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You can use resistance bands for many exercises. One of these is the squat. Discover the best types and models of resistance bands for this exercise.
When it comes to squats you either want to use the short resistance band loops to train your outer thighs more or the large loops to make squats more challenging for the main muscles involved.
Best resistance bands for squats top picks
- TheFitLife Resistance Band Set (long loop bands)
- MhIL Resistance Bands Set (short loop booty bands)
- DASKING Resistance Band Bar Set (long loop band bar set)
- Iron Infidel Resistance Band Set (long loop bands)
- Vergali Booty Bands (short loop booty bands)
You can use different resistance band types and accessories for squats. These things are mentioned after the top picks if they are not clear from the product name. This way it becomes easier for you to make the right decision.
The short loop booty resistance bands are typically for looping around your upper legs during squats. This will work your outer thigh muscles more compared to regular squats.
Additionally, the large loops help make the squats harder for your quadriceps (front thighs), gluteus maximums (main butt muscle), hamstrings (back thighs), calves, and lower back muscles.
Lastly, you can use a resistance band bar kit if you like the feeling of the bar more than a large resistance band loop around your shoulder.
Keep in mind that it is not possible to create the perfect ranking for every individual. Sometimes picks lower on the list can be better for your training goals, personal situation, budget, and personal preferences.
How we selected our top picks
Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of resistance bands for squats. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Material, total resistance option, resistance increments, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
- Price
- Brand trustability
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
5 Best resistance bands for squats reviewed in depth
After the quick overview it can also be helpful to look at each of the best resistance bands for squat a bit more in depth. This way you can make sure you are making the right decision for your personal situation.
1. TheFitLife Resistance Band Set
Pros
- Includes 4 different resistance bands
- Resistances from bands go from 15 – 120 pounds (6.8 – 54.4 kg) (and combinable)
- Total resistance of the set is 260 pounds (117.9 kg)
- Comes with a carrying bag and user guide
Cons
- A few exceptional cases where customers got faulty resistance bands
TheFitLife Resistance Band Set is a collection of heavy-duty resistance bands to loop around your feet and shoulders during squats.
You get 4 resistance bands with resistances of 15 pounds, 50 pounds, 75 pounds, and 120 pounds (6.8, 22.7, 34, and 54.5 kg). If that is not enough for you, you can also use multiple bands at the same time.
The relatively high amount of total resistance makes them great for growing and strengthening the strong leg muscles involved in the squat exercise. This is especially helpful for stronger individuals.
There are a few exceptional cases where the resistance bands did not last a long time. However, due to the number of happy customers, these are likely cases of a faulty product instead of the overall quality.
2. MhIL Resistance Bands Set
This next top pick when it comes to the best resistance bands for squats is the set from MhIL. These resistance bands are the short loop booty bands that allow you to work your outer thigh muscles more during squats.
The high number of really happy customers can’t say enough positive things about these resistance bands. You get 5 different resistance bands with an anti-slip design and a storage bag.
You may notice that this type of resistance band comes in lower resistance options than the larger loops. That is because your outer thigh muscles are typically weaker and in turn require less resistance to grow and strengthen.
Pros
- Includes 5 different resistance bands
- Resistances from bands go from 14 – 60 pounds (6.4 – 27.2 kg) (and combinable)
- Total resistance of the set is 189 pounds (85.7 kg)
- Comes with a storage bag
- Lifetime warranty
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
- A lot of happy customers
Cons
- None
At the same time, MhIL still includes resistance bands with relatively high amounts of resistance in the set, up to 60 pounds (27.2 kg). Remember that you can use multiple of these to increase the challenge even more.
Everything considered the bands in this set are some of the best resistance bands for building muscle and will be more than challenging enough for most individuals. Especially with the ability to combine multiple loops.
3. DASKING Resistance Band Bar Set
Pros
- Includes 4 different resistance bands
- Resistances from bands go from 25 – 65 pounds (11.3 – 29.5 kg) (and combinable)
- Total resistance of the set is 175 pounds (79.4 kg)
- Comes with a bar that can hold up to 500 lbs (226.8 kg)
- Additionally, comes with 2 handles, 1 door anchor, 1 exercise guide, and 1 storage bag
- Simulates a barbell back squat more
Cons
- Pricier than just getting heavy big loop resistance bands
- Not as many customers as other options in this article
- You may need to invest in extra resistance bands to reach the resistance you need for squats
This next option from DASKING is relatively unique in the sense that it allows you to simulate barbell exercises like the back squat to some extent with resistance bands.
If you want to get resistance bands with handles or a bar you typically have to use resistance band tubes. However, this set from DASKING is made to use the longer loops.
These long resistance band loops generally offer more resistance than resistance band tubes and are in turn better for training the strong muscles that are used in squats.
The main downside of the DASKING Resistance Band Bar Set is that it is pricier than the other resistance bands for squats. Especially if the resistance bands that come with the resistance band bar are not challenging enough.
4. Iron Infidel Resistance Band Set
Pros
- Includes 5 different resistance bands
- Resistances from bands go from 20 – 60 pounds (9.1 – 27.2 kg) (and combinable)
- Total resistance of the set is 200 pounds (90.7 kg)
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
- A lot of happy customers
Cons
- A bit pricier than other heavy resistance band loops
- A few exceptional cases where customers got faulty resistance bands
The Iron Infidel Resistance Band Set is another heavy duty kit with good resistance bands for men and women who who have strong leg muscles.
Compared to TheFitLife option you get a bit less resistance but for most people, a total set resistance of 200 pounds (90.7 kg) should be enough for squats.
The main downside is that this option is a bit pricier than the other resistance bands for squats. Additionally, there are a few exceptional cases where the resistance bands don’t last that long.
All in all, the Iron Infidel Resistance Band Set has a high number of customers who are generally very happy with their products. If you like the design and the brand you can consider paying a bit more.
5. Vergali Booty Bands
Pros
- Includes 4 different resistance bands
- Resistances from bands go from 14 – 45 pounds (6.4 – 20.4 kg) (and combinable)
- Total resistance of the set is 119 pounds (54 kg)
- Comes with a carrying bag and workout guide
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
- A lot of happy customers
Cons
- None
These booty bands from Vergali are another example of how good short loop resistance bands can be. This option is slightly less great than the MhIL set since you get one band less at a similar price.
That being said, the Vergali Booty Bands are still challenging enough for most people to train their outer thigh muscles during squats. Two nice additions are the carrying bag and workout guide.
As the many positive customers can tell you, these resistance bands are one of the best options for squats and other exercises.
How to choose resistance bands for squats
To make your decision easier you can look at a few details of the best resistance bands for squats a bit more in depth. Some of these include:
- Type of resistance bands: For squats you can choose different types of resistance bands. The short loop “booty” bands can help you train your outer thigh muscles more during squats. Long loop resistance bands with a lot of resistance bands can help you train the bigger leg muscles more.
- Resistance range: One of the main principles of growing and strengthening muscles is challenging them with the right amount of resistance. You want to be able to start low enough and go high enough to keep seeing progress.
- Accessories: Resistance bands often come with accessories. These can make training certain body parts easier and more comfortable. For squats these are typically not that important but if you plan to use the resistance bands for other exercises too, some accessories can be useful.
- Price: Investing in your health is often a great choice but sometimes you can get similar or more benefits for a lower price.
- Resistance increments: To grow and strengthen muscles you want to be able to gradually increase the resistance you use. If the jumps in resistance from the bands are too big this can be suboptimal for your training.
By thinking about what you need in these details and looking at what options do this the best way, you can make a better decision when it comes to resistance bands for squats.
FAQ
Can you do squats with resistance bands?
You can definitely do squats with resistance bands. This equipment option allows you to grow and strengthen your muscles to a larger extent in a shorter amount of time.
What size resistance bands do I need for squats?
What size of resistance bands you need for squats depends on your training goals. To train your outer thigh muscles more you likely need the short loop resistance bands. To train the big leg muscles more you need large loop resistance bands.
Where do I place resistance bands for squats?
To train your outer thigh muscles more during squats you place a resistance band around your upper thighs. To train the big leg muscles like quadriceps, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and calves more you place a big resistance band around your feet and shoulders.