Free printable resistance band exercises chart PDF - JustFit (2024)

Resistance band is very beginner-friendly. It can be used to target specific muscle groups or to perform full-body workouts. Here you can learn 8 basic workouts using resistance bands and get free printable resistance band exercises chart PDF!

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What are exercise bands for?

Exercise bands, also known as resistance bands, are a type of flexible, stretchy exercise equipment. Nowadays, resistance bands have a wide range of usage and are great to add variety to your workouts.

Some examples of exercises that can be performed with resistance bands include bicep curls, tricep extensions, squats, chest press, rows, and lateral raises. They can be used in a variety of settings, such as at home, in a park, or while traveling.

Why resistance bands work?

Resistance bands work by providing a constant, variable resistance to your muscles as you perform an exercise. When you stretch the band during an exercise, it creates tension in the muscles, which causes them to contract and work against the resistance. This tension can help to improve strength, endurance, and muscle mass.

The constant, variable resistance provided by resistance bands can help to engage more muscle fibers and recruit stabilizing muscles, leading to a more efficient and effective workout.

The Best Resistance Bands Exercises

Lower-body exercises

1. Squat

To start, step on the side of a resistance band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop the band around your shoulders, then cross your arms in front of each other to keep it in place while you squat up and down. Keep your back straight when doing this exercise.

Perform 10-20 reps for 3 sets.

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2. Glute bridge

  1. Loop the resistance band around your legs, just above your knees.
  2. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Lift your hips off the ground and squeeze your glutes as you lift.
  4. As you lift your hips, stretch the resistance band to create tension.
  5. Hold for a moment at the top, then lower your hips back down to the starting position.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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3. Lying Side Leg Raises

Lie on your right side, keeping your heels and knees in line. The right leg should be slightly flexed for stability during the exercise.

Wrap a resistance band around your feet and lift the left leg until the resistance band is fully stretched. Then, switch sides.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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Chest exercises

4. Resistance Band Push-up

Grab onto the ends of an exercise band and pass it over your back. Place yourself in a regular push-up position, then perform the exercise.

The resistance band helps you create constant tension on the chest.

Perform 10-15 reps for 2 sets.

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5. Resistance Band Bench Press

Grab a handle in each hand and lie faceup on the bench. Position your hands at shoulder height (so your thumbs touch the front of your shoulders). Extend your arms straight up over your chest to full extension, moving them together at the top. Lower back down.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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Arm exercises

6. Concentration curl

Start in a forward lunge position, with your right leg in front and the band placed under your foot. With one hand on each end of the band, curl it up toward your shoulder, squeezing your biceps at the top. Slowly lower back down.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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Shoulder exercises

7. Front raises

Start by holding the ends of the resistance band under your feet. Lift your arms forward until they are parallel to the floor, then let them down slowly.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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Back exercises

8. Bent-over row

stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the resistance band with an overhand grip, palms facing down, while keeping your back straight and knees slightly bent as you pull the band towards your chest and then slowly release it back to the starting position.

Perform 15-20 reps for 3 sets.

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FREE Printable Resistance band exercises chart

The purpose of this printable resistance band exercises chart PDF is to provide you with exercise guides and workout plans.

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Download Resistance Band Exercise Chart PDF

Full body resistance band exercises

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The Best Resistance Band Glute Workout

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5-day printable resistance band exercises routine

Monday – Chest, Abs

  • Banded pushups
  • Banded Leg Raises
  • Lying Bicycles – No equipment

Tuesday – Biceps, Triceps

  • Standing Resistance Band Curls
  • Resistance Band One Arm Curls

Wednesday – Legs, Abs

  • Banded Squats
  • Banded Leg Lifts
  • Seated Russian Twists – No Equipment

Thursday – Shoulders

  • Resistance Band Presses
  • Standing Shoulder Presses – No Equipment

Friday – Back, Abs

  • Seated Resistance Rows
  • Bent-over row
  • Banded Leg Raises

Printable resistance band exercise chart PDF

Download Chart

FAQs

Resistance band exercises can help you burn fat and calories, especially if you use them as part of a full-body workout routine.

Research has proven that resistance band exercises grow your muscles and tone your body. Toning muscles is simply the process of losing body fat.

It is generally safe to use resistance bands every day, as long as you are using them properly and listening to your body. It is also a good idea to take a day or two off each week to allow your muscles to rest and recover.

Generally, it’s best to use bands that are long enough to allow for a full range of motion for the exercise you’re performing.

  • Upper body exercises, such as bicep curls or rows, a band that is about 2-3 feet long is typically sufficient.
  • Lower body exercises, such as squats or lunges, a band that is about 4-6 feet long is usually best.
  • Full body exercises, such as pull-ups or rows, a band that is about 6-8 feet long is ideal.

When starting out with resistance bands, it’s recommended to begin with a light-resistance band. These bands typically offer the least amount of resistance and are best suited for individuals who are new to resistance band training or those who are recovering from an injury. Light-resistance bands are also great for warming up before a workout, or for performing exercises that target smaller muscle groups such as the biceps and triceps.

There are multiple types of resistance bands—including loop bands, tube bands, power/assist bands, and resistance straps.

According to the New York Times, here are the top5:

  1. Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands
  2. GoFit ProGym Extreme: Reliable tube set
  3. Resistance Band Training Economy Fitness Package: A hybrid handled/superband set
  4. Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands: The best superband set
  5. Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands: The best mini-band set

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Free printable resistance band exercises chart PDF - JustFit (2024)

FAQs

What strength resistance band for beginners? ›

If you're a newcomer to the fitness scene or looking for a low-impact option, the 3lb ultra-light band is tailor-made for you. It provides a gentle resistance that's perfect for beginners, offering a welcoming introduction to strength training.

How many pounds should my resistance band be? ›

How to choose resistance band weight? We recommend that beginners should start with a lower strength of resistance band such as 10-15lbs to get used to the resistance and build strength. But if you are familiar with strength training, you can move into a heavier resistance 30lb+ to intensify your workout.

How do resistance bands compared to free weights? ›

Resistance bands only utilize the resistance in the band combined with your body weight for a workout. Usually, they are gentler on joints. Free weights are ideal for high-impact workouts as they consistently maintain resistance throughout the muscles during movement.

How do you use resistance bands guide? ›

How to use resistance bands
  1. Warm up for five to 10 minutes as you would for any other exercise routine.
  2. Pay attention to your form so you get the most out of every movement.
  3. Focus on the body part you should engage during the move.
  4. Use short, tension-filled breaths as you hold each position.
May 8, 2024

Are resistance bands good for seniors? ›

In summary, resistance bands are a fantastic option for seniors who want to stay strong and healthy. They're gentle on your joints, versatile, easy to use, and help improve balance and stability. Using resistance bands in your workouts can help you stay active and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle as you age.

Do resistance bands count as weight training? ›

Do resistance bands build muscle? Absolutely. In fact, a 2019 study shows that training using resistance bands provides similar strength gains to using conventional gym equipment. “Resistance bands might not look like much, but they can strengthen your muscles as effectively as more traditional weights,” says Travers.

What color resistance band is what weight? ›

Resistance Bands: Weight, Length and Care Instructions
Teal = 5 lbsRed = 30 lbs
Purple = 10 lbsYellow = 35 lbs
Pink = 15 lbsGreen = 40 lbs
Magenta = 20 lbsBlue = 45 lbs
Orange = 25 lbsBlack = 50 lbs

What is the difference between a power band and a resistance band? ›

Resistance bands allow athletes to experience resistance in all planes of motion in contrast to free weights which only apply tension in a vertical plane of motion due to gravity. Power bands offer constant levels of resistance through a full range of motion.

Should I use light or heavy resistance bands? ›

For resistance use, it is generally better to choose heavier resistance for exercises of larger muscle groups, such as squats, leg presses, bench presses, etc. And lower resistance when exercising muscles such as shoulders or biceps.

Are resistance bands better for joints? ›

Relatively safe. Leon says that resistance bands can also be a “safer option to build strength” because you're less likely to push your joints too far, which is a real possibility when using weights machines and dumbbells. By using a resistance band, you can slowly strengthen your muscles and increase your mobility.

Can you lose weight with resistance bands? ›

Yes, you can lose weight using resistance bands as long as you pair your resistance band training with a consistent calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than your body needs to maintain weight). A small to moderate calorie deficit is necessary to lose weight because it forces your body to break down fat for energy.

What is the first thing you should do before using a resistance band? ›

How to Warm Up for Resistance Band Workouts. Before your session, warm up your body with a brief, brisk walk, advises Joyner. You could also try dynamic stretches, such as a few squats, lunges, and arm circles. “These let your body know it will be working out,” he says.

Which resistance band is best for beginners? ›

When looking for a resistance band, the biggest thing to look for is the strength or tension of the band, Skye says. If you're a beginner, you should start with a light band. To help you know what to choose, she indicates that bands are often color-coded—like yellow for light and black for heavy.

What resistance training is best for beginners? ›

Try this 20-minute starter routine.
  • Ready to get started? Dr. Brady recommends beginning with this basic strength-building routine. ...
  • Push-ups (or modified push-ups)
  • Squats.
  • Seated rows with resistance band.
  • Glute bridges.
  • Overhead presses with resistance band.
  • Bird dogs.
  • Pulldowns with resistance band.
Oct 17, 2022

What does a 30 lb resistance band mean? ›

The label of 30 lbs is an approximate “feels like” value used by the manufacturer to help exercisers choose the right resistance band. The actual force depends on how far the tube is stretched.

Can beginners build muscle with resistance bands? ›

While many people assume that you need to be using heavy weights to gain muscle, or joining an expensive gym, it's far from the truth: resistance bands are cheap, easy to use at home, can be stuffed in a drawer or cupboard, and are perfect for beginners.

What length of resistance band should I use? ›

It's important to make sure the band isn't too short or you'll risk the potential for a band breaking. The pre-cut length of five feet works for most people. In general, use a length of band equal to the limb you're exercising.

References

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