Pull ups are an essential component in many workout regimens because they work out your whole upper body. However, they can be hard. It requires a lot of back, shoulder, and arm strength to pull your entire bodyweight up during a pull up, plus it’s crucial to execute these exercises with correct form in order to avoid injury and get the most out of your workouts.
Not everyone can perform a pull up right away, but resistance bands can help. Having resistance bands on hand provides a counterweight for your pull up practice so that you can work on increasing strength and achieving proper form to pave the way for your pull up progress. The bands also allow you to get a great upper body workout even when you can’t quite do a pull up on your own just yet, providing you a means to perform the challenging movement no matter what your current strength level.
We’ve compiled a review of the best resistance bands for pull ups so you can make an informed decision about which band is right for your pull up needs. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about using these bands to advance your pull up progress.
The Best Resistance Bands For Pullups: Reviews and Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart
POWER GUIDANCE Pull Up Assist Bands – Stretch Resistance Band – Mobility Band – Powerlifting Bands – by Perfect for Body Stretching, Powerlifting, Resistance Training (Set of 4)
JDDZ SPORTS Pull up Resistance and Assist Bands, Workout Bands | Powerlifting Bands,Mobility Stretch Bands,Exercise Band for Body Fitness Training,Chin Ups, Stretch (Purple)
4EverShape Pull Up Assist Bands, Resistance Bands Set with Handles and Door Anchor, Workout Bands, Heavy Duty Exercise Bands for Body Stretching, Powerlifting
Odoland 5 Packs Pull Up Assist Bands, Pull Up Straps, Resistance Bands with Door Anchor and Handles, Stretch Mobility, Powerlifting and Extra Durable Exercise Bands with eGuide
Power Guidance
This set comes with four bands and no extra equipment, perfect if you are looking strictly for pull up training assistance and other simple strength training exercises. Resistance for these bands range from 10-175 pounds, so it could be very useful for someone who weighs more or needs more resistance when performing assisted pullups.
These bands are thicker and heavier than some of the others on this list, maximizing their durability versus other bands on this list. They also come backed by a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee, in case you aren’t happy with your purchase or if they break down the road.
Pros
- Four bands ranging from 10-175 pounds of resistance
- Thick and heavy bands for heavy exercises
- Good durability
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Do not come with extra equipment for other workouts (handles, door anchors etc)
Key Takeaway
While these bands do not come with the extra equipment that some of the others on this list do, they come with everything you need for pull up assistance and are thick and durable enough that you can feel safe putting your bodyweight on them. The lifetime warranty is a nice touch as well.
JDDZ Sports
The pull up resistance band for JDDZ Sports can either be bought individually or in a set of five bands with different degrees of resistance. The bands do not have the resistances printed on them, but reviewers report that the bands provide an adequate counterweight to help you out with your assisted pull ups.
This band is also very durable, made of 100% natural latex and no soluble proteins, which should prevent the risk of an irritating latex allergy. If for some reason this band does break on you, it also comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Pros
- Can be bought individually or in a set
- 100% natural latex
- Lifetime replacement warranty
- Good resistance/counterweight
Cons
- Resistance levels are not written on the bands themselves
Key Takeaway
The JDDZ Sports bands are perfect if you know you don’t need to buy a full set to assist with your pull ups. They are durable, have good resistance, and come with a lifetime replacement warranty in case they weaken over time. If you want to buy the set, they might be more expensive than other options, but the high quality might make it worth it.
4EverShape
The pull up assistance bands from 4EverShape come in a set of four bands with various resistance levels, perfect for progression in your pull ups. The bands are made of high-quality, environmentally-friendly latex that is continuously layered to increase durability.
This set also comes with a door anchor and foam handles that you can attach via the provided carabiners, allowing for different whole-body exercises on top of the assisted pull ups. You can also rest assured that you’ll get your money’s worth with these bands – they come with a 12-month money back or replacement guarantee in case they do snap or tear.
Pros
- Four bands for pull up progress
- Door anchor, carabiners, and foam handles included
- Eco-friendly latex construction
- Nylon carrying bag
- 1 Year Money Back/Replacement Guarantee
Cons
- Can be stiff and inflexible
Key Takeaway
The 4EverShape Bands are a solid and reliable set if you’re looking to use them for pull up assistance, and the extra equipment means their use can go far beyond the pull up bar. The eco-friendly latex construction and money back guarantee are very nice assurances for the quality and durability of this band.
Odoland
The Odoland bands come in a set of five bands that will give you 5-125 pounds of counterweight for your pull up progress. This set has the lowest resistance option of any of the other products in this guide, so if you’re getting close to hitting your pull up on your own but just need a tiny bit of extra resistance, the 5-15lb band might be useful.
This set also includes a door anchor, carabiners, and foam handles for hitting other exercises. There is even a handy eBook included so you can have workout ideas on your mobile device if you decide to take this set to the gym.
These bands are made of rubber, so some users have reported material stiffness.
Pros
- Wide range of resistance (5-125 pounds)
- Door anchor, carabiners, and foam handles included
- Good, responsive customer service
- Free eBook for exercise guides
Cons
- Stiffer rubber construction
Key Takeaway
With five included bands and extra accessories, the Odoland bands have everything you need to perform assisted pull ups. They are made of high-quality rubber that may be stiff upon initial receipt, but they are durable enough to give you the necessary resistance for pull ups and other banded exercises.
#5
OlarHike
This pull up band set comes with everything you need to complete an assisted pullup. With two foam handles, one band guard, one door anchor, and four bands with varying levels of resistance, you have all the equipment necessary for doing assisted pullups from the comfort of your own home.
This set has bands that range from 15-125 pounds of resistance, so you can use it progressively as your pullup strength gets stronger. The extra equipment allows you to use this set for different uses as well – for example, you can do back and arm workouts using the foam handles and door anchor.
Pros
- Comes with band guard, door anchor, and foam handles
- Four bands for progressive assisted pullups
- Can be used for multiple exercises
- Included carry bag for easy storage and transport
Cons
- Some users report snapping/breaking bands after intense uses
Key Takeaway
The OlarHike Pull Up Band set has multiple different pieces for various uses. If you’re looking for a multifunctional band set that you can use in addition to assisted pull ups, the door anchor, foam handles, and band guard offer possibilities for a full body burn.
Our Top Pick, And Why!
The Power Guidance Resistance Bands are a very solid product that can take your pull up game to the next level. They don’t come with the extra equipment that some of the other band sets on this list do, so they might not be as versatile for your home workout – however, the thick and durable construction makes them the safest bet for practicing your assisted pull ups without fear of injury.
Read also: Best Resistance Bands for Building Muscle
Frequently Asked Questions
Are resistance bands any good for pull ups?
Pull ups are a notoriously difficult exercise, since they require a lot of grip, back, shoulder, and arm strength to perform. Resistance bands can provide a counterweight that give you the extra support that you need to perform a pull up, relieving pressure and allowing you to perform the movement without having to lift your entire body weight on your own.
Resistance bands are also great for gradually training yourself to do a full pull up if you have various bands of different resistances. You can start with a band that has a stronger resistance (for example, one that holds one hundred pounds) then gradually switch your bands to one with a lighter resistance as you get stronger and need less help to complete the motion.
Even after you are able to do a pull up without assistance, these bands can come in handy for other workouts – think back exercises and curls, to name a few.
How to choose the best resistance bands
There are several resistance bands on the market, so it’s important to look out for these crucial elements to ensure a safe workout.
Durability
Since most resistance bands for pull ups are made from rubber or latex, it’s important to keep the durability of the band you choose to buy in mind so you can avoid them snapping on you mid-workout.
Look for thick, wide bands that can support your bodyweight during your exercise and buy bands that are specifically engineered for pull up assistance. If a band is very cheap or thin, it’s probably more suited for other exercises like banded squats. You’ll want to buy a high-quality band for this purpose, since you will be using it to help support you and a weak band can result in serious injury.
Resistance
Pull up bands often come in different resistances. For example, thicker bands might be able to provide 150 pounds of resistance, whereas thinner bands might only give you 15 pounds. The purpose of using resistance bands for pull ups is to give you a counterweight so that you don’t have to pull your entire bodyweight, so the amount of resistance ultimately depends on your weight and how much strength you have.
In the case of pull ups, it’s most helpful to buy a set of pull up bands with different resistances so that as you get stronger you can gradually switch to lower-resistance bands and eventually do a full pull up without any assistance.
Length
Bands for pull ups should generally be longer than the bands used for other workouts to compensate for your height. Make sure that the band you choose is long enough to stretch and accommodate the full range of motion you need to perform a pull up.
How Do You Use Resistance Bands For Pull Ups?
To use resistance bands for pull ups, you will need a horizontal pull up bar. Simply wrap the band with the correct amount of resistance you need around the top of the pull up bar and pull one end of the loop all the way through the other. You should have a secure knot around the pull up bar and a large loop of the resistance band open. Grab your pull up bar and place your body inside of the loop – depending on the size of the band, you can either stand or place your knees on the band. Now you can perform your pull up with the assistance of the band.
Remember that the bands are there to assist you, not to carry the brunt of your workout. Engage your upper body and core as much as possible so that you can increase your strength and one day achieve your goal of hitting a pull up without assistance.
How do I maintain and clean my bands?
Clean your resistance bands often. Since most are made from plastic or latex, use warm water and a clean and nonabrasive cleaning agent like dish soap, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent deterioration.
Check your bands often for any tears or weak points, and do not use a band for an assisted pull up if you find any issues. Doing so can lead to the band snapping while you are using it and causing serious injury.