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Best Beginner Workouts With Resistance Bands

About

Resistance bands are versatile tools that provide unique resistance by increasing tension as they are stretched.

This characteristic enables diverse exercises, catering to varying fitness levels and goals.

For those new to exercise, beginner-friendly workouts feature simpler movements using accessible equipment, aiming to minimize injury risk while offering challenging routines.

These exercises are designed for individuals, such as novices with less than one year of experience, focusing on proper form and technique while promoting steady progression.

This workout provides an effective starting point, adaptable to suit individual needs and capabilities, ensuring a fulfilling experience.

The 15 Best Beginner Exercises with Resistance Bands

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Handle Band Bent Over Row

    Handle Band Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    362,382
    Back Strength
    74 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Bent Over Row is an exercise that strengthens the back, shoulders, and biceps. Using a handle band helps balance strength on both sides and allows you to gradually increase resistance as you improve.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, stepping on a resistance band with both hands holding the handles.
    2. Bend your knees and push your hips back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Pull the handles up to shoulder height by bending your elbows while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    4. Lower your arms back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 2. Handle Band Forward Raise

    Handle Band Forward Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    221,918
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Forward Raise is a shoulder exercise that uses a resistance band to build strength. It helps isolate the shoulder muscles and prevents using your lower body to cheat the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip next to your hips.
    3. Raise the handles in a circular motion above your head while keeping your arms straight.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 3. Handle Band Lat Pulldown

    Handle Band Lat Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    324,913
    Back Strength
    66 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Lat Pulldown exercise strengthens your upper back, focusing on the latissimus dorsi muscles. Using a resistance band makes it portable and adjustable for different fitness levels, enhancing your back strength and definition.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a resistance band around a pull-up bar or a high, stable object.
    2. Kneel on the floor with your heels sitting back under the anchor point.
    3. Reach up to grab the band handles with an overhand grip.
    4. Pull the handles down towards your shoulders by bending your elbows out to the sides.
    5. Return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 4. Handle Band Lateral Raise

    Handle Band Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    220,604
    Shoulders Strength
    76 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Lateral Raise targets the shoulder muscles, specifically the lateral deltoids, using a resistance band. This exercise increases shoulder strength and width while being easier on the joints compared to dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place the resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the band handles with an overhand grip, keeping your knuckles facing out.
    3. Lift the handles out to the sides in a circular motion until they are above your head, keeping your arms straight.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 5. Handle Band Pec Fly

    Handle Band Pec Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    379,446
    Chest Strength
    52 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Pec Fly is a chest and shoulder exercise that helps isolate these muscles effectively. Using resistance bands allows you to control the resistance better and makes the move easier on your shoulders at the start.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a resistance band to a pull-up bar or high, fixed object.
    2. Stand in front of the band with a staggered stance, holding the handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward.
    3. Lean slightly forward and pull the handles down to your belly button, keeping your arms extended with a slight bend in the elbows.
    4. Return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 6. Handle Band Rear Deltoid Fly

    Handle Band Rear Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    297,966
    Back Strength
    66 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Rear Deltoid Fly targets the rear shoulder muscles using a resistance band. This exercise helps improve shoulder stability and posture by focusing on the often-overlooked rear deltoids.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band under the middle of your feet.
    2. Hold one handle in each hand with your palms facing each other.
    3. Lean forward at a 45-degree angle, pushing your hips back.
    4. Raise the handles outward to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight with a slight bend in the elbows.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 7. Handle Band Row

    Handle Band Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    316,166
    Back Strength
    37 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Row is a resistance band exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps. It helps improve posture and can be done anywhere, making it a great alternative to gym machines.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a resistance band under your feet, holding the handles with palms facing each other.
    2. Lean forward, pushing your hips back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Pull the handles toward your lower chest, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 8. Handle Band Shoulder Press

    Handle Band Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    183,818
    Shoulders Strength
    79 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Shoulder Press is a great exercise for building strength in your shoulders and arms. It uses a resistance band to offer a full range of motion while being easier on your joints than dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles at shoulder height with your palms facing forward.
    3. Press the handles overhead until they are above your shoulders.
    4. Lower the handles back to shoulder height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 9. Handle Band Squat

    Handle Band Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    269,107
    Quadriceps Strength
    33 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Squat is a type of squat that uses a resistance band for added difficulty. This exercise strengthens your legs, particularly your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, and can be done anywhere.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, with a resistance band under both feet.
    2. Hold the band handles at shoulder height, palms facing forward.
    3. Bend your knees and push your hips back to lower into a squat until your torso is parallel to your shins.
    4. Push through your heels to stand back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 10. Handle Band Straight-Arm Pulldown

    Handle Band Straight-Arm Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    216,900
    Back Strength
    46 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Straight-Arm Pulldown is an exercise that strengthens your lats and upper back using a resistance band. It focuses on pulling without bending your elbows, which can help improve your posture and back strength.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a resistance band around a pull-up bar or a high stable object.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart under the band anchor.
    3. Grab the handles with an overhand grip, arms extended in front of you.
    4. Pull the handles down to the sides of your hips, keeping your arms straight.
    5. Return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 11. Handle Band Upright Row

    Handle Band Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    209,387
    Shoulders Strength
    76 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Upright Row targets your shoulders and upper back using a resistance band. It helps improve posture while reducing the risk of shoulder injuries compared to using a barbell.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip in front of your hips.
    3. Pull your elbows up to shoulder height, keeping the handles close to your body.
    4. Lower back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 12. Mini Loop Band Squat

    Mini Loop Band Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    133,352
    Quadriceps Strength
    52 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Squat is a squat variation that uses a mini loop band to strengthen your legs, especially the quadriceps. The band helps stabilize your knees while you squat, improving your form and preparing you for heavier squats.

    How to do it

    1. Put a mini loop band around your thighs, just above your knees.
    2. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, ensuring the band is tight.
    3. Slightly bend your knees and engage your core.
    4. Hinge your hips back and squat down, keeping knees aligned with toes and resisting the band.
    5. Pause at the bottom of the squat, evenly distributing your weight on your feet.
    6. Push through your heels and return to standing position by extending your legs.
  • 13. Loop Band Romanian Deadlift

    Loop Band Romanian Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    24,479
    Hamstrings Strength
    82 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Romanian Deadlift strengthens your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back using a loop band for added resistance. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and posture while being easier on your back than traditional weights.

    How to do it

    1. Stand on one end of the loop band and hold the other end with both hands.
    2. Adjust the band to your desired tension.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. Hinge your hips back and bend your knees slightly.
    5. Pause when you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
    6. Drive your hips forward, squeezing your glutes and hamstrings.
    7. Return to the starting position.
  • 14. Handle Band Bicep Curl

    Handle Band Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    560,613
    Biceps Strength
    55 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Bicep Curl is a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on strengthening your biceps using a resistance band. It helps you develop the curl movement while allowing full range of motion without any side weaknesses affecting your form.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Place a resistance band under your feet, holding the handles with your palms facing up.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the handles towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 15. Handle Band Tricep Extension

    Handle Band Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    462,203
    Triceps Strength
    69 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Tricep Extension is a simple exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps. Using a resistance band allows you to control the tension and gradually increase the resistance for better results in muscle development.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a resistance band around a pull-up bar or high object.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart under the anchor point.
    3. Grab the handles with an overhand grip at chest height.
    4. Keep your elbows close to your body and bend them.
    5. Pull the handles down to your hips, maintaining elbow position.
    6. Return the handles to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps

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Alternative Beginner Workouts with Resistance Bands