Getting a full-body workout doesn’t need to include specialized equipment or an expensive gym membership.
You can maximize your workout with just one piece of versatile, affordable exercise gear: the resistance band.
In my decade as a fitness trainer, resistance bands have become increasingly popular among my clients. Because of that, I continue to create effective full-body circuit workouts using resistance bands that offer challenge and variety to my clients.
Read on to learn what you need to know for a budget-friendly yet challenging full-body resistance band workout right at home.
Quick Summary
- Full-body workouts with bands are an effective and efficient way to build muscle strength and mass.
- A resistance band workout is a safe, affordable, convenient, and challenging way to get in a full-body circuit workout.
- Adding a resistance band to exercises provides an additional challenge that simply using your body weight doesn’t.
Most Effective Full-Body Resistance Band Bodyweight Circuit Workout
From building upper body strength to enhancing lower body mobility, the following circuit training will provide a challenging full-body experience.
Complete each circuit in order with a 30-second rest in between exercises.
Once you finish circuit three, rest and repeat each circuit for another round, and if the first round involves an exercise that targets one side, do the other in the second round.
Let’s get started.
Circuit One:
Complete this circuit and then rest for 30 seconds.
Seated Row (45 seconds):
- Sit down and loop the band around your feet, holding the ends with each hand.
- Extend your arms at shoulder height and press your chest outward.
- Pull the straps toward you, bending your elbows until they are sideways.
- Slow release back to the starting position.
- Repeat
Overhead Press (45 seconds):
- Stand on the center of the band with feet hip-width apart.
- Raise bands above shoulders; elbows should be at a 90-degree angle.
- Push arms straight up, then slowly lower back down.
- Repeat.
High Knees (30 seconds):
- Secure a resistance band above your ankles.
- Take small steps and lift your knees as high as you can.
- Engage your core as you keep your back straight.
Windshield Wipers (30 seconds):
- Sit with the band looped around your inner thighs close to your knees.
- With knees bent and pushing out on the band for more resistance, move your knees to one side and then the other, in a windshield-wiper-like pattern.
Circuit Two:
You’ll rest for 30 seconds after this circuit.
One-Arm Lateral Raise (45 seconds):
- Begin by holding the band handle in your left hand and let the other end lay on the floor.
- Stand on the band and keep your left arm straight.
- Slowly lift to shoulder height.
- Lower back to start and repeat. Perform with the right arm in the next round.
Banded Lunges (45 seconds):
- Stand with one foot out in front of the other and the front foot on the band.
- Hold the handles in each hand and raise them to shoulder height.
- With your back and head straight, lower your hips until your front thigh is parallel to the floor.
- Raise and repeat.
One-Arm Biceps Curl (30 seconds):
- Step on the band with your left foot and hold the handle with your left hand just above the thigh. Engage your biceps to curl your hand up until you reach shoulder height.
- Lower and repeat.
Bridges (one minute):
- Lie on the floor with your knees at right angles; lace band around your thighs just above the knees.
- Keep arms at your side and knees pressing out against the band.
- Raise your hips and hold for 2-3 seconds, keeping your glutes engaged.
- Lower and repeat.
“Resistance bands might not look like much, but they can strengthen your muscles as effectively as more traditional weights. In many ways, bands put more tension on your muscles and work them longer during movements.”
- Christopher Travers, M.S.
Also Read: Best Power Band Workout for the Whole Body
Circuit Three:
Follow this circuit with a 30-second rest before beginning circuit one again.
One-Arm Overhead Triceps Extension (45 seconds):
- Stand on the band and grip the handle with your left hand.
- Keep your core engaged, and raise your arm until it is behind your head.
- Your upper arm will be perpendicular to the floor.
- Slowly return to start and repeat.
Standing Chest Press (45 seconds):
- Stand on the band and hold a handle in each hand.
- Bring hands to shoulder height with palms facing forward.
- Elbows should be slightly behind the body.
- Stand tall, engage your core, and pull the band straight out in front of you.
- Slowly pull your elbows back and repeat.
Straight Leg Deadlifts (30 seconds):
- Stand on the band, holding a handle in each hand.
- Bend your body as if to grab an invisible barbell.
- Stand up straight.
- Lower back to start and repeat.
Plank Jacks (one minute):
- Place the band around your ankles and get into a push-up position.
- Jack both legs out to the sides until you feel stretching in your core and glutes.
- Bring your legs back to start and repeat quickly to keep muscle groups engaged.
Other Resistance Band Exercises:
Benefits of This Type of Training
Resistance band bodyweight exercises can build muscle in the same way that conventional fitness equipment [1].
You can target a specific muscle group or perform or work the entire body as outlined above to build muscle strength and mass.
Additional benefits of the resistance band strength training circuit include:
- Constant tension throughout the whole range of motion keeps muscles engaged.
- Provides convenient and affordable home workouts.
- Easy to transport for an on-the-go workout.
- They help you maintain proper form, especially as you tire.
- They are safe to use.
- You’ll burn calories, lose fat, and build strength.
Learn More: Best Upper Body Resistance Band Supersets
FAQs
What Builds More Muscles, Weights, or Resistance Bands?
You can build muscles equally with weights and resistance bands. A 2019 study showed that resistance bands offer the same strength and mass gains as free weights or other conventional gym equipment [1].
What Are the Disadvantages of Working Out With Resistance Bands?
The disadvantages of working out with resistance bands include breakage and difficulty quantifying progress. Unlike weights, resistance band material can break. Inspect them before each band workout. Progress tracking is challenging because resistance is variable, unlike a fixed number of pounds on most weights.
Work Your Full Body With Resistance Bands
Full-body resistance band exercises offer efficient, effective, and challenging strength training and cardiovascular conditioning.
Adding bands to bodyweight exercises increases muscle strength and mass, similar to gym equipment.
To get the most out of a circuit workout, you must stretch before and after each session, and taking a pre-workout supplement can maximize performance and muscle recovery.
We have tested countless supplements and compiled a list of the best, targeting men’s and women’s specific needs. Click the link to see our top pick.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383082/
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