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Best Chest And Back Workouts With Resistance Bands For Women

About

Resistance bands offer a versatile workout tool that uses their elastic properties to provide variable resistance throughout movements.

This unique characteristic allows for effective muscle engagement during exercises targeting both the pectoral and back muscle groups.

For women, reps and weight are tailored based on average metrics of 5’5” height, 140lbs weight, and 34 years of age, though individual capacity is considered.

Chest exercises focus on horizontal presses and shoulder adduction, while back exercises emphasize pulling movements like rows.

Combining chest and back exercises efficiently targets both opposing muscle groups on the torso, promoting balanced development and functional strength.

The 15 Best Chest and Back Exercises with Resistance Bands for Women

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
    4
    8reps
  • 2. 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
    8reps
  • 3. 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
    4
    8reps
  • 4. 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
    4
    8reps
  • 5. 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
    4
    9reps
  • 6. 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
    4
    8reps
  • 7. Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row

    Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    356,726
    Back Strength
    53 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row is a back exercise that works each side of your body independently, promoting balance and strength. Using a loop band adds increasing tension as you pull, enhancing the workout's effectiveness.

    How to do it

    1. Kneel on your left knee with your right foot in front.
    2. Place a loop band under your right foot and hold it with your right hand, keeping your arm straight down.
    3. Pull the band by bending your right elbow until your hand is by your torso.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 8. Mini Loop Band Single Leg Romanian Deadlift with Row

    Mini Loop Band Single Leg Romanian Deadlift with Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    256,934
    Back Strength
    44 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Single Leg Romanian Deadlift with Row is a great exercise for improving strength and balance. It works your hamstrings, glutes, back, and biceps while also enhancing your posture and upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet together and loop a band around your right foot, holding the other end with your right hand.
    2. Bend your right knee slightly and kick your left leg back while lowering your torso towards the floor.
    3. Return to standing position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 9. Loop Band Pull Up

    Loop Band Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    100,969
    Back Strength
    50 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Pull Up is a great exercise that strengthens your back and helps you work towards doing full Pull Ups. Using a loop band gives support, making it easier as you approach the bar while building strength.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the loop band to the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Put one foot in the band and grip the bar with your hands overhand.
    3. Hang with arms straight and body in a line.
    4. Engage your core and pull your chest to the bar by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
    4
    5reps
  • 10. Loop Band Chin Up

    Loop Band Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    50,902
    Back Strength
    84 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Chin Up is a beginner-friendly exercise that uses a resistance band on a pull-up bar to help you with chin-ups. It assists in lifting some of your body weight, making it easier to build upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the band to the center of the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Step into the stirrup with one foot and grip the pull-up bar underhand.
    3. Hang with your arms straight and body straight.
    4. Engage your core and pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
    4
    5reps
  • 11. Loop Band Standing Incline Chest Press

    Loop Band Standing Incline Chest Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    53,739
    Chest Strength
    88 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Standing Incline Chest Press targets the upper chest and shoulders while also engaging your core and legs for stability. It uses a loop band to simulate the incline press, making it a great exercise for building upper body strength at home or in the gym.

    How to do it

    1. Anchor two bands at chest height.
    2. Stand with your back to the anchors, holding one band in each hand.
    3. Step one foot forward and one foot back for balance, and tighten your core.
    4. Lean slightly forward with elbows pointing back and hands at chest level.
    5. Exhale and extend your arms forward and upwards towards the ceiling.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
  • 12. Loop Band Lat Pulldown

    Loop Band Lat Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    79,012
    Back Strength
    57 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Lat Pulldown is an exercise that targets your back muscles, specifically the lats. Using a loop band instead of a machine makes it easy to do anywhere while focusing on your form.

    How to do it

    1. Place one end of the band over a pull-up bar to create two loops.
    2. Kneel or half-kneel under the bar and grab a loop in each hand.
    3. Extend your arms overhead, then pull the band down toward your shoulders by bending your elbows.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
  • 13. Loop Band Seated Row

    Loop Band Seated Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    110,490
    Back Strength
    71 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Seated Row is a back exercise that strengthens your muscles using a loop band. It helps you gain strength at the end of your rows, but be sure to squeeze your shoulder blades together for the best results.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap the loop band around an anchor at knee height.
    2. Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you, facing the anchor.
    3. Adjust your position if needed to increase band tension.
    4. Sit up straight and hold one end of the band in each hand.
    5. Pull your elbows back close to your body while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
  • 14. Loop Band Push Up

    Loop Band Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    77,928
    Chest Strength
    72 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Push Up is a modified push-up that uses a resistance band for added intensity. This exercise strengthens your chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging your core for better stability.

    How to do it

    1. Kneel on the ground with your knees together.
    2. Hold one end of the loop band between your thumb and index finger and wrap it across your back.
    3. Grip the other end of the band with your other hand in the same way.
    4. Place your hands on the ground under your shoulders and lift your knees off the ground into a high plank position.
    5. Keep your core tight and lower your body towards the ground, keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    6. Push back up to the starting position, maintaining a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles.
  • 15. Loop Band Bent Over Row

    Loop Band Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    121,028
    Back Strength
    31 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Bent Over Row is a strength exercise that works your back, shoulders, and biceps. It's adjustable, making it suitable for everyone, and it helps improve your back strength and posture.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place the band under the middle of your feet.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle to the floor.
    3. Grab the ends of the band and pull your elbows up while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Resistance Bands for Women

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts for Women

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts with Resistance Bands