Top 10 Reasons Why Resistance Bands Beat Free Weights

[@BobandBrad]

Some of our astute followers have noticed me slurring my words. I am not drunk but working with Brad it would be justifiable. I had 6 infected cysts removed from my mouth (noncancerous) and I have residual scar tissue and numbness. I will try to do better. Thanks Bob.

[@donnywalter2000]

Thanks for letting us know. I was worried you had had a stroke!

[@msfiya251]

🤗❤

[@maryb6529]

I am sorry you went through that, Bob. Your and Brad’s videos have helped me so much, I am glad that you carried on and made this video anyway.

[@OGDKNY]

Bob. You’re the best and for the record I never thought you were hitting the bottle. Thx for the great content.

[@MikeInSolitude]

Don't say I'll try to do better Bob, u just do your stuff 😊

[@lastrun1746]

Best 13 min. Blog Ever! I’m retired military, raced motorcycles, CrossFit. Yes I have numerous issues in the injury dept. I have been doing this since this came out and already my arthritis is at bay, shoulder is finding it’s socket. This is amazing. Thanks so much. I’m feeling better and still have money in my pocket. You two are the best doctors ever!!

[@gatelice3854]

Tore my labrum with free weights. Now all I do are bands and swimming. Life is good.

[@thomasgeare6770]

Me too

[@13monkees]

Same here.

[@Viccster361]

Have you noticed decent muscle growth with bands?

[@dingdong6005]

How are you doing.

[@antihero615]

Thank you for this comment. I have been having shoulder pain from either lifting weights or lifting my child; decided to search “bands vs free weights”. This was the first video and yours was the first comment. I looked ip a labrum tear and it looks like what I have. Thanks for posting/raising awareness!

[@dawneasthope5404]

One of the things I like about resistance bands is that they are easier to store than dumb bells. I'm in a flat with very little storage space (or space in general) and the bands are so much easier to work with and store

[@DANI-nx2ey]

I just watched your video about ankle sprain (which was 4 years ago) and you mentioned that you upload videos everyday. And I double checked if you still do and.. wow! You guys are still active on KZbin. Much blessings to you two. Your channel is my go to for any injury, back problem or any physical improvements I want to do. Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 not all of us can afford to pay for PT so you guys are heroes!!

[@BobandBrad]

We are so happy to help

[@TartarusIvy]

I've used bands for ages with ballet training. Great to focus on the small muscles of the feet & to help balance.

[@pilatesyumiko]

I never thought about combining bands with weights! Thank you 😊

[@maryb6529]

I just ordered the Bob and Brad bands - I’ve been free weight lifting for years, and I’m getting to the point where certain exercises, like the overhead press, are seriously messing me up. :). I think the bands are going to get me where I want to go without the pain and injury. And thanks for the videos that help me recovery from the pain I have been inflicting on myself, LOL!!!

[@gaelliott61]

I’m halfway through and you may not have got to it yet but they’re great for traveling with and if you move a lot, are light weight and easy to pack.

[@janicebreuer3103]

Agreed! They take up next to no room or weight in my suitcase. Can get a workout in my hotel room.

[@mikebodner1812]

Most of my workouts are with bands. Bands are great for functional strength and muscle endurance. I use some free weights to maintain strength required for tasks where overcoming inertia is required, like picking up and moving heavy objects.

[@dingdong6005]

Does it grow muscles 💪??

[@mikebodner1812]

@@dingdong6005 My experience is that bands are not as good as weights if your goals are hypertrophic.

[@Barbarra63297]

Bands are great especially for older folks because it's not a set weight, you choose the level of resistance vs having to choose a weight.

[@mitchelcohn9198]

I don't understand. Aren't you choosing a weight by choosing specific dumbbells

[@robertrunkle9147]

I've been using both for several years. Bands give a lot of freedom of movement and location as opposed to free weights requiring a gym space. Most important is to use them on a regular basis...after all, it's the rest of your life!

[@deanli5793]

I’m such a Fan of The Band! People sometimes ask me do you do weights, and when I add my band session into the reckoning they can pooh pooh it. I shall now refer them to your video 😁

[@sunflower6153]

You could also say, if they put your bands down.... you're the one asking me what I do. 😉 Lol

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks!

[@honeyfitz3791]

Great video. I bought some bands but didn't know how to use them. The instructions that came with them were minimal. This video has given me many good ideas.

[@Swanxman62]

I do martial arts and is 44 years old lately I had to cut back on my wrist Jt training due to pain in my shoulders. Bands have been a life saver I can spend more time on my martial arts with less pain!

[@Mockingbird-22]

Glad I found you guys, tired of seeing juiced “influencers” give bad info

[@Rogelio_007]

You guys are great haha! Like everyone's favourite Uncles. Have a great day gents and thanks for all the quality content - you have helped me a lot solving shoulder issues.

[@ThawinginVA]

This was great guys! I can't believe I still have mine because I never liked 'em .. .. until now! Please keep sharing new creative band tips. (;Filter not required ;)

[@DANI-nx2ey]

If I may ask? How come you guys never run out of ideas to upload! You have been uploading for years and years regularly 🙏🏼 love what you do thank you. if i could download all your videos for future reference I would 🙏🏼🙏🏼 so helpful for me & my family

[@BobandBrad]

We have awesome fans that help us out with ideas 😃

[@anyascelticcreations]

Bob, your speech is much better today. I'm happy for you. 👍

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks I working on it!

[@anyascelticcreations]

@@BobandBrad I can tell! You're doing great! 👍

[@brendamcchristy6044]

I like the resistance bands better than weights but just starting with them

[@tamaravaughan503]

Loling at your jokes at 5:30 am while drinking my coffee! Thanks for making me laugh first thing in the morning and motivating me to get a circular band. Love the "side stepping" action and seems like it would be a good exercise for osteopenia (right hip).

[@BobandBrad]

We are happy to put a smile on your face !

[@terrisserose]

I have bands but got upset because I couldn't make my workouts progressively harder. I like your tip on moving further away. Thank you

[@sheltonmackey6449]

Add more bands

[@sherylburt7863]

Thanks for this video! Very beneficial for a non-athlete like me wanting to increase my strength with home workout.

[@BobandBrad]

Go to Bobandbrad.com for the best deal. Get a 4th Wall Anchor Free.

[@bernardauvity9669]

thank you so much ! , I have been convinced of this for a long time, rubber bands are really great for the old , seniors, and the fragile.

[@BobandBrad]

You are very welcome!

[@terrychilson3169]

Love them!! I use them three days a week. I feel great!

[@GopiSai7132]

I love watching your videos. my question is: resistance bands have same health benefits comparing with weight lifts?

[@pieinthesky9646]

I love you both. My go to all the time for sage practices

[@davorgolik7873]

This is exactly the topic which Im interested! I used to use free waight for 30 years and a couple of years ago I'm switching to bands. Come to same conclusions! BTW I'm 56.

[@shirleymason7697]

That nothing. I’m 86.

[@Poverello2001]

If you haven’t done so already, could you also make a video of the advantages of bodyweight exercises?

[@davidmontgomery874]

Hi there, I used to go the gym and used free weights. Now at 62 years old with MS and balance issues in a small condo apartment I just bought a set of Resistance Bands. But what I need to find are exercises that I can do with the Resistance Bands. Do you have any ideas or links / suggestions? Many thanks Gentlemen..!

[@sunflower6153]

I have some bands given to me for PT exercises. I need to get them out and do the balance idea you shared. 😏

[@anyascelticcreations]

I love bands! I use bands, free weights, and body weight. Well, I did before I got COVID. I don't do much anymore. But I will again someday.

[@beelez-xi1fi]

Great video been using bands for a while and I love how versatile they are and how they allow for proper form.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Love using bands I started working out with them this year ❤

[@beelez-xi1fi]

@@angelaholmes8888 they've made a difference to my physique just need to get a balanced diet in place to help show it off more but that's more down to will power I guess.

[@stephenbjornstad7371]

Wonderful information, should I be using protective eyewear when working with resistance bands?

[@gothops2632]

Now please do a video on the top reasons why cables beat bands! 😁

[@MarkSmithhhh]

As far as functipnal strength bands have changed my life AND its helped my mobility big time...I used to get so Damn immobile doing free weights

[@maryb6529]

No kidding. I’ve been lifting for years and am equivalently immobile, LOL! I’m def going to I try the bands.

[@perfection4all]

Dang, you two are flipping smart! You got my dumb brain to understand the logic and physics of these advantages. You're also very funny! No doubt going down in history as the most popular trainers on the internet! THANK YOU!

[@proudmisfit4405]

check out James grage

[@mrsnw5]

bands are good but free weights and good form works best for me!

[@terrycavender]

I bought some of your bands, good quality. 👍

[@BobandBrad]

Great!

[@callmeishmael3031]

How do the two types compare for osteoporosis prevention?

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

Excellent question

[@iheartradio7860]

Both weights and resistance bands add stress to the bone. This added stress (see Wolff's Law) can generate bone development through osteoblasts, which are specialized bone cells that are responsible for building bone (think "b" for build as osteoclasts do the exact opposite). During weight-bearing or resistance training exercises, an influx of calcium and magnesium, along with trace minerals are released into the blood. An intake of vitamin D allows the body to absorb more calcium; and subsequently, increases blood calcium levels. This chain of events triggers the secretion of calcitonin, which helps take the calcium out of the blood, and tells the osteoblasts to construct more bone over older layers of bone (gastrin, which is produced during the digestion of food, also triggers the release of calcitonin), and ultimately results in stronger bones. However, both resistance band training and weight bearing exercises are good for preventing osteoporosis, with resistance bands being generally safer. Both are effective. I would like to hear more from Bob and Brad =). They're awesome!

[@callmeishmael3031]

@@iheartradio7860 Thank you!

[@iheartradio7860]

@@callmeishmael3031 I tried to answer to the best of my knowledge!

[@shaddapforever]

I like my bands. However all of them have ended up stretched and eventually snapped ( not always in that order) probably due to the climate here. My dumbbells havent let me down yet.

[@larrywelch4979]

Bands are good for dynamic stretching, nothing else, no core strength, bone density.

[@Lightman741]

They do have advantages, as Brad said best used in conjunction with free weights. I don’t think someone could get huge on bands alone

[@FiredUpDanceFitness]

I put the big bands around the ballet barre in my fitness classes. by threading them inside and through to attach. We do a whole routine with these bands They deliver. My classes view them as being very effective.

[@ENERGYONXBOX]

The barbell prescription. It's an incredible method for life long functional strength and performance in daily life. I strongly recommend this to anyone!

[@_Sam62]

You mean hopefully you recommend everyone to train with a barbell instead of bands?

[@ENERGYONXBOX]

@@_Sam62 no bands are amazing. If you read the book you'll see what I mean. Or don't that's ok too

[@Cheesus4jesus]

I was thinking about joining a gym, but a personal trainer is $400 a month on top of monthly dues. A trainer is necessary for beginners, especially older folks so they don't get injured. The bands might be a better alternative.

[@lol4lol993]

Can people with spasticity use (mild/light) resistance band to strengthen their muscles?

[@USSHammerology]

So mix it up? Thanks guys...

[@BobandBrad]

No problem

[@MuddyShoesBB]

Great video guys!

[@SCG77]

I like how u let it fly then u talked abt it then it neutralized.

[@latashajones8638]

I have some I enjoy them

[@wadelowther2993]

Bob and Brad do Westside Barbell. Brilliant. The ghost of Chuck Vogelphol is here.

[@CARandDRONE]

Excellent, thank you! ("You probably pushed him!" 🤣)

[@BobandBrad]

You’re welcome

[@fredricclack7137]

👁hav a Old cast iron Bowflex, Select Tech dumbbell system, & hav started Band exercises!

[@eugeniofernandez8101]

This guys are the best......I´m a fan and I like their productos too.

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

8:50 Bands are great (esp. liked the isolation bicep curl), but after patellar and cruciate issues, this one looks risky for me. Any suggestions on how to modify the band to give more knee stability? Thanks for another awesome vid, gentlemen!

[@kecward78]

If you have knee problems, I'd recommend the Knees over Toes Guy. Bob and Brad are even following some of his advice as are many therapists, trainers, doctors, etc. Amazing help to strengthen the knees and all the stabilizing structures.

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

@@kecward78 Thanks for your suggestion. The vid I looked at had some workable ideas, hoping for slow, steady results. 😎👍

[@jag2333]

Thank you ❣

[@trhall7406]

Terrific informative vid👍

[@barrycrump6189]

Would you recommend the 3R exercise system? Could provide so information on the wall anchors that you use?

[@BobandBrad]

We do have videos on the wall anchors

[@euniceduncan899]

Do bands degrade? I have an old set that is a few years old that haven't been used.

[@74monaro]

It' just revers because an elasticated band gets easier at the bottom of a bicep curl, when the arm is extended, because it's less stretched.

[@melissaprice6897]

I'm working on resistance training to improve bone health, doc said body weight resistance training. How does laying on the ground compare to standing up (I know it's not body weight, but am I correct to believe the bones at the joint being worked are benefiting?)

[@pattym6129]

Bob & Brad, could you possible advise me & answer a question for me? Some years back, I tripped over some uneven pavement & injured my left knee. (There's an empty space between the connecting bone & upper tendon or ligament. I use resistance band's. Need hamstring & gluteus maximums stretches. How could I possibly do squats w/o pain or re-injuring my knee. Would you have any suggestions? (The only thing I can come up w/ are floor leg lifts or yoga stretching.) Help. Can you give me any ideas?

[@bryanharrison7847]

I think machines are better for circular movements like leg curls and extensions

[@cherylvardy4073]

Great info and exercises.

[@BobandBrad]

Glad you you like them

[@lightseeker134]

Unfortunately, these are out of stock on Amazon in Canada. Do you know when they're next available?

[@BobandBrad]

Just keep checking back. We try to restock quickly

[@p.d.591]

What do you guys think about the zen-ring (a bean shape ring)

[@katrambo1]

Do your bands come with workouts?

[@xbenxwilsonxhighlights7879]

Westside barbell has been using bands for 20 years. It’s called accommodating resistance.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Big fan, but I have a hard time finding them outside of a pt.

[@robertthomas7239]

Ever heard of Amazon?

[@BobandBrad]

The resistance bands? Here’s the link:US: amzn.to/36uqnbr

[@jaythedon318]

I mostly use bands to workout with. 💪💪

[@RawFitChris]

Good for rehab. Good for many things. But the most vital two exercises known to mankind - barbell squats & barbell or trap bar deadlifts - reign supreme and can never be duplicated, in terms of their tremendous all-around benefits, ease of use, efficiency, safety and practicality) with rubber bands. Not even partially. Prove me wrong.

[@darkmaster1803]

Search for James Garge resistance band on KZbin, you will find yourself proven wrong

[@veroave57]

Where do u get a wall anchor and the door gizmo that you didn’t really show and tossed it.

[@anitaholmes8201]

Why are free weights better than bands? Bands such as yours are made of latex and I'm severely allergic. The "eco-friendly" stuff isn't "me-friendly," unfortunately. I'm looking for band sets that are quality + latex free. Until then, I'm still using dumbbells, which are parked in a neat row to one side of the room when not in use. Body weight workouts are good, too (Easy to pack on a trip).

[@kecward78]

I found a number of bands in Amazon (can't stand the co., but they have good variety) under *fitness bands non latex*.

[@kiryumiagich.3548]

yeah !!! resistance bands rock !!!

[@kewnst]

ops posted on wrong video lol. is there any kicking specific exercise with bands ?

[@jennifertoussaint5195]

If they’re good enough for Tom Brady, they’re good enough for me

[@cathywright9405]

It appears I have sarcopenia and I need some bands to replace a leg press machine I no longer have access to. I'm thinking these would work anyway...I hope.

[@TheRooftopSHOUT]

When my large band snapped, it sounded like a gun going off. Crazy loud.

[@_Sam62]

And f#cking dangerous!

[@reneeborg15]

Lose the filters love you both

[@dannybailes3948]

I find it easier to hit different muscles with bands

[@libbylife7161]

What exercises do recommend that I can do after my lapidus bunionectomy fusion of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint, akin bunionectomy right foot?

[@jordilizaola8304]

Can I still get massive shoulders and a big chest with bands?

[@michaeloesterle6652]

I have multiple sclerosis and have catered a workout with resistance bands. Balance is really bad so free weights are not so practical. As a younger man I scoffed at bands, but now close to 50 with this disease I’ve had success with bands. Gone are the days of trying to be a hero gym rat and workouts are to keep independence.

[@risingsorrow]

not to mention the fact that if you drop them by mistake they don t damage the floor and they don t hurt you like dumb bells might do

[@bilguana11]

Stabilizer muscles.

[@davebechek9483]

They don't beat free weights for muscle building. When the resistance constantly grows- such that it's highest near the end of the movement - not always conducive to completing a quality rep. Sometimes need more resistance at beginning/middle of rep

[@mlpreiss]

The problem with resistance bands is that in the position where your muscles can gain the most size and strength - in the lengthened and stretched position - is where band resistance is the lowest. Band resistance is the greatest where the muscles are fully contracted, which doesn't provide the best activation for muscles. Weights are far superior for building muscle size and strength.

[@iheartradio7860]

That's a fallacy and it just means you are using the bands incorrectly.

[@voidremoved]

Well Bob and Brad did say if you want muscle size like the Hulk, then weights are better.

[@iheartradio7860]

@@voidremoved Not necessarily. It depends on the bands you use, how many you use, where you are gripping the band, whether or not you use bands in conjunction with weights/machines, etc. Since muscle cannot distinguish the "tension" between the resistance of gravity vs band, anything you can do at the gym can be replicated with a band. That's not to say that I am downplaying weights as I use weights in conjunction with bands. Try curling 100 lb dumbbell vs curling 100 lb of resistance via band. You're limited to what you can do with regards to range of motion with the weight whereas using a band, you can hit multiple angles. With free weights, you're also losing that extra bit of resistance toward the top of the rep due to changes in momentum. This not only causes a lot of people to "cheat", but limits what could have been extra gains. A person that looks like the Hulk because he uses weights may have incredible strength, but when being applied to real world applications, that person may not know how to use that strength properly. You take an NFL linebacker; those free weights (and moving those weights in a vertical plane) aren't going to necessarily translate into explosive forward momentum on the field. You may look like the Hulk, but it won't do you any good if you can't apply that strength in real world applications, unless you just want to look big. It's all about what you are after. Lifting 500 lb weights is no different than using resistance bands equating to 500 lbs of resistance.

[@mlpreiss]

@@iheartradio7860 I'm sorry. It's not a fallacy. Scientific experiments have shown that the most growth and strength improvement occurs when muscles are contracted from a lengthened, stretched position while under load. I just spent a bundle on two sets of Torrobands, a bar, and a speed rope. I'm not using the bands wrong. You have to be an idiot not to know how to use bands. The max load on bands comes when they're stretched, which means your muscles have to be contracted. Although Westside uses accommodating resistance, it's been shown to be not as effective as putting the load at the eccentric phase of a lift. That's why, when you lift, the eccentric phase should last 2 - 3 seconds and the concentric phase should last about one second. I've been looking for the study and the vid where I learned this, but haven't been able to find it. Doesn't bother me if you're interested in the information or not.

[@mlpreiss]

@@iheartradio7860 You make some good points and I don't disagree with what you wrote. When I was in college, I followed my football team's lifting program. I went from benching 175 to 325 in 2 or 3 months - mostly b/c I was young and a newbie. Football players do squats to build leg strength and benches to build up their chests to take hits and to push. They also do functional movements specific to their game and position. So, no, a lifter will not have the skills and abilities a football player does. And a football player that doesn't perform the functional movements and drills the rest of his team does won't perform well, either. And lifting 500 lbs of resistance bands is different than lifting 500 lbs of free weights because when you begin, you're not at 500 lbs. You may be at 250 or even less.

[@trhall7406]

GO BRADY…PLIABILITY KING G. O. A. T!!!!!!

[@liselemieux535]

Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T.!!

[@craigperry7376]

Yes we oldies r losing our filters. No longer care!!!

[@JRHillJR]

It’s called “accommodating” resistance

[@sessarichard]

Bands are inferior for building lower body strength. They provide less resistance at the bottom of the squat or deadlift movement when you need to have a high load.

[@ColonelCampbellAI2024]

0:58 RIP EVH 🎸

[@NelsonMontana1234]

But they don't offer resistance at the beginning of the movement.

[@voidremoved]

why is Brad always in the thumbnails but not Bob

[@BobandBrad]

🤷🏻‍♀️ we will get him in there

[@patricklittle8281]

Can definitely become the hulk if you have heavy enough resistance bands

[@funguy4utube]

When moving day comes …. Bands are easy … weights a pain

[@ginunggagap]

1:13 loose brakes on Brad

[@evanthieme8349]

Brad sounds like Norm Mcdonald