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Best Upper Body Workouts With Resistance Bands To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Resistance bands are a versatile tool for strength training, using their elasticity to provide variable resistance during exercises.

This characteristic allows for customized routines, enabling both compound and isolation movements targeting upper body muscles such as the chest, shoulders, and biceps.

To achieve a lean and toned physique while burning fat, incorporate higher repetitions with controlled resistance, ensuring an elevated heart rate throughout the session.

Focus on exercises like rows and presses, modified as necessary based on individual capacity, to maintain form and maximize effectiveness.

Such routines can benefit a wide range of individuals looking to combine strength development with calorie-burning activity.

The 15 Best Upper Body Exercises with Resistance Bands to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

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

  • 1. 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
  • 2. Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly

    Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    213,849
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly is a simple exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper back. By using a mini loop band, you add resistance which helps improve muscle strength and stability while promoting shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and wrap a band around your wrists with arms extended to the sides.
    2. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and raise your arms overhead.
    3. Push your wrists apart to form a 'Y' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to shoulder-width and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 3. 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
  • 4. Mini Loop Band Around the World Plank

    Mini Loop Band Around the World Plank demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    51,024
    Abs Strength
    86 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Around the World Plank is a challenging variation of the standard Plank that helps improve stability and core strength. You will balance on your arms while moving one hand in different directions against resistance from a loop band, increasing the exercise's difficulty and engaging your core more.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and a mini loop band around your wrists.
    2. Lift your hips and knees off the floor to form a straight line from your shoulders to heels.
    3. With your right hand, reach forward (12 o'clock), to the side (3 o'clock), and backward (6 o'clock).
    4. Repeat the movement with your left hand.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 5. Mini Loop Band Mountain Climber

    Mini Loop Band Mountain Climber demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    56,579
    Abs Strength
    84 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Mountain Climber is a fun and intense workout that boosts your heart rate while strengthening your core, shoulders, and legs. Using a mini loop band adds extra resistance, making it a great way to build endurance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and a loop band around both feet.
    2. Lift your hips, then bring your right knee towards your chest.
    3. Quickly return your right foot to the starting position and jump your left knee up.
    4. Keep alternating your knees for the set time or number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 6. Mini Loop Band Plank with Straight Leg Kickback

    Mini Loop Band Plank with Straight Leg Kickback demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    59,906
    Abs Strength
    84 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Plank with Straight Leg Kickback strengthens your core and glutes while improving stability. Using a mini loop band adds resistance and makes the exercise more challenging than a regular plank.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a mini loop band around your ankles.
    2. Get into a plank position with your arms under your shoulders and hips raised.
    3. Lift your right leg straight back while keeping your hips level.
    4. Lower your leg back to the starting position and repeat with your left leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 7. Mini Loop Band Toe Touch

    Mini Loop Band Toe Touch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    75,972
    Abs Strength
    88 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Toe Touch is a great exercise for strengthening your abdominal muscles. By using a mini loop band, this exercise adds extra resistance, making it more effective than regular toe touches.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back with your legs straight and a band around your ankles.
    2. Lift your legs until they are above your hips.
    3. Reach your hands towards your toes while bending your torso.
    4. Lower back to the starting position and repeat for your set number of reps.
  • 8. Mini Loop Band Leg Raise

    Mini Loop Band Leg Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    75,547
    Abs Strength
    88 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Leg Raise uses a resistance band to make leg raises more challenging. This exercise targets the core and hip flexors, helping strengthen and build muscle endurance.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on your back with a resistance band around your ankles.
    2. Extend your legs and arms alongside your body, keeping your feet hip-width apart.
    3. Raise your legs to a vertical position and then lower them back down slowly.
  • 9. Pallof Press Walk Out

    Pallof Press Walk Out demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,887
    Abs Strength
    76 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Pallof Press Walk Out is a core-strengthening exercise that improves stability and muscle activation while walking out. It involves using a resistance band to challenge your core and promote balance.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a loop band to a sturdy anchor point.
    2. Stand with the band to your side, holding it with both hands in front of you.
    3. Take a step away from the anchor until the band is taut.
    4. Walk out slowly, taking small steps while keeping your arms straight.
    5. Engage your core and maintain a straight back with a forward gaze.
    6. When you can't walk out any further, step back to the starting position.
  • 10. Reverse Lunge With 1/2 Kneeling Pallof Press

    Reverse Lunge With 1/2 Kneeling Pallof Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,295
    Abs Strength
    62 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Reverse Lunge With 1/2 Kneeling Pallof Press is a great exercise that strengthens your legs and core. It combines a reverse lunge with a pressing motion to challenge your balance and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the loop band to a sturdy anchor at chest height.
    2. Stand behind the anchor, feet wider than hip-width, and hold the band with both hands at your chest.
    3. Step back with one leg and lower your hips into a lunge.
    4. Extend your arms forward while keeping your core tight.
    5. Pause briefly, then push through your front leg to return to standing, bringing the band back to your chest.
    6. Alternate legs for the duration of the exercise.
  • 11. Pallof Press and Twist

    Pallof Press and Twist demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,426
    Abs Strength
    68 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Pallof Press and Twist is a core exercise that helps build strength and stability by resisting twisting movements. It targets the muscles in your core, especially the obliques, by adding a twist at the end of a standard Pallof Press.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the loop band to a stable anchor point at chest height.
    2. Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width behind the anchor point.
    3. Grab the loop band with both hands in an overhand grip.
    4. Step away from the anchor until there is tension in the band.
    5. Keep your core tight and back straight throughout the exercise.
    6. Extend your arms in front of you to increase core tension.
    7. Slowly twist away from the anchor while engaging your core.
    8. Return to the starting position by twisting back slowly and pulling your hands to your chest.
    9. Switch sides and repeat.
  • 12. Supine Pallof Press

    Supine Pallof Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,996
    Abs Strength
    89 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Supine Pallof Press is a core exercise performed while lying on your back. It strengthens your core muscles with less strain on your lower back by using a band or cable machine for tension.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the band to a stable point at waist height.
    2. Lie on your back beside the band, ensuring it's in line with your shoulders.
    3. Hold the band with the hand closest to the anchor, bringing it to your chest with both hands.
    4. Walk away from the anchor until there is tension in the band.
    5. Extend your arms straight up while keeping your core engaged.
    6. Hold for a moment, then return to the starting position.
    7. Switch sides and repeat.
  • 13. Full Kneeling Pallof Press

    Full Kneeling Pallof Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,410
    Abs Strength
    86 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Full Kneeling Pallof Press is an exercise that strengthens your core, mainly focusing on the obliques. By kneeling, you minimize lower body movement and enhance core stabilization with the help of a cable or resistance band.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a loop band to a stable point at hand height.
    2. Hold the band with both hands close to your body.
    3. Kneel back to create tension in the band.
    4. Keep your core tight and back straight during the exercise.
    5. Extend your arms straight out in front of you, engaging your core.
    6. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position.
    7. Switch sides and repeat.
  • 14. 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
  • 15. 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

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Upper Body Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Upper Body Workouts with Resistance Bands

Alternative Workouts with Resistance Bands to Get Lean and Burn Fat