The, stretchy, cheaper bands are great for side and rear delts. Go light and go for higher reps. Also, I use a Serious Steel band protector with the X3 foot plate to protect the bands. For the more premium "strechy" bands, American Barbell bands are the best I've used. Great thumbnail by the way.
The prestretch you get with the 32" SS bands is a game changer. I'm 5'11", so can't use them on every exercise, but they're phenominal for deadlifts, upright rows and shrugs. Chest press with the blue 32" using hands (no bar) gives an unreal pump. Great content as always!
Interesting review but I have to push back on your opinion on the 12 inch bands. From my experience they work well with the Total Gym. The weight range for each band should be no more than 50 lbs. I have used the Rogue Shorty Monster bands, the red (18 lbs) and the blue (30 lbs) and they work extremely well. Looping the bands on the front crossbar to the weight bar attachment provides immediate resistance at the start of the movement. Especially when the sliding bench is set at a lower incline level. I also use Clench Fitness 13 inch bands, the black bands with a weight range of 5 - 30 lbs and the purple color bands with a weight range of 10 - 40 lbs. Perhaps you may want to create a video using the smaller bands of the 12 to 13 inch style and see if you like them or not. The Serious Steel looks a bit too thick and may hamper your workout unless the weight range is under 50 lbs.
Great comment and point as usual Jose. I failed and forgot to mention that about using the 12s on a total gym. I have tried them on FIT before, but maybe a more focused video is in order.
Helpful video...thank you. I use the serious steel 32 in band with handles for standing chest press with band wrapped around my back. The individual handles (as opposed to a straight bar) enable a really good squeeze, kind of what you could with dumbells. Another advantage is that since they are standing, I do them in front of a mirror and can focus on good form. They also feel better on my 60 year old shoulders...
I have a set of all sizes of SSF bands and select the one that gives me the best starting resistance depending on the exercise. I am 6'3". I like the Clench bands as well. I use the 12" bands attached up high with a triceps rope attached. The uses for all sizes are only limited by your imagination.
Interesting review but I have to push back on your view of the 12 inch bands. From my experience using them on the Total Gym the bands are great. Looping the 12 inch bands on the front cross bar to the weight bar attachment provides immediate resistance especially when the sliding bench is set at a lower incline. The weight range I use from the Rouge Shorty Monster Bands series are the 18 lbs red bands and the 30 lbs blue bands. I also use Clench Fitness 13 inch bands that range from 5 - 30 lbs in black and their purple color bands that has a weight range of 10 - 40 lbs. The best range of weight, from my experience using the 12 or 13 inch bands is under 50 lbs on each side. Perhaps one day you may want to do a video using the 12 inch bands. I would recommend using Rogue’s Shorty Monster bands or the Clench Fitness brand. The Serious Steel brand looks a bit too thick and may not have the give needed to get a good workout.
This week I received the red, blue & green 41" SSF bands. I have progressed past the Undersun bands which I used to struggle with 3 years ago when first purchased for shoulder replacement rehab. I also have the SSF 20" bands which are sold in pairs. I have Rogue bands as well which I continue to use. I have developed a means to do bicep curls with a basic curling bar 1". I simply drape the loop band over the bar, pinch the forward loop under my feet, I grip the bar so the top of the band is positioned outside my thumb and the band than simply moves to a position touching the outside of my fingers that have wrapped the curling bar. If the collar hooks were 1" size for a curling bar I would purchase. Anyway just wanted to share as you always demonstrate a means to workout at home while managing costs for equipment. Still own a full double dose of GoFit tube bands.
I am kind of a bamd conissuer lol. I have 41" undersun and rbt bands, i have 32" and 20" serious steel bands, 12" rogue and elitefts bands, 9" rogue bands, and 73" bands from rbt 😂
I can totally appreciate that. As similar as they all look the feel and tension can be vastly different. So it becomes that "goldilocks" effect of finding the one that just right for the given exercise.
Are all these your favorites for these sizes or do you study and buy? I have pretty much stayed with 41 inch loops, 12 inch loops and Bodylastics clips. I’ve tried expensive and cheap loops. They all break so I save money now on those. Currently using Kobra loops. Bodylastics are my favorites. I have broken close to a dozen or so in the 10+ years I have used them. They just go limp instead of hurting you since they have a rope inside.
I love used generic & Undersun 41” bands. Switching to 32” Serious Steel and 38” Harambe has been a massive improvement. I also stack my footplates for better tension. I’m 5’6” using the 35” and 29” x3 clone from Etsy.
How appropriate. I need to re-evalute my bands, I have many. Had my first band snap on a deadlift last week. It was a heavy (cheap) band with little use.
Great video Mike. I agree with you - it's important to get doubles to have greater versatility in exercises. I've become a band junkie however - I have Clench, Serious Steel in addition to the X3 and Harambe systems.
@@hybridresistance I agree that the Harambe bands are more resistive. I like the X3 paraforce bands and all the Clench bands with black, red and purple being my go-tos.
Another great video, thanks Mike! Could you consider one one on using bands with total gym and one on your weekly work routine with cadence, reps and sets!
Yes, for sure. I was actually doing some experimenting with bands again on the new evolve model, but that didn't go too well. Regardless next time you see the TG on the channel I'll throw some bands on.
@@hybridresistance thanks. I do wonder if the evolve is worth ditching my current TG for or would I be better off getting an adjustible bench and adjustable barbells. Thoughts?
Nice breakdown! I'm 5'7" and I like the 32 inch band for X3 Chest Press. It was a challenge at first but gives resistance all the way through. I originally wanted the 37 inch but they weren't sold individually on Amazon. Out of curiosity: what is the black object in your background? It looks like a scripture quotation with a skull.
Hi Mike, Very complete and concise review. Should be called "Resistance Bands 101". To be clear, do I understand that the X3 Paraforce bands are harder than the regular X3 bands, and the Harambe are even harder? Thanks for all you do.
@@martinlingle9369 the paraforce bands honestly don’t feel that much more aggressive than the stock X3 bands. I just prefer their build quality and tension they give off. Harambe are definitely the hardest bands though. Thank you as always for your support. It is extremely appreciated.
mike have you ever worked out with springs like the chest expander or the diy isometric kits using patio swing springs? it’s not something ive been super interested in but there is a small group of diehards who swear by springs
I actually had a whole segment (about 30sec) on this that I thought some would claim it was a sell, but I do like those bands. They're not the strongest tension, but I like that they're the only USA made bands and do seem to be the toughest (less prone to dings). I stress the paraforce and NOT the stock X3 bands.
You can see a quick clip of them in the intro, but as I said to another commenter, I actually edited out about 30 sec of this video getting into them. I do like them a lot for sure.
I have way too many 😂. Got Harambe 38”, Clench/Quantam 41”, Serious Steel 20” and EliteFTS 12”. Plus my old Bodylastics sets. Oh and forget Undersun 41” in storage.
I sell them on my website. My neighbor hand makes them and spends a crazy amount of time on each one. You can find them here www.hybridresistance.com/product-page/mac-board-handmade-usa-wooden-board
I would first assume that you have a latex allergy and would defer you to pick up and try the silicone bands. The only other thing I can think of is the coating that the put on the bands to preserve them when you first purchase. You could try simply rinsing the bands in water and allowing them to air dry.
Hi Mike! About Harambe bands: "They're too hard for me, honestly.....I like a little bit of give...". What did you mean by that exactly, and in what circumstances, if I may? I use Harambe System K Bundle for bench pressing and yes they're very stiff but that it's obviously meant to simulate a free weight bench press due to supposed tension curve consistencies and also double thickness!! Are you saying I should try to invest in some 37" SS bands to mix it up? Are X3 bands 1/4" thick or just 1/8"? Also, I'lll have to order a set of those JakkoFoxx ultra-stretchy 'latex' bands you're speaking of to get potentially a fuller spectrum of tension and for more flexbility in performing different movements. Thank you for everything you do. Also, what watch is that? I've been looking at a few different models as my favorite watch just fell apart and am looking at Casio for my next brand. Again, thank you!! Your content is really one-of-a-kind, special and irreplaceable. We all appreciate your willingness and insights!
Basically I just like a little bit of a gradual stretch versus being tough out of the gates like the harambe ones. But they certainly are not bad bands in any way. I wouldn't overthink all the various tensions and lengths, but simply the more band types, the more you can fine tune the tension/weight to your liking.
I just purchased X3 since got an email for $150 off. I’m a female and height is 5’5”. Think bands that come with the system are 41 inches. What length serious steel should I add for the best workout for my height?
I just got some Veick resistence bands and they feel good quality they are 100% latex. I am new to bands and trying to get over the fear of it snapping when im applying so much force in my exercises, am i worrying for nothing?
If they are a quality band company and are layered you should be fine. Big thing is to not anchor it to anything sharp and check for cuts prior to use.
You could probably put them through the weight bar attachment area. I generally just anchor them at the bottom and then under the glideboard. I was recently trying some other stuff that caused me to rip my evolve board unfortunately.
I started with some low quality 41 inch bands and upgraded to a Harambe System after realizing that resistance bands fit in well with my lifestyle. I like the 38 inch bands by Harambe much better because I feel that resistance much more. I'll have been using them 6 days a week for 8 months soon and while they are showing some signs of wear they still feel the same as when I took them out of the bag. I'll probably order a back up for down the road.
If you do a lot of volume and dynamic exercises, consider applying silicone oil to your bands. I've had my Harambe bands for 1.5 years and they're just now showing signs of wear. I also like paraforce bands and I rotate them to extend their longevity.
I was always disable my mid roll adds, are you saying you're still seeing this? If you're talking about the add in the beginning, you should be able to just skip that.
@@hybridresistance oh hey lol didn't think you'd reply on random rant like this. thx it's in the beginning, i think something went wrong, for the past 2 days you couldn't really skip the ads in the begining. and it just kept playing on and on. i think it's fixed now. thx. I'm in the resistance-bands-only camp. appreciate your content. Love from China
![How To Use [ Resistance Bands ] | 🏆 Best Beginners Guide By 💪 James Grage, Undersun Fitness](/img/n.gif)
The, stretchy, cheaper bands are great for side and rear delts. Go light and go for higher reps.
Also, I use a Serious Steel band protector with the X3 foot plate to protect the bands.
For the more premium "strechy" bands, American Barbell bands are the best I've used.
Great thumbnail by the way.
Thanks brother. I agree the cheap ones have their place in those single joint exercises for sure.
The prestretch you get with the 32" SS bands is a game changer. I'm 5'11", so can't use them on every exercise, but they're phenominal for deadlifts, upright rows and shrugs. Chest press with the blue 32" using hands (no bar) gives an unreal pump. Great content as always!
Great points. Thanks for sharing
Just got some serious steel bands. Definitely a step up in resistance from the undersun and sunpow bands i was using
That is for sure. The USun have a deep stretch to them.
Interesting review but I have to push back on your opinion on the 12 inch bands. From my experience they work well with the Total Gym. The weight range for each band should be no more than 50 lbs. I have used the Rogue Shorty Monster bands, the red (18 lbs) and the blue (30 lbs) and they work extremely well. Looping the bands on the front crossbar to the weight bar attachment provides immediate resistance at the start of the movement. Especially when the sliding bench is set at a lower incline level. I also use Clench Fitness 13 inch bands, the black bands with a weight range of 5 - 30 lbs and the purple color bands with a weight range of 10 - 40 lbs.
Perhaps you may want to create a video using the smaller bands of the 12 to 13 inch style and see if you like them or not. The Serious Steel looks a bit too thick and may hamper your workout unless the weight range is under 50 lbs.
Great comment and point as usual Jose. I failed and forgot to mention that about using the 12s on a total gym. I have tried them on FIT before, but maybe a more focused video is in order.
Vector has a new resistance band foot plate looks very well made maybe we can do a review on it in the future.
That will be happening
Helpful video...thank you. I use the serious steel 32 in band with handles for standing chest press with band wrapped around my back. The individual handles (as opposed to a straight bar) enable a really good squeeze, kind of what you could with dumbells. Another advantage is that since they are standing, I do them in front of a mirror and can focus on good form. They also feel better on my 60 year old shoulders...
I have a set of all sizes of SSF bands and select the one that gives me the best starting resistance depending on the exercise. I am 6'3". I like the Clench bands as well. I use the 12" bands attached up high with a triceps rope attached. The uses for all sizes are only limited by your imagination.
Great comment Steve. Definitely true, you're only limited by your imagination.
Interesting review but I have to push back on your view of the 12 inch bands. From my experience using them on the Total Gym the bands are great. Looping the 12 inch bands on the front cross bar to the weight bar attachment provides immediate resistance especially when the sliding bench is set at a lower incline. The weight range I use from the Rouge Shorty Monster Bands series are the 18 lbs red bands and the 30 lbs blue bands. I also use Clench Fitness 13 inch bands that range from 5 - 30 lbs in black and their purple color bands that has a weight range of 10 - 40 lbs.
The best range of weight, from my experience using the 12 or 13 inch bands is under 50 lbs on each side. Perhaps one day you may want to do a video using the 12 inch bands. I would recommend using Rogue’s Shorty Monster bands or the Clench Fitness brand. The Serious Steel brand looks a bit too thick and may not have the give needed to get a good workout.
This week I received the red, blue & green 41" SSF bands. I have progressed past the Undersun bands which I used to struggle with 3 years ago when first purchased for shoulder replacement rehab. I also have the SSF 20" bands which are sold in pairs. I have Rogue bands as well which I continue to use. I have developed a means to do bicep curls with a basic curling bar 1". I simply drape the loop band over the bar, pinch the forward loop under my feet, I grip the bar so the top of the band is positioned outside my thumb and the band than simply moves to a position touching the outside of my fingers that have wrapped the curling bar. If the collar hooks were 1" size for a curling bar I would purchase. Anyway just wanted to share as you always demonstrate a means to workout at home while managing costs for equipment. Still own a full double dose of GoFit tube bands.
Thanks for that comment my friend
I am kind of a bamd conissuer lol. I have 41" undersun and rbt bands, i have 32" and 20" serious steel bands, 12" rogue and elitefts bands, 9" rogue bands, and 73" bands from rbt 😂
I can totally appreciate that. As similar as they all look the feel and tension can be vastly different. So it becomes that "goldilocks" effect of finding the one that just right for the given exercise.
I’m a huge fan of Quantum bands from RBT!!!
Are all these your favorites for these sizes or do you study and buy? I have pretty much stayed with 41 inch loops, 12 inch loops and Bodylastics clips. I’ve tried expensive and cheap loops. They all break so I save money now on those. Currently using Kobra loops. Bodylastics are my favorites. I have broken close to a dozen or so in the 10+ years I have used them. They just go limp instead of hurting you since they have a rope inside.
@@Brockthedog315 I have yet to break a band. I always do some research, and everything has lasted and performed well.
Just snagged a nice mix of the SS bands and their band guard. Thanks for the promo code and tips.
Really appreciate that, thank you.
And I am 68 years old and I love the bands . Don’t stress it out
I love used generic & Undersun 41” bands. Switching to 32” Serious Steel and 38” Harambe has been a massive improvement. I also stack my footplates for better tension. I’m 5’6” using the 35” and 29” x3 clone from Etsy.
Lot of options coming out there. Thanks for sharing that
Thumbnail game strong on this one 😂
Good stuff as usual Mike!
Thanks brother. That wasn't even all my bands in the picture. I cold literally bury myself in bands.
We wanna see a Mike covered in bands 😂
@@emilyng2844 that may have to be an Instagram post. I need some sort of excuse to post something over there.
@@hybridresistance please do Mike 🤣
Thanks for the user height band length chart!
How appropriate. I need to re-evalute my bands, I have many. Had my first band snap on a deadlift last week. It was a heavy (cheap) band with little use.
I like the cheap band for some things, but you can pretty snap most of them on demand if you really want to.
@@hybridresistance Just ordered Serious Steel bands using your code. I have and like the X3 bands as well.
Great video Mike. I agree with you - it's important to get doubles to have greater versatility in exercises. I've become a band junkie however - I have Clench, Serious Steel in addition to the X3 and Harambe systems.
Thank you my friend. You are a band junkie! Let me know your favorites
@@hybridresistance I agree that the Harambe bands are more resistive. I like the X3 paraforce bands and all the Clench bands with black, red and purple being my go-tos.
Another great video, thanks Mike! Could you consider one one on using bands with total gym and one on your weekly work routine with cadence, reps and sets!
Yes, for sure. I was actually doing some experimenting with bands again on the new evolve model, but that didn't go too well. Regardless next time you see the TG on the channel I'll throw some bands on.
@@hybridresistance thanks. I do wonder if the evolve is worth ditching my current TG for or would I be better off getting an adjustible bench and adjustable barbells. Thoughts?
@@thoth80 adjustable dumbbells and bench no question. Those well supplement you’re already existing total gym
Great review as always as you covered literally every band made.
Thanks Lou! Always appreciate you watching and seeing the lion in the comment section
Will you buy the 34 inch X3 bands that are coming out next month? 32s are too tight for certain exercises. I think 34 inches will be perfect for some.
@@donaldhoward9819 I will definitely be covering those Donald so stay tuned for that.
I like the double bands
Nice breakdown!
I'm 5'7" and I like the 32 inch band for X3 Chest Press. It was a challenge at first but gives resistance all the way through.
I originally wanted the 37 inch but they weren't sold individually on Amazon.
Out of curiosity: what is the black object in your background? It looks like a scripture quotation with a skull.
Thanks Phillip. Those 32" can intense for the chest presses if you can set yourself up on them. And yes, that is a Mark 8:36 verse.
Really diggin the black flag in the back :) Can you drop a link to where I can pick one up? For realz..
Thank you brother. That is Mark 8:36. You can check it out here sanctusco.com/collections/flags/products/mark-8-flag
Great job as always Mike… thanks.
Thanks so much.
Hi Mike, Very complete and concise review. Should be called "Resistance Bands 101". To be clear, do I understand that the X3 Paraforce bands are harder than the regular X3 bands, and the Harambe are even harder? Thanks for all you do.
@@martinlingle9369 the paraforce bands honestly don’t feel that much more aggressive than the stock X3 bands. I just prefer their build quality and tension they give off. Harambe are definitely the hardest bands though. Thank you as always for your support. It is extremely appreciated.
mike have you ever worked out with springs like the chest expander or the diy isometric kits using patio swing springs? it’s not something ive been super interested in but there is a small group of diehards who swear by springs
I purchased some from the hardware store to dabble with this idea, but it never fell through.
X3 Paraforce bands for the win
I actually had a whole segment (about 30sec) on this that I thought some would claim it was a sell, but I do like those bands. They're not the strongest tension, but I like that they're the only USA made bands and do seem to be the toughest (less prone to dings). I stress the paraforce and NOT the stock X3 bands.
You forgot the X3 Performance bands ("paraforce"). Best bands I got.
You can see a quick clip of them in the intro, but as I said to another commenter, I actually edited out about 30 sec of this video getting into them. I do like them a lot for sure.
I have way too many 😂. Got Harambe 38”, Clench/Quantam 41”, Serious Steel 20” and EliteFTS 12”. Plus my old Bodylastics sets. Oh and forget Undersun 41” in storage.
Always good to have more bands on hand.
What is the wooden board you use
I sell them on my website. My neighbor hand makes them and spends a crazy amount of time on each one. You can find them here www.hybridresistance.com/product-page/mac-board-handmade-usa-wooden-board
I use the Undersun bands with the X3 bar. The X3 bands irritate my skin...can you speak to the topic of band/skin comfort?
I would first assume that you have a latex allergy and would defer you to pick up and try the silicone bands. The only other thing I can think of is the coating that the put on the bands to preserve them when you first purchase. You could try simply rinsing the bands in water and allowing them to air dry.
I'll give it a shot...thanks! 👍
Hi Mike! About Harambe bands: "They're too hard for me, honestly.....I like a little bit of give...". What did you mean by that exactly, and in what circumstances, if I may? I use Harambe System K Bundle for bench pressing and yes they're very stiff but that it's obviously meant to simulate a free weight bench press due to supposed tension curve consistencies and also double thickness!! Are you saying I should try to invest in some 37" SS bands to mix it up? Are X3 bands 1/4" thick or just 1/8"? Also, I'lll have to order a set of those JakkoFoxx ultra-stretchy 'latex' bands you're speaking of to get potentially a fuller spectrum of tension and for more flexbility in performing different movements. Thank you for everything you do. Also, what watch is that? I've been looking at a few different models as my favorite watch just fell apart and am looking at Casio for my next brand. Again, thank you!! Your content is really one-of-a-kind, special and irreplaceable. We all appreciate your willingness and insights!
Basically I just like a little bit of a gradual stretch versus being tough out of the gates like the harambe ones. But they certainly are not bad bands in any way. I wouldn't overthink all the various tensions and lengths, but simply the more band types, the more you can fine tune the tension/weight to your liking.
just subscribed
thank you.
I just purchased X3 since got an email for $150 off. I’m a female and height is 5’5”. Think bands that come with the system are 41 inches. What length serious steel should I add for the best workout for my height?
I just got some Veick resistence bands and they feel good quality they are 100% latex. I am new to bands and trying to get over the fear of it snapping when im applying so much force in my exercises, am i worrying for nothing?
If they are a quality band company and are layered you should be fine. Big thing is to not anchor it to anything sharp and check for cuts prior to use.
Are you still selling your custom wood platforms?
@@mchilla9 yes sir. Mac just delivered a fresh batch last week.
I know I am ignorant on bands but harambe bands seem the best in my opinion
It really comes down to personal preference at the end of the day. I got guys who email me who are plenty satisfied with "cheap" bands.
Band pegs fit on a total gym?
You could probably put them through the weight bar attachment area. I generally just anchor them at the bottom and then under the glideboard. I was recently trying some other stuff that caused me to rip my evolve board unfortunately.
I started with some low quality 41 inch bands and upgraded to a Harambe System after realizing that resistance bands fit in well with my lifestyle. I like the 38 inch bands by Harambe much better because I feel that resistance much more. I'll have been using them 6 days a week for 8 months soon and while they are showing some signs of wear they still feel the same as when I took them out of the bag. I'll probably order a back up for down the road.
The Harambe for sure give off the stiffest strongest band feel for their size. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Awesome nice to hear positive things about harambe
If you do a lot of volume and dynamic exercises, consider applying silicone oil to your bands. I've had my Harambe bands for 1.5 years and they're just now showing signs of wear. I also like paraforce bands and I rotate them to extend their longevity.
41’ IS PREFECT for a 5’7” man
why they putting 3 minites long ad on your 12 minutes video? this is upsetting.
I was always disable my mid roll adds, are you saying you're still seeing this? If you're talking about the add in the beginning, you should be able to just skip that.
@@hybridresistance oh hey lol didn't think you'd reply on random rant like this. thx it's in the beginning, i think something went wrong, for the past 2 days you couldn't really skip the ads in the begining. and it just kept playing on and on. i think it's fixed now. thx. I'm in the resistance-bands-only camp. appreciate your content. Love from China