Bodylastics 14pcs Resistance Bands *MAX TENSION XT Set (142 lbs.)

Anyone who has used or purchased most of the resistance bands available on the market today (and in the past) can tell you that most of them are the same one-piece design that consist of the 2 handles with the band permanently attached to each handle. Most of them look like this ProSource 48-Inch Premium Latex Resistance Exercise Band Set (Set of Five). Even SPRI, a well known brand, uses this age old design (SPRI ES502R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Blue, Heavy)). Simply do a search on Amazon for "resistance bands" and you''ll find that this is true for a lot of the ones that Amazon sells.

It''s not to say that this design is bad, but after having used the Bodylastic resistance bands, it''s safe to say that nothing (even similary designed bands such as Prosource ProSource Set of 3 XTREME Stackable Heavy Duty Premium Latex Resistance Exercise Bands and this Set of 5 NEW Premium Latex Power Resistance Bands Tubes Cords w/ free Door Anchor, Storage Bag and Exercise Instructions) comes close to the quality of the Bodylastics resistance bands.

Most of my experiences with resistance bands come from usage at various gyms, but my first purchase was when I did P90X over a year ago. I purchased these Gold Gym brand bands at my local Walmart Gold''s Gym Long Series Resistance Tube Kit with Workout DVD but my problem with those is that nowhere on the box or online stated what "resistance" rating these bands were. Many times throughout the P90X working, the bands were not strong enough... even when combining all 3 bands on a single handle with the various exercise routines that required the bands.

Since I recently started doing P90X again, I decided to look at the "T.O." (Terrell Owens) bands that my friend showed me about a year ago in his own home gym. What impressed me about those is that these were quite possibly the sturdiest and most well-made resistance bands I''ve ever seen and used. In fact I was so impressed, I knew that if I ever started P90X again, these would be the ones to get.

I eventually found out that these T.O. bands were actually branded as Bodylastics. I''m not sure if he owns the company or what, but they make 8 different "packages" of resistance bands ranging from the "Basic" (58 lbs of tension) to the MMA Training System (328 lbs of tension). As of this review (3/3/2012), Amazon only carries 6 of these and the one they do not carry are the "Super Strong Man" line which includes the purple 23 lb band and the orange 30 lb band. I would have liked the Super Strong Man line but ended up resorting with the Max Tension XT.

There are several reasons why these are the best, in my opinion:

1. The are guaranteed 99.9% snap resistant due to the construction style of the bands.

2. The components are sturdy and high quality. Everything is double-stitched and made with high quality components.

3. The Quick Clip System Under traditional resistance bands, if you wanted to combine bands, you''d have to hold multiple "one-piece" handles in your hands... which makes it awkward and bulky. Under Bodylastics, you get one handle and up to 7 bands can be attached. Plus there is no memorizing weight resistance for a color. Since the band and clip are one piece, the clip itself has a stamped rating to show you how much resistance it has.

4. The Accessories Each system set comes with various accessories (in different quantities) that help you maximize your workout if you''re solely using these alone. Although they aren''t necessary for P90X, these are nice. For the Max Tension XT system, not only do you get a set of handles, but you get a set of ankle straps, the carrying case, and the manual/workout DVD, but you also get the door anchor and the small anywhere anchor. The purpose of the anchors is to allow you to do a lot more exercises you wouldn''t be able to do with the bands alone. As long as you have a door and/or a fixed/stationary device (like a pole) you can expand your resistance bands workout.

5. The Lifetime Defects Guarantee Covers every aspect, even down to the various handles.

6. The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Use for up to 90 days or your money back.

For those of you wondering, the sets that is on Amazon is indeed the "revised" version of Bodylastic bands manufactured after 2/26/2012. The new bands have different weight ratings. So know you''re getting the latest "revision" of the bands when purchasing from Amazon.

I received these bands a few weeks ago but I waited to use them numerous times before writing a review. Now that I''ve used them several times, here''s my candid opinion. I used to have the old Bodylastics from the early 1990s which were okay but with major flaws. These latest are a great improvement. The bands are top notch, very strong and have a truly professional feel to them. Also, the approximate weight of each band is imprinted on each end. Most exercises with these bands feel just about as good as using professional exercise machines at the gym. Years ago I used to belong to a gym (at about $400 dollars a year discounted). Now thanks to Bodylastics and other equipment in my basement, I''ll never have to pay for gym membership again. Rain, cold or snow should not matter when you exercise at home.

In my basement we drilled and tightly screwed 3 strong hooks in the wall. One high, one in the middle and one low. Using these we can do exercises from different angles hitting different parts of the body. This is pretty much like using expensive machines in the gym. Also now we have no reason to buy the overpriced Ultra Anchor which is sold separately for Bodylastics.

You can, if you wish, go to liveexercise.com and view lots of exercises using Bodylastics. However, they require you to sign up and give them personal information. Instead, you can find most of this free on youtube and the internet by searching on google. You don''t have to sign up and give your personal info which can lead to tons of advertisements and spam.

One negative is that you are not given a printed manual. This, in my opinion, is a big no no. I had to print the 76 page manual myself (wasting ink) because the company was too cheap or too lazy (or both) to provide this for customers. The manual was useful in the beginning but the videos I found on the internet were even more helpful because they visually show you what to do and explain how to do the exercises. Most people learn faster this way than by reading about it. I also was appalled to see that they sell an extra manual on their website for an outrageous $14.95. The manual, by the way, is only 76 pages and you can get most of the info completely free by searching the internet for videos. Why shouldn''t a new customer receive a printed manual?

Another minor complaint is calling these "failsafe anti-snap exercise tubes". Yes they are strong heavy duty bands but any band can eventually snap or break depending on age and how it''s used. I think that calling them "failsafe" may give some people a false sense of security. You should always use bands with caution and periodically inspect them for tears. There''s no such thing as a band that''s impossible to break. To imply that is irresponsible and can possibly leave a company susceptible to multiple lawsuits.

Overall these are high quality bands which are very strong (but not necessarily unbreakable). These bands, used separately or combined, can provide resistance for people of all fitness levels. If you''re committed to exercising at home, I highly recommend them.

Buy Bodylastics 14pcs Resistance Bands *MAX TENSION XT Set (142 lbs.) Now

I think any review of resistance bands should include, not only comments on the bands themselves, but also their purpose and scope. Indeed, a five-star rating of a product that serves no good end is not very helpful.

Let me first say that I think it important to decide what one''s goals are in any exercise program, e.g., rehab, toning, strength, muscle building, or any combination thereof. Why . . . because each utilizes the same equipment but in a differing manner. For example, the fundamental difference between muscle toning and muscle building is the difference between lightly working a muscle for an extended period vs. working a muscle to its point of failure over a short period. In muscle training parlance: light "weight" for many repetitions vs. heavy "weight" for few repetitions. Whether that weight is in the form of free weights (barand dumbbells), exercise machines (Nautilus, Bowflex), resistance bands, or sit-, push-, or chin-ups, the action on and by the muscle is, physiologically, the same. My point is, in all but extreme cases, one can achieve the same end with any of the stated means; understanding the differences (limitations, e.g.) might prove helpful. I think it prudent to accomplish a web search in one''s specific area of concern (goals) and design a suitable regime/routine.

Obviously, one will not be able to surpass the current Olympic clean and jerk record of 579.7 pounds by training with resistance bands. On the other hand, claims that dumbbells, e.g., are better than resistance bands fail to comprehend the characteristics of each and likely issues from a machismo "pumping iron" mentality. A cursory web search should annihilate any notion that resistance bands are ineffective. A good place to start would be to Google "the great debate: free weights vs. resistance bands" upon which one will see a reference to Jaret Grossman''s (body builder, personal trainer, motivational speaker) site, MuscleProdigy, where he contrasts free weights with resistance bands in a most apt discussion.

Resistance bands, unlike free weights offer an unlimited range of motion, one reason that they are used extensively in physical therapy (rehab), especially sports medicine. This unlimited range of motion is impossible with free weights. Recreationally, one can target those upper body muscles that predominate in a golf, baseball, or tennis swing, swimming strokes, etc. I think it also important to note that resistance bands are kinder to the joints than dumbbells, a very big plus for those with arthritis.

For toning and strength, and muscle building, the ease with which one can accomplish several exercises "at once" is remarkable. For example, using the ankle strap, I attach one end of the band(s) to the ankle strap and the other to a nylon strap wrapped around the base of a very heavy dresser (more on this later) and not through to the other ankle. With that one arrangement, while standing, I can first exercise the quads, turn 90 degrees and exercise the adductors, turn 90 degrees and exercise the hamstrings, and finally turn 90 degrees and exercise the abductors. If one muscle group is slightly stronger (or weaker) than the other, I simply move closer (reduces the tension) or further away (increases the tension) from the door. If there is a significant difference, one can quickly add or remove a band(s). Do that with dumbbells!

The ease of operation is another area in which these bands excel. My biceps/triceps are stronger than my deltoids. With the bands, after I exercise the biceps/triceps, I simply remove (unhook) one band and work the deltoids. With my dumbbells, I have to first unscrew the retaining collar, and then unscrew a three-pound weight from each end for each dumbbell.

Finally, I agree with the reviewer who noted that the force of the band could exceed the weight of the individual an issue easily overcome. I had that problem exercising my leg muscles. What I now do is to attach the band to that strap around the dresser I mentioned above, allowing enough slack for me to stand in a doorway where I can brace myself with my arms. In a word, be creative in addition to the methods provided by the manufacturer.

As to the bands: they are, indeed, manufactured from heavy-duty components as stated. The rings to which the bands quick-connect are welded closed (and polished) so there is no worry about them separating from the strap. The loop and hook (Velcro) ankle straps attach very firmly with no give whatsoever. The bands travel through a grommet in the handle and are secured to a solid fitting that that cannot be pulled through the grommet. I trust the manufacturer''s claim that the anti-snap technology renders the bands safe; I have no doubt that the system has been extensively tested.

Two final notes: in reading the review of one whose bands quickly became cracked or otherwise deteriorated, one suggestion was made regarding the dry climate. The first thing I wondered about was standing on the bands on a hard, rough surface or, instead of passing the bands through the provided door anchor or "anywhere anchor," is it possible that one passed the bands around a rough post or pipe. In other words, the anchor straps have a smooth, spongy material over which the bands travel that prevents abrasion. I stand on the bands in my stocking feet on a carpet. Secondly, mindful of one''s comments regarding the lack of a printed manual, what I did was to convert the PDF file on the disc to a MOBI file and place the manual on my Kindle. This simple task can be accomplished by Calibre, K2pdfopt, Amazon (for a nominal fee), and any of several other apps. My preference is K2pdfopt (Google "Willus K2pdfopt") since one can either accept default settings or choose from any number of options. K2pdfopt will also convert PDF files to accommodate smart phones. The site also lists a number of other apps for PDF conversion.

Hope this helps.

Ed

Read Best Reviews of Bodylastics 14pcs Resistance Bands *MAX TENSION XT Set (142 lbs.) Here

I ordered this set on September 13th. Since I''m in Afghanistan, it took a little while for it to get here. I got it around September 25th and started using it almost immediately. We don''t have a cable set on our little FOB, so this set filled in perfectly for the cable workouts that my routine requires. Not only that, but the bands by themselves are great for a few quick extra reps in the office or tent. It''s a very versatile set that can replace MOST cable exercises if you know how to set them up.

The return window closed on these November 4th (less than two months after I bought the set). About a week ago (second week in December, about 3 months after the purchase) one of the bands snapped. I wish I could put up a picture with this. It was actually one of the smaller bands I was using for the particular exercise, so it wasn''t ''pulling all the weight'', if you will. This bothered me, so I inspected the rest of the set. Sure enough, every band in the set has begun to tear and they will all likely follow suit under tension and tear apart. I always use the provided mounts to set up the bands for use, so I''m not going to buy the ''operator error'' bit on this one (not that I''m infallible).

I was impressed with the way this set worked, but I was very disappointed with the short time they lasted. I''m gonna be out here for quite a while, and I need cables.

-UPDATE (1/23/2013) BODYLASTICS CONTACTED ME ABOUT THE BANDS AND REPLACED THEM. WE''LL SEE HOW THIS SET HOLDS UP, BUT I CHANGED MY REVIEW FROM 2 TO 5 STARS JUST BECAUSE OF HOW THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.

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I was looking for some weight training devices to help keep my metabolism high while dieting. Many, many years ago I used spring devices and was somewhat skeptical about the "bands". I went for it and am really impressed! The bands are way better than any spring device that I''ve used in the past while still giving the same type of resistance. This is a nice supplement to using actual weights. I was also pleasantly suprised with the included DVD. I''ve followed one of the circuit training programs for a couple of months now, slowly increasing the resistance. I''m getting a good aerobic workout and starting to see improved definition. I think the cost value is quite good on this product and it is so light that traveling with it should be a breeze. I highly recommend this to anyone. The construction of the product also seems to be of high quality.

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