Resistance band replace weights???

B

Buk Sing Bunny

0
Hey guys,

I'm thinking of buying some equipment for my boyfriend for his birthday. He's quite into fitness and working out, and his current goal is to get bigger. However, he just recently got a new job and doesn't have much free time.

I want to buy him some equipment so he can train at home, however he doesn't have enough room for a whole setup. I want to buy him something that's small but versatile and can work various muscle groups, and of course with enough resistance so that he can actually build muscle.

Are resistance bands suitable? I know they are versatile because you can position them to work different muscles. But do they offer the same resistance as weights in order to build muscle? Also, do those bands only work muscles that 'pull', i.e. I'd have to buy other weights to balance out the musles that 'push'?
 
No, they don't provide the same resistance. I remember when I was first introduced to resistance bands, it was made out as though the black ones (the thickest ones) had the same resistance as some heavy weights. One day I bought a set of resistance bands. Even the black ones are way too light a resistance for anyone aiming to put on muscle mass (unless, perhaps, the person has atrophied muscles and is trying to reverse the problem, which doesn't sound like it's the case). Primarily resistance bands are used in rehab, not in bodybuilding (however strictly or loosely you use the term), and rehab really is what they're best for.Although, to answer your last question, resistance bands do work pushing movements as well as pulling movements.

If your boyfriend were to get home equipment to help him build muscle, an adjustable barbell/dumbell set with an adjustable bench and power rack would be the ideal, but if you go by the gift-giving rule that I - in my great wisdom - offer to the dating community, that you should never buy someone a gift that costs more than $1/number of days since your first date, you'd have to have been dating for a long time to afford all that.
 
Haha thanks, my boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years, so it's ok :)

I'll look into the dumbbell option then. Glad I asked being buying the band :)
 
I wouldn't buy resistance bands per say but products like the Tower2000 and such are great products and will be just as effective as weight training.
 
Resistance bands have their place, but I too think your boyfriend might like a set of powerblocks instead.
Add an adjustable bench in the future, and you're basically set for a home gym, especially if you can add a pull-up bar somewhere.

dumbbell squats and lunges are effective for someone just looking to stay fit. hardcore trainees will prefer a real squat rack and the other amenities even a cheap gym can offer.
 
In case the bday is not over: kettle bells are also great - buy one, depending on his strength probably 16 or 20 kg. Bands don't work
 
I'd get him a JourneyGym, they have an assortment of bands for different resistances and are attached to a portable suitcase for taking it on the go. I cant even pull them above my head with the stronger bands he will get bigger for sure.
 
journeygym said:
I'd get him a JourneyGym, they have an assortment of bands for different resistances and are attached to a portable suitcase for taking it on the go. I cant even pull them above my head with the stronger bands he will get bigger for sure.
Click to expand...

I imagine you are a woman or a very small/weak man then. Doesn't the jounreygym max out at 75 lbs per side? That's pretty wimpy stuff for a guy.
 
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