Gaining muscle with resistance bands is possible, especially for those just starting their resistance training journey. In this article I will discuss the important factors when it comes to using resistance bands to gain muscle mass that will help guide your training decisions along with 5 exercises you can use to build muscle with resistance bands.
No spam – just thoughtful training advice
Yes, muscle gain with resistance bands has been shown in multiple studies . This being said, long term organisation of training with resistance bands will not be effective enough for advanced individuals. Resistance bands are extremely effective for beginners and are effective for some movements and cases for intermediate trainees.
When performing exercises to induce hypertrophy, it is crucial that you generate high amounts of fatigue to create the stimulus required for growth. If you are using a band with low band tension that doesn’t create enough fatigue your training will be ineffective. This would be akin to using very light weights when trying to grow muscle with free weights, they simply wouldn’t be able to create enough fatigue. This is why it is crucial to use bands which allow you to create enough fatigue for adaptation.
We cannot be naïve about the effects that resistance bands have on physiology of highly trained individuals. Those who have been training for 10+ years might be able to maintain muscle mass through resistance bands, but the likelihood that they will be able to gain muscle mass through resistance bands is very slim. They simply cannot provide a high enough stimulus to create adaptation in advanced individuals.
If you enjoyed this resource you can find more below or try Programme, a fitness app that plans every workout for you – based on your progress, equipment and lifestyle.
This resource was written by Sean Klein. Sean Richard Klein has thousands of hours of coaching experience and a BSc in Sports Science with Management from Loughborough University. He owns a gym in Bayonne France, CrossFit Essor, which runs group classes and a Personal training studio.