Can A Resistance Band Break And Snap Back?

If you have a home gym, you most likely own a few resistance bands. 

Resistance bands are a great tool for anyone’s fitness routine.  They give your muscles a great workout. 

Resistance bands are easy to take anywhere so you can use them indoors or outdoors, on vacation, or in your home gym. 

Have you ever wondered if your resistance bands can break?  I mean, it is a good question to ask.

It would be good to know before they snap back at you during a workout. 

Yes, a resistance band can break.  If you think about it, they are made with either latex, rubber, or fabric. 

Most resistance bands are just big rubber bands.  As you know, all rubber bands break with time, improper care, or improper use.    

How Long Do Resistance Band Last?

Well, that is not an easy question to answer.  There are many variables that determine how long your resistance bands should last.

Most brands say the bands should last 1-3 years.  However, this would depend on a few factors. 

The Type Of Band

Thicker bands are more durable.  A thinner band will wear and tear faster. 

Therabands are a lighter, thinner band. They are great for lighter resistance, like in a rehab program after an injury or for someone just starting a workout program with resistance bands. 

I still use my therabands for some exercises that require less resistance.  However, the therabands, if used often or not cared for, would break down faster than a stronger band. 

A thicker pull-up or tube band should last longer than a thin theraband. 

A thicker band can and will break down, but not as quickly due to the thickness of the band. 

With the thicker bands, you should be able to notice the weak spots sooner vs later so that you can replace the band before it breaks. 

How Often The Bands Are Used Is Also A Factor

If you have one band that you use often, it will break down faster than if you alternate between bands. 

Buy a set of bands vs a single band.

Most bands come in sets. The booty bands usually come in a set of 3, while the therabands, loop bands, tube bands, and pull-up assist bands usually come in a set of 5. 

It may cost a little more at the time of purchase, but it will save you from replacing your bands more often. 

Having more bands to use with different exercises and when you are ready to progress to more resistance is also good. 

Are You Using Your Bands Correctly? 

This is a big key to the longevity of resistance bands.  If they are not cared for properly, the band will most likely not last as long as it should. 

6 Mistakes That Can Cause Resistance Bands To Break

You could be using your bands incorrectly without even knowing it. A few precautions will certainly help them last much longer. 

Do Not Leave Your Resistance Bands Out In The Sun Or In A Hot Drawer

Latex contains moisture this is what keeps them stretchy. 

When you leave them out in the sun or in a hot place, they can dry out.  This causes them to become brittle and when you stretch the band, it can snap and break. 

Do Not Leave Your Bands Out In The Rain Or Leave Them In Water

You can use it outside if it is sprinkling, and that will not harm them. But do not leave them out in the rain or let them sit in standing water. This can and will damage the bands.

Do Not Wash Your Resistance Bands In Harsh Chemicals

If you need to wash your bands for any reason, do not use harsh chemicals like bleach. Also, avoid using oils or petroleum-based liquids. 

Just use a mild soap and hang them in a cool place to dry. 

Do Not Put The Bands Around Sharp Or Rough Objects

Sharp or rough objects can damage the bands and cause them to break for sure. 

As the bands rub back and forth, friction against the surface causes them to break down. Only tie them off around smooth surfaces or use an anchor tool.    

Do Not Use Them Under Your Feet Or Hands On Rough Surface

Using the bands on concrete or rocks outdoors will definitely cause damage to the bands and will cause them to break quickly. 

So, if you are doing weighted push-ups or bicep curls, you may want to put something between your feet and the ground, like a yoga mat.

Overstretching Your Bands

So how far is too far when you are using your resistance bands?

Remember, a resistance band is just a big rubber band. If you pull and stretch it too far, it will break and snap back at you.

Never pull the resistance band more than 3 times the resting length of the band. 

When the band is at a point where you cannot progress the exercise because it will not go any further, STOP. 

Do not try to continue to pull the band.  You will begin to weaken it and cause damage to the band.  Just like the rubber band.  It will begin to break down over time. 

If you need more resistance, go to a heavier band. 

Can A Resistance Band Break?

Yes, a resistance band can snap back at you with improper use. 

And yes, that can hurt.  Trust me!

Here are a few tips to avoid having the resistance band snap back at you.

Beware Of Foot Placement On The Band

The placement of the resistance bands is very important. Watch your placement if you are doing any exercises where the bands need to be secured under your feet. 

If you are standing and doing bicep curls, make sure that the band is under the middle to back of your foot between the heel and arch.  Having the band closer to the toes could be dangerous. 

If you accidentally shift your feet a little, the band can come loose and snap back up at you. 

If you are sitting on the ground and doing exercises like banded rows, you may want to wrap the bands around your feet. 

If this doesn’t work, just make sure that the bands are between your arch and heel. 

Gripping The Band Properly

If you are using the flat therabands or tube bands without handles, make sure to wrap the bands around your hands. 

Do not just grab the band and pull back.  You could lose your grip and cause the band to snap back. 

Use Gloves Anytime That You Use Your Bands

When using the loop bands or pull-up assist bands, you may want to try wearing gloves to grip them. 

The bands can be hard on your hands, and if you release them too quickly, they can snap back. 

Tie Your Band Properly

If you are using a flat theraband, make sure that you take a few minutes to learn how to tie the band off. 

If you just tie the band off, it will come loose and snap back.  If you tie it in a knot, you may never get it off of the object that you tied it around.

So, it is very important to tie the band off correctly. 

Check Your Bands

This sounds simple, but it is often forgotten.

Take a few extra seconds before you use your bands to give them a good “once over.” Make sure that the band is free of fraying or weak spots.  

If you are using therabands, be sure to observe the color of the band. 

If your red band is red everywhere except for a spot that is pale red or white, that is a sign of a weak spot. 

Replace that band before you use it so that it does not break and snap back. 

Check The Anchors Or Object

If you are tying your band off or wrapping around an object, check the anchors or objects first. 

Is the item sturdy, a dead tree or a unstable pole are really bad options.

Are the anchors loosening, make sure that your anchors are not coming loose? 

Make sure that they are secured correctly to an object. 

How to Store Your Resistance Bands Properly

Storing your bands properly will keep them around a lot longer. 

So, always make sure that when you are done with the bands, you don’t just leave them lying around. 

Here are some things to remember when storing your bands.

Do Not Store Your Bands In A Place That Will Get Direct Sunlight

If you are storing your bands in your home gym or gym bag, make sure that they can’t get direct sunlight. 

Make sure that your gym bag is not left out in the sunlight or a hot room. 

This can cause the bands to dry out and become brittle and weak.

Store Your Bands In a Cool, Dry Area

Avoid moisture and excessive heat.   A cool, dry environment is best. 

Make Sure That Your Bands Are Clean

Do not store your bands if they are dirty or if something was spilled on them. 

Wipe the bands down after you use them and make sure that they are completely dry if you are not hanging then up. 

Do Not Store Anything On Top Of Your Bands.

Storing items on top of your bands can damage your bands. 

Especially if the bands are not completely dry or if the item you are placing on top of them is heavy or sharp. 

Take A Minute To Check Where You Store Them

Safety first!

If you are hanging loop bands, make sure that it is somewhere away from any young children. This can be very dangerous.  

What Is The Worst Exercise With Resistance Bands

Most people agree that face pulls are the worst exercise. 

If you pull the band to your face and it breaks, it can cause some damage. 

So, if you choose to do the face pulls, be careful and smart with the bands. 

It really sucks to get hit in the face with them!

What Are The Safest Resistance Bands?

All resistance bands are safe to use as long as you use them correctly and take care of them. 

However, a stronger, better-quality band is always best. Pull-up assist bands are thicker and stronger than a theraband.

However, that being said, I do use my therabands a lot for some of my exercises. 

You just need to pay attention to the bands and care for them properly so that your resistance bands don’t break.

When used properly, you can stay safe and get great results with resistance bands.