The 8 Best Resistance Bands for Seniors, Chosen by CPTs

No matter your age, the best resistance bands can be a huge asset to your fitness routine. You might use them primarily for stretching and warming up, or you might mostly use them for your strength training. Resistance band exercises are an excellent way to build strength, increase muscle, and boost your range of motion — without subjecting your joints to the stresses of high-impact, high-intensity resistance exercises. 

Simple elastic bands are also portable, lightweight, and easy to store, making them an excellent way to carry out a resistance training exercise program at home. For older adults, this versatility can be a tremendous asset in building an at-home fitness routine. Our team of fitness experts and certified personal trainers has tested the best resistance bands for seniors, and we’ve detailed all the pros and cons you need to know about each option.

The 8 Best Resistance Bands for Seniors of 2024

• Best Overall Resistance Bands for Seniors: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands
• Best Budget Resistance Bands for Seniors: REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands with Handles
• Best At-Home Resistance Bands for Seniors: Living Fit Band Set
• Best Latex-Free Resistance Bands: Fringe Sport Resistance Bands
• Best Full-Body Resistance Bands for Seniors: Living Fit Full Body and Squat Workout Kit
• Best Resistance Bands With Handles for Seniors: Rogue Tube Bands
• Best Mini Resistance Bands for Seniors: Iron Bull Mini Bands
• Best Comfortable Resistance Bands for Seniors: DMoose Fabric Resistance Bands

Best Overall Resistance Bands for Seniors: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands

Pros

Durable latex construction

Protection plan available (added cost)

Provide plenty of room for progression

Cons

Not suitable for individuals with latex allergies

Limited exercise applications without an anchor

If you want the best of the best resistance bands for older adults, BarBend fitness writer and product tester Rosie Borchert gives these Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for the overall experience. “These are multi-functional and super easy to transport,” she says. “You can use these for rehab, prehab, strength training, or to assist your pull-ups.” In other words — these bands are all-around winners.

Borchert also says these bands are “super convenient,” noting that she can keep one in her bag at all times for any need, including a quick workout on the go. Because of their small size and light weight, Borchert adds that these bands are ideal for those who don’t want to (or can’t!) bring any heavy or bulky equipment into their home.

Because these are looped bands, they’re great for certain compound exercises — like squats, good mornings, and shoulder presses — for which you can use your feet as anchors. If you don’t have anywhere to anchor them, such as a pull-up bar or squat rack post, you might feel a bit limited as far as exercise selection. That said, we really like this option for older adults who might not have exercised in a while (or ever!), since the maximum resistance is 80 pounds, and exercises can start with the lightest band, which has a minimum resistance of 2 pounds. 

Worth noting: Resistance bands will eventually degrade to the point of being useless. It’s just the nature of the product. However, Rosie awards these Titan Fitness bands a durability score of 5 out of 5, since the brand offers a protection program. With proper care (don’t leave them out in the sun!), these should last several years at least. All told, we think these are some of the best home exercise equipment for beginners.

Best Budget Resistance Bands for Seniors: REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands with Handles

Pros

Affordable

Handles increase versatility and exercise selection

Color-coded for easy resistance recognition

Three resistance levels

Cons

Resistance is not specific in pounds (just light, medium, and heavy)

Does not come with a door or wall anchor

Not suitable for those with latex allergies

If you’re an older adult (or really, an athlete of any age) searching for a relatively cheap — but very high-quality — set of resistance bands with handles, try the REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands With Handles. These come in a set of three, with one each of light, medium, and heavy resistance — color-coded to make selecting the right band a breeze. Each band has a handle on each end. And at only $21.99 per set, you’ll probably like the price.

Our expert tester and experienced fitness writer Rosie Borchert has nothing but good things to say about these bands. “I’ve been using these types of bands for the last 10 years and most recently used them to warm up my shoulders the last several weekends before playing beach volleyball,” she says. “They’re also lightweight enough to slip into my purse whenever I leave the house.” Because of this, she rates the portability a 5 out of 5, as well as ease of use, functionality, and overall experience.

Thanks to the handles, exercise options increase significantly. You can still use your feet to anchor these bands for squats and overhead pressing, you can also hook these bands around a sturdy anchor point — like a pole of sorts — and use them for standing chest presses, oblique rotations, woodchops, and seated rows. Another option is to loop a handle around your ankle for glute and hamstring isolation exercises. 

You can purchase any of the three bands as a single, but the most cost-effective way to buy them is as a full set. It only costs about $22 for all three, and then you’ll have a range of resistance levels to use for different exercises — because we’re definitely not overhead pressing the same weight we squat! 

[Related: Exercise for Seniors]

Best At-Home Resistance Bands for Seniors: Living Fit Band Set

Pros

Available in sets of 4 or 6 bands

Ranges from 10 pounds of resistance to 200 pounds

Color-coded for easy selection

Lifetime warranty

Door anchor included

Cons

Not suitable for individuals with latex allergies

The looped style is less optimal for many upper body pushing movements like overhead presses

Older adults searching for resistance bands to use at home need look no further than the Living Fit Band Set, which comes a door anchor with each set — no more makeshift anchors required. Sure enough, our product tester, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level-1 coach, says these bands from Living Fit have become a staple in their regular training and recovery routines at home after using them for a few months. 

They award the Living Fit Band Set a score of 4.5 out of 5 for the overall experience, saying that the bands are highly functional. “They have a bit more resistance than other bands and don’t have a lot of give — that means that they’re a little restrictive for certain movements,” our tester says. “But again, super great bands overall, just different from the typical resistance profile.”

These bands also earn a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for durability, with our tester saying, “I haven’t seen any significant wear and tear after using them for months in my home training routine.”

With resistance levels ranging from 10 to 200 pounds, this set is ideal for individuals looking to start light and work their way up to heavier sets. These bands are of the long-looped style, so they’re ideal for compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and presses. With the lighter ones, you can also do plenty of isolation exercises such as band pull-aparts and lateral raises; with an anchor point, your exercise selection will increase significantly, including inverted rows to strengthen your back and posture.

Notably, this resistance band set comes with a lifetime warranty: Living Fit will replace any of your bands if they snap.

Read our full Living Fit Resistance Bands Review.

Best Latex-Free Resistance Bands: Fringe Sport Resistance Bands

Pros

Made of synthetic rubber, so they are safe for people with latex allergies

Available as singles or in sets

Color-coded for easy selection

Wide range of resistance levels

Cons

Some customers report durability issues after a year

No anchor system included

It can be difficult to get into position for certain compound moves, like deadlifts

Most resistance bands are made from natural rubber, which contains latex. Some people have allergies to latex, meaning latex bands are out of the question. Luckily, there are some quality latex-free resistance bands available, like these from Fringe Sport. Made from biomedical-grade synthetic rubber, they are safe for people with latex allergies to use.

Our tester and fitness writer Rosie Borchert awards the Fringe Sport Resistance Bands a score of 5 out of 5 for functionality, saying, “These bands are incredibly versatile. You can use them to stretch, to strengthen, to aid in mobility, to recover, and to assist with pull-ups. The more creative you are, the more exercises you can do with them.”

Borchert says she likes using the smaller bands to warm up, especially her shoulders, and the thicker (heavier) bands for strength exercises. She does note, however, that the thickest bands can be challenging to work with, especially for beginners or those with limited mobility — the orange band goes up to 175 pounds of resistance, so that checks out! She says that it’s tough to get into the starting position for deadlifts and other exercises where the band has to loop around your neck and shoulders. 

You can buy the Fringe Sport Resistance Bands as singles or as a set; there are a few different set options depending on your needs. With prices starting at $28 for the lightest band and up to $192 for a full set, these bands are a bargain no matter how you slice it: It’s nearly impossible to come by 175 pounds of resistance for that price with the best adjustable dumbbells. 

Best Full-Body Resistance Bands for Seniors: Living Fit Full Body and Squat Workout Kit

Pros

Complete set for resistance band workouts

Comes with barbell, anchor, travel bag, and handles

Can mimic most free weight exercises with this set

Cons

Only 3 bands included, with a max resistance of 60 pounds

Might be challenging for taller people to work with the barbell

The Living Fit Full Body and Squat Workout Kit is the resistance band set you need if you want to do everything from squats to biceps curls to alternating lunges. This set comes with three nylon-covered tube resistance bands with attachment points on each end of each band, to which you can fasten handles or a small steel barbell that comes with the set.

At $169, this isn’t the least expensive set, but it’s a worthy investment for those who want to be able to mimic most movements they could accomplish with free weights. Thanks to the barbell, it’s easier to perform various squatting, lunging, pressing, and pulling motions than it is with a typical loop band or tube band. People who are very tall might face some challenges with overhead pressing, as being taller means you must overcome greater resistance (due to the band stretching out further). 

In addition to the barbell, which breaks down into two smaller pieces, this set also comes with handles and a door anchor to further increase your movement choices. All of the bands and accessories fit neatly into the included carrying bag. 

The light band provides up to 20 pounds of resistance; the medium band provides up to 40 pounds; and the heavy band provides up to 60 pounds. For beginners and many older adults, these resistance levels are sufficient for challenging the muscles and improving fitness.

[Related: Best Barbells]

Best Resistance Bands With Handles for Seniors: Rogue Tube Bands

Pros

6 resistance levels to choose from

Available as singles or in sets

Handles increase versatility

Cons

Made of latex; may not be suitable for users with latex allergies

Not rated in pounds, only in descriptors like “light” and “heavy”

No anchor system included

Known for making equipment like the best kettlebells and squat racks, Rogue Fitness also makes a variety of resistance bands. This set of tube bands from Rogue is our top pick for resistance bands with handles for older adults because of their durability and versatility. According to our product tester, a certified personal trainer, the handles significantly increase the number of exercise choices that can be performed with these bands. 

Our tester also calls these bands very durable, which they attribute to the latex-based elastic construction. While that rules these bands out for those with latex allergies, it’s a big positive for those who aren’t allergic. 

But for older adults wanting to do some overhead presses, being tall might be an obstacle. “The handles make these really versatile — however, I struggled to do overhead presses because I’m tall,” explains our tester. To be fair, that’s less the fault of these bands and more about the functionality of resistance bands for overhead presses to begin with. Still, it’s worth noting this drawback for taller individuals.

Available for purchase as singles or in a few different set options, these Rogue resistance bands range from “very light” to “super heavy.” The lightest band provides 10 pounds of resistance while the heaviest provides 60 pounds, making these suitable for a range of strength levels and different exercises. In terms of price, our certified personal trainer tester scores these bands at a 4 out of 5, saying: “They’re expensive but likely because of their durable latex-based elastic.”

Best Mini Resistance Bands for Seniors: Iron Bull Mini Bands

Pros

Affordable

Wide range of resistance levels

Carrying bag included

Ideal for lower-body exercises

Cons

Not the most versatile type of band

Not available to purchase as singles (set only)

Product tester and fitness writer Rosie Borchert is a fan of mini resistance bands — she’s had a set in her gym bag for the last 20 years. They’re great for activating the glutes before a leg workout, as well as getting in some strength work from a seated position, she says. So it’s high praise when Borchert rates Iron Bull Mini Bands a 5 out of 5 for the overall experience, making them our favorite mini bands for older adults.

Borchert explains that Iron Bull Mini Bands aren’t just great for glute and leg exercises, but also for shoulders and biceps. She gives them a 4 out of 5 for durability, knocking that one point just because mini bands in general don’t tend to be super durable. “I’ve been using these bands for about two weeks, and so far they’re holding up fine,” she says. “However, my experience with these types of bands is that they only last so long. They’ll slowly lose their elasticity over time and you’ll need to replace them. These feel really strong, but just the nature of this type of product isn’t extremely durable.”

Borchert also commends Iron Bull for the breadth of resistance across these bands. “There’s a good amount of resistance ranges in this pack,” she says. “You get six bands ranging from X-light (green) up to XX-heavy (black). The heavy resistance bands are great for leg work and glute activation, while the lighter bands are perfect for those getting into fitness, older adults, or upper-body work like one-arm rows and overhead triceps extension.”

Best Comfortable Resistance Bands for Seniors: DMoose Fabric Resistance Bands

Pros

Woven fabric is kind to skin and is safer for people with latex allergies

Won’t roll up or snap like rubber resistance bands

Long-looped style increases versatility

Cons

Resistance is quite stronger than rubber versions (for the same rating, e.g., “light”)

Not sold as singles, only as sets

Let’s be honest — at any age, comfort is (or should be) key with fitness equipment. The idea is already to push yourself — why should you start out uncomfortable before even lifting anything? Enter DMoose Fabric Resistance Bands. This unique set of looped resistance bands is a must for those who want to exercise with resistance bands but find typical latex or synthetic rubber bands uncomfortable to the touch. Rubber resistance bands can pull at skin and body hair, not to mention they might roll up or snap during use — especially near the end of their usable lifespan. 

These DMoose Fabric Resistance Bands eliminate all of those problems thanks to their woven construction. One of our expert testers, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level-1 coach, says: “After a few weeks of use, these fabric bands held their tension really well. None of them were frayed or damaged at all, which is encouraging since this is such an unusual material for bands.”

You can choose from a pack of three (light, medium, and heavy) or a pack of five (light, medium, heavy, extra heavy, and super heavy), though the DMoose bands aren’t available for purchase as singles. According to our product tester, these bands seem to produce more resistance than rubber resistance bands for a given category. 

“I’ve used a whole lot of these types of bands, and I have to say that even the light resistance band seems a little more intense than most of the competition’s light bands—so be ready!” they say. “Usually, I struggle to get enough challenge from light resistance bands, but this light version still got my glutes firing really well. I love that because whether I was squatting or doing glute bridges and clam shells, my glutes were feeling it.”

[Related: Best Home Gym Equipment]

How We Tested and Chose the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors

Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit instructors, weightlifting instructors, and athletes has spent collective years using resistance bands for various fitness purposes. We also took each of the products featured here — plus several others — through specific tests and ranked them from 1 (not great) to 5 (awesome) across different categories using our BarBend equipment testing methodology. 

• Materials: From latex to fabric, we made sure to include a range of material types, since the material type largely dictates how the resistance band can be used and its resistance level (plus, we made sure to include plenty of non-latex options for those with allergies or texture preferences).
• Anchoring: We analyzed anchoring systems to determine what type of exercises each resistance band set was best suited to, and gave a preference to those with sturdy anchor systems.
• Accessories: We considered accessories, such as ankle straps, door anchors, and carrying bags, in our search. The more accessories, the more capable the set. 
• Resistance range: In order to perform full-body workouts, it’s important to have access to different resistance levels. Most people can handle more resistance for lower-body exercises than upper-body exercises, so having both light and heavy bands is ideal.
• Durability: During testing, we took note of how durable each set of bands seemed, and whether we noticed any premature signs of wear and tear. 

Benefits of the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors

Resistance bands are some of the fitness equipment you can get for older adults — and, let’s be real, people of any age. Not only can resistance band workouts help you build muscle, but unlike treadmills and other bulky equipment, bands are lightweight and easy to stash when not in use. 

• Beginner-friendly: While there are other options for compact exercise equipment (like adjustable dumbbells and TRX strap systems, to name a couple), resistance bands have a smaller learning curve and are beginner-friendly, reducing the risk of injury while exercising.
• Versatile: Resistance bands may seem like glorified rubber bands on the surface, but we’re willing to bet you’ll find yourself surprised at how much you can do with them. They aren’t just for physical therapy! From chest press to bent-over rows, you can work all major muscle groups with resistance bands.
• Effective: Like with any other type of strength training equipment, it’s entirely possible to get stronger using only resistance bands as long as you continue challenging your muscles.

Don’t forget that cardio is important, too — learn about the benefits of walking as a complement to your strength training routine.

How Much Do the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors Cost?

One of our favorite things about resistance bands is their affordable price. Unlike larger, tech-driven pieces of equipment, such as the best treadmills or exercise bikes, resistance bands won’t require a huge upfront payment. 

Best Overall Resistance Bands for Seniors	Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands	$74.99
Best Budget Resistance Bands for Seniors	REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands with Handles	$21.99
Best At-Home Resistance Bands for Seniors	Living Fit Band Set	$44.99
Best Latex-Free Resistance Bands	Fringe Sport Resistance Bands	$28–$192
Best Full-Body Resistance Bands for Seniors	Living Fit Full Body and Squat Workout Kit	$169
Best Resistance Bands With Handles for Seniors	Rogue Tube Bands	$75
Best Mini Resistance Bands for Seniors	Iron Bull Mini Bands	$25
Best Comfortable Resistance Bands for Seniors	DMoose Fabric Resistance Bands	$39

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Resistance Bands for Seniors

Don’t be fooled by the idea that your workout routine and equipment need to be fancy to be effective. Then again, you’ll want to avoid an impulse buy. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to consider before making your purchase.

Type of Band  

Between long-looped resistance bands, hip/glute resistance bands, tube resistance bands with handles, fabric resistance bands, and therapy (non-looped) bands, there’s a type of resistance band for virtually every type of exercise. 

Loop bands are best for compound exercises like squats, while hip/glute bands are ideal for lower-body isolation exercises such as hip abductions (fabric bands usually fit into that category, too). Tube bands are excellent if you have a strong anchor point, and they allow you to do plenty of pushing and pulling exercises for the upper body. Therapy bands tend to have less resistance and are ideal for warm-ups and injury rehab. 

Resistance Range 

Most individuals will find it ideal to have a complete set of resistance bands with multiple resistance levels, especially if those bands constitute the entirety of their strength training equipment. Older adults may especially benefit from a resistance band set that allows you to gradually increase the challenge to your muscles while focusing on form and technique with lighter bands. 

Anchoring System 

A sturdy anchoring system takes you from being able to do just the basics — like squats, shoulder presses, and deadlifts — to being able to perform an exercise routine that mimics the complexity of one you can do with free weights. When shopping, look for strong anchoring systems such as those that bolt into a wall (if portability isn’t a concern) or high-quality door anchors. 

Accessories

While not necessary, accessories can also elevate your home workout routine. Consider purchasing a resistance band set with ankle straps and different types of attachments for the end of the band. 

Best Resistance Bands for Seniors FAQs