jo.com's Full Review: Reebok Resistance Tube - Level 1 RRT1
I decided to review Reebok’s Resistance Tubes for many reasons. One, I really like using them. Two, my clients love them. Three, we use them in a class I take at the gym every week – though not the Reebok brand- we have a no name brand and four, because they are so versatile and inexpensive.
What are they:
You are reading this either because you read my reviews, you are curious about Resistance tubes (some call them bands) or you are wondering what brand to buy. Reebok is not the only one out there. I happen to think they are one of the better brands of tubes, however. If you have ever been in physical therapy there is a good chance you have used a resistance tube or band of some sort. It is possible that it wasn’t one with handles. Physical therapists often use strips of tubing or flat bands. It is less expensive than buying the ones with handles. If you are buying resistance equipment such as this, I would recommend spending the little extra money and getting ones with handles. You can use them for more exercises and use them more efficiently.
The one downfall and it is slight to tubes with handles is that they take up a tad more space than flat bands or tubes without handles do. I take them with me traveling. They are perfect for traveling I can’t stress that enough.
I have all three resistance level bands but I am reviewing just Level 1 since that is the way the review is set up. You will notice if you go to buy the Reebok brand that the handles are different colors as is the thickness of the tubes. The different colors will tell you quickly which level of intensity to use. In comparison, the tubes in my gym all have black handles but the tubes are different colors. All tubes I have seen with handles are about 4 feet long. If for some reason you want something very long or much shorter there are various tubes that can be bought that come in shapes or you may just want a flat band. I am still recommending you go with ones with handles.
There is a difference I believe in the quality of my Reebok’s with the no names at the gym. For one thing, I find the handles of my Level 1s to be larger. That comes into play for a couple of reasons. One has to do with who is using it and the size of their hand and the other reason is that some exercises are done with your sneaker inside the handle. If the handle is too small or your foot too large, you won’t be able to do that exercise. I have never had a client whose foot didn’t fit in the handles of my Reebok’s! Note: I do not train men. I feel even the extra heavy that we have in the gym or that can be bought will not give enough resistance for many men who have been training for awhile. You can go in a store and try them out. I also have a band by Altus. That is very different, though the concept is similar, to my Reebok's. My husband does use the Altus but doesn't use the Reebok Tubes.
The issue with the width- or thickness- of the tube is the amount of resistance the tube will give you. Level 1 would be for a beginner or perhaps if I have exhausted my muscles with another level but want to get in one more set, I’ll grab the Level 1 Tubes. They are the easiest to pull making the resistance less – thus the name- resistance tubes.
I read, perhaps it wasn’t the Reebok brand but it was a review of Resistance Tubes, where the author said her husband broke hers the first time he pulled on it. Certainly if someone is very strong and attempts a bicep curl with a Level 1 band, there is the possibility that it could break. This would happen especially if it has been used a lot. My husband cannot break my Reebok tubes – even the Level 1s. Again, there is not enough resistance for him at all in the Level 1 Tubes so has pulled on them very hard.
The tube itself is made of latex. The handles are soft so it is easy to grip them. One aspect I really like is that I can workout without gloves. I don't mind wearing gloves but when traveling it is one less thing I have to take.
You would not be wrong if you thought that these sounded like giant elastics and can’t imagine how they could offer you a good workout. I’m here to say that the Reebok Resistance Tubes offer an incredible workout for virtually every part of your body. There is no body part that can’t be used with a tube. The reason you might want various intensity levels is the same as the reason that you may use 20-pound dumbbells for dumbbell curls but only 10 pounds for tricep kickbacks. I’m still amazed at the creative ways Louise, my instructor, comes up with to make the tubes work for us.
My final thoughts:
I think Reebok makes a quality resistance tube. There are some on the market that offer more than 3 resistance levels. For some that may be a wise choice. If you find the light is too hard to use, then you’d have to see if one of the other brands, which come in extra light, will work. In my gym we have more than 3 levels and many need that. My husband doesn’t do this class with me or use these when we are on the road but he would need extra heavy ones at the very least and even those I don't think he would be happy about.
I have found that using resistance tubes is often safer for clients than dumbbells. It is more difficult for example to use momentum rather than muscle when doing a bicep curl, making it better on their back and actually using better form. I have found that using the tube eccentrically (on the downward motion, for example in a bicep curl) is much easier to control using tubes than dumbbells. For someone just beginning or someone who doesn’t work out consistently this is a great weight to get them back into proper form. It is also a great way to work muscles eccentrically which we don’t do many times while using free weights.
Make sure your tube doesn’t have any holes or worn spots. This is how it can snap and break. This is how you could hurt yourself.
I am not suggesting that Tubes replace freeweights or machines. They certainly can if you love them and will only use them. If you will use freeweights, though, or belong to a gym I think you will get the best workout possible by varying your routine.
I want to add one more thing. My husband doesn't like them and I have never seen a man using them. However Louise is a Champion Body Builder and has more muscle than many men. She burns during our workout (which is 1 1/2 hours!) so I don't want to totally negate them for someone with a lot of muscle. You'll have to decide that for yourself if you fall into that category.
I will be curious if there are any men who would leave a comment telling me they use Tubes. Please let me know what level you use and if you are getting an adequate workout.
Added bonus:
I am presenting a couple of exercises you can do when using your tube. Videotapes are available and I urge you to get trained for good form before you start using the tubes. Also please check with your doctor before you start any exercise program. If, however, you are with a friend and would just like to try a couple of exercises here is one for your biceps:
Put your foot through the handle and step on that on the floor. If she or he has one that your foot doesn’t fit through you can just step on the tube. Take the arm on the same side and hold the handle. With your palm facing forward, bend your elbow and bring your hand up toward your shoulder. Slower lower your arm and continue. If you are using a level 1 band and you find it easy, you can stand in the middle of the tube, grab a handle in each hand and do biceps curls with both arms at the same time.
For your triceps you can step in the middle of the tube and pull the handles straight up so that your arms are extended toward the ceiling. Hold both handles together and lower your arms so that they are just behind your head. Make sure your elbows are facing forward. This can be down one hand at a time like the bicep curls by standing on one handle and using the other handle above your head to lower your arm and then raise it again.
Portable Pilates Tube. Ideal For Basic Resistance-type Exercises. Appropriate For All Levels Of Fitness. Includes Light Resistance Tube. Made Of Rubbe...More at Target
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