Do you have a home gym or visit a gym regularly that has both free weights and resistance bands with handles? Are you unsure which you should use at the gym or which you should purchase for your own workout space?

Though both resistance bands and free weights help you build strength and sculpt muscle, there are some key differences you should be aware of and that will help you make a decision.

Here is more information on the pros of resistance bands and free weights and how to make the right choice for you—including reputable places to buy them like FitCord Fitness.

Pros of Resistance Bands with Handles

There are a number of reasons to choose resistance bands as your strength-building tools of choice. They include:

Portability. Resistance bands are much lighter and easier to transport than free weights like barbells, sand bags, kettlebells, and medicine balls. This is important if you frequently travel and want to take your equipment with you or if you are often moving your equipment from room to room in your home.
Space. Resistance bands take up much less space than free weights, making them ideal for small home gyms or for working out in multi-purpose rooms that require equipment be stored after the workout is complete.
Cost. In general, resistance bands are much more affordable than free weights, especially when you get into the heavy resistance versions. They also do not require a weight rack.
Variable resistance. While free weights can only provide resistance by working against gravity, you can get variable resistance via bands through elastic force.
They are lower impact and easier on the joints. This is important for those who have joint problems, who are rehabbing after an injury, or who are older.

Pros of Free Weights

Of course, there are plenty of pros to using free weights as well, which is why they are still popular strength-building tools. These include:

Easier tracking. If you’re trying to achieve goals of increasing the amount you lift, you can track this easier with free weights.

Durability. Free weights tend to last longer and be more durable than resistance bands.
They are better for strength and lifting movements such as pushing, pulling, squatting, hinging, lunging, and carrying.

Resistance Bands with Handles vs. Free Weights: Which Is Right For You?

Whether or not to use resistance bands with handles or free weights is generally a decision to be made by the individual based on their workout goals, current level of fitness, budget, and where they plan to use the tools. If you go to a gym and both are available, you may want to incorporate bands and free weights into your exercise routine. If you are just starting to equip your home gym and have little space and a small budget, bands are usually the best way to go.

Buying the Best Resistance Bands with Handles

Ready to make your home gym purchase? Research online stores that sell a variety of resistance bands or visit a sporting goods store near you to see what they have in stock. Buy a variety of resistance levels so you can incorporate your bands into your workouts for years to come.