traditional tube bands with handles may be sufficient for beginners, as the resistance requirements increase, bars can safely help you achieve your goals.