Aside from yesterday’s workout, it’s been a while since I posted about resistance tubes and I have to say that I’ve recently begun a love affair with resistance tubes, again. They are so versatile that you can get a full body workout that only would normally be available in a gym, or spending a ton of cash on a multigym for your home.

Beginners guide to resistance tubes
I’m going to cover the basics but first I wanted to talk about the difference between a resistance tube and resistance band. Though the word band is used interchangeably these days (by consumers, fitness enthusiasts, equipment companies, stores, heck even me and other fitness professionals!) there is a difference. A resistance band is flat, like these ones I featured on the blog recently, and a resistance tube is, well, tubular. Both can be used in similar ways but generally tubing has handles and is a little more versatile. Bands can come with or without handles, as one flat piece, or as a loop, and even in a mini version depending on your needs. I’ll be doing more posts and workouts with all of these soon!
As with all fitness equipment not all brands are created equally. In this post I’m going to show you this resistance tube set from NeeBooFit. Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for a fair and honest review, however all opinions are my own. Also links in this post may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commision on sales made through those links. Meaning I get to buy more fitness equipment, or dog toys.

I’m probably gonna date myself now but back in the day resistance tubes came with attached handles. Each tube had handles and if you wanted a stronger tube then you bought a new one, and so on. Not a problem really but damn inconvenient when you’re in between strengths. Or you realize that your row is way damn stronger than your lateral raise. Buying tubes individually really adds up! Trust me, been there, done that!

Thankfully things have advanced in the fitneas world and we now have resistance tubing sets, like this from NeeoBooFit, that have one set of handles and multiple tubes with carabiner attachments! This means you get more variations on available resistance. Plus you can attach multiple tubes to the same handle for a greater resistance strength! The carabiners make changing out the tubing super quick and easy too! Making these perfect for men, women and children. Plus if you’re a personal trainer like me, they are great for clients, bootcamps and more!

When the tubes have attached handles it makes lower body exercises impossible. However with the caribiner sets, ankle attachments mean you can use them like you would cables at the gym for a lower body workout. I’ve also used these whilst lying down for a pilates reformer workout, without the reformer and saving myself thousands of dollars. Don’t worry I’ll be sharing that and more resistance tube workouts soon! A snug fit is important, as well as comfort. Look for cuffs like these from the NeeoBooFit set that have the velcro all around the cuff, especially if you have slender ankles (like me, and tiny wrists too! Anyone else?). I’ve used some that just didn’t fit snugly enough, and the cuff just rolled around while using it. In fact I could get it off, while fastened. Definitely invest in quality!!!

So you get your set, what next? Using the resistance tubing is easy. Most sets come with instructions and sample exercises. However there is so much information online, and I have resistance tube workouts (with more coming). Sometimes though you need to adjust your workout on the fly and that’s where resistance tubing is so versatile.
Above you can see three versions of the same exercise with varying resistance levels.
- Single foot in the tubing = easier
- both feet in the tubing is a little more challenging.
- both ends of the tubing on one handle for single arm exercise = harder
All three versions serve a purpose in your training plan. Especially when you’re transitioning between tubing strengths. Single arm is great for training a weaker side to “catch up”.
The best thing about these sets though is they require very little space. For a total body resistance training workout with weights, hitting all the major body parts, you’d need a TON of different strength dumbbells, or one of the adjustable sets. All of these not only cost a LOT of money but also take up a LOT of room (trust me, we have them!). The resistance tubing sets come in a neat little package, ready to workout anywhere! You can take these resistance tubing with you on vacation, work out at the gym, park, garden… anywhere really! One of my favorites is using them on the kids jungle gym as you have plenty of poles to attach them around, no need for the door anchor! Plus you can workout while watching your kids have fun and being active!
I have used resistance tubing for a while now and thoroughly recommend it as a form of strength training. If you are looking for a Fitmas gift this holiday season, these are a solid purchase. Put resistance tubing on your wishlist for Santa.
Do you strength train?
If you are looking for a full review of the NeeBooFit resistance tubing please check out my video below, or on my YouTube Channel.
OhlalaLexie
You can truly do so much with resistance tubes! I love how versatile they are
Di Hickman
Me too! It’s like a gym in a bag!
livingoffloveandcoffee
My boyfriend was looking at these to buy for me. I didn’t have much information on how to use them, thank you for the guide!
Di Hickman
You’re welcome! Glad to help!
CourtneyLynne
Omg I so need to get some of these. I need to get back into home workouts! I’ve been slacking lately.
Di Hickman
tough time of year, but no time like the present!
Michelle @ Sunshine and Hurricanes.com
I love the idea of getting a gym quality workout at home, so convenient!
Di Hickman
Oh definitely is! Home workouts are where it’s at for busy people! Esp this time of year!
Gabriel Glasper
I do light work outs nothing too heavy. I’ve never done resistance training before but it’s something I might try in the future. Thanks for the tips.
Di Hickman
Heavy is where you get the most results.
AlmostSexyMommy
Excellent tips for the beginner!
Di Hickman
Thanks!
Ana De Jesus
I am definitely a beginner to resistance training I need to build my muscle back up.
Di Hickman
More muscle = bigger fat burn! Get busy!
Brandy M.
I’ve tried to use these before and had some struggles – thank you for the tips – I’m going to have to try again!
Di Hickman
Glad to help!
Kids Are A Trip
Resistance bands are great exercise. I love these tips to help get people started.
Di Hickman
Thanks! Helping everyone get started is one of my goals!
Jenn Peters
This is such a helpful post! I’ve recently joined the gym and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what things are and how to use them.
Di Hickman
Oh I agree! It’s very intimidating for a beginner!
lifeaslex92
Love it! These things rock!!!
Di Hickman
yes they do!
Ourfamilyworld
I’m actually thinking of using resistance bands. Glad I found this post. This will help a lot.
Di Hickman
put it on your letter to santa 😉
Jeanine
Great tips! I for sure need them, I’m a new learner and I haven’t a clue where to begin!
Di Hickman
glad this helps!
tiarasandtantrums
I use these whenever I need some help with my shoulders – I have bursitis in both of my shoulders
Di Hickman
Oh they are GREAT for rehabilitation!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter
I needed this! I am certainly a beginner!
Di Hickman
That’s why I’m here Cynthia!We are all beginners at some point!
JanetGoingCrazy
Great workout tips! I’m not quite ready for resistance training, but it won’t be long!
Di Hickman
Everyone is ready for resistance training. Just find the level appropriate for you.
maria @ closetohome
I have used these at the gym before but I bet I would use them at home on days I did not get there.
Di Hickman
Exactly what I use them for! Plus with clients I train.