How resistance band levels actually work

Resistance bands are sold by level or by a pound range. Both are approximations, and understanding why saves a lot of wasted money.

Resistance is a curve, not a number

A band produces almost no force at rest and more the further it stretches. A band marked 15 to 35 lb gives roughly 15 lb early in the range and roughly 35 lb near the end of it. Where you anchor it and how long your limbs are change the number you actually feel.

Why two people disagree about the same band

Set-up. A band anchored low and pulled high travels further than the same band anchored at chest height, so it feels heavier. Nothing about the band changed.

Choosing a level

• Buy a set rather than a single band if you are starting out. Progress means changing band, not adding plates.
• If you already use a level, tell us and we will match it rather than guess.
• For assisted pull-ups, most people need less assistance than they expect after a few weeks.

When to retire a band

Any nick, split or cloudy patch means the band is done. Latex fails suddenly rather than gradually, and it fails under tension near your face.