Weights vs Elastics

[JustLurk]

Now, I think we all know there are those elastic bands around, ranging in price and quality from 7-220$. I'd like your opinions on their effectiveness and whether they are better/worse than free weights/home gym-type systems.

Not those cheapo bands either, I mean the TO set in Bodylastics (I won't put links because they are easy to google and I don't want to spam) and the TRX suspension training (AKA glorified cargo straps.) vs a weight system.

Since both are relatively cheap, I want to limit the price of the weights to compare to to $1250 USD. (Bodylastic is about 100$ for most expensive set, TRX about 220$, goes up.)

 

[Semtex]

The only advantage elastics/resistance bands have is their light weight and portability. You can pack them in a suit case or toss them in the trunk of your car when travelling, which isnt as easy with weights. Other than that, they are equal.

 

[JustLurk]

The only advantage elastics/resistance bands have is their light weight and portability. You can pack them in a suit case or toss them in the trunk of your car when travelling, which isnt as easy with weights. Other than that, they are equal.

but they seem so much cheaper... i'll take the bands.

EDIT: I'm going to buy them soon, so if anyone has an opinion, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Don Israel]

just make sure they are of good quality, the ones i got at a discount were ineffective and thus $30 down the drain.

 

[nevillemartin11]

I like the bands for the stretching/resistance style exercises. I have also gotten it couple of months ago. But I want to say that You will make more survey for the good quality after You will get it as well.

 

[jimmyblakk]

Both elastic resistance and free-weight resistance, such as barbells and dumbbells, have several similar properties, both provide some form of resistance, both allow a free range of motion, both allow variable speed of movement, and both allow progressive resistance.

 

[JustLurk]

I got the bodylastics set, and with other workouts I'm doing the Chistled (sp?) live exercises on http://www.liveexercise.com/