email sign up

Unique

• 6" wide natural latex bands usually used in three-foot or four-foot lengths
• available in four levels of resistance

More Comfortable

• because of their width, they are more comfortable to use than conventional rubber bands

More Durable

• instructors tells us that the Dyna-Band® Exercise Band is more durable than traditional rubber bands

More Affordable

• about 1/2 the cost of most tubing and much more economical than hand weights

More Versatile

• can be used to tone and strengthen all the major muscle groups for upper body, abdominals and lower body conditioning

Easier to Use

• educational material available to facilitate use

Safer to Use

• because of their unique construction, the bands do not tend to snap with the force that many rubber bands tend to break with

*Dyna-Band® Exercise Bands contain natural latex rubber*

Frequently Asked Questions

Note:  Dyna-Bands and Thera-Bands are both manufactured by The Hygenic Corporation.  The information below is the same for each brand name. 

Q.  What are the bands and tubing made of?

A.  Thera-Band resistive bands and tubing are made of natural latex rubber made into sheets.  Latex-free Thera-Band Resistive Bands are made of synthetic rubber.  The trademarked colors indicate the resistance levels.

Q.  What forces are produced by the bands and tubing?

A.  The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation.  Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percentage elongation, regardless of initial resting length.  For example, a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet.  The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched. 

Average Force (pounds) for Dyna-Band Elastic Bands

Q.  How do the band compare to tubing?
A.  The resistances of bands and tubing are similar.

Q.  Are there any specific conditions under which bands would be preferred over tubing or vice Versa?

A.  Typically, the use of bands or tubing is a matter of personal preference.  Both bands and tubing demonstrate similar properties in progressive resistance.  However, bands allow more surface are to be covered during some resistive exercises. 

Q.  How do bands and tubing compare to free weights (such as dumbbells)?

A.  Elastic resistance has different properties than free weights, in that elastic resistance doesn't rely on gravity to produce force.  Therefore, multiple patterns, speeds and motions can be exercised with elastic resistance.  Since the resistance increases with elongation, bands and tubing cannot be labeled with an absolute resistance (ie.  yellow = 1 pound).

Q.  Do elastic bands and tubing provide similar results compared to free weights?

A.  Yes.  Elastic resistance has been proven to be as effective as free weights in developing strength.  Elastic bands and tubing are often substituted for free-weight exercises. 

Q.  Doesn't the force increase at the end range, not allowing me to complete a full range of motion?

A.  As with any resistive exercise, elastic resistance must be used properly.  While the force of the bands and tubing does increase with elongation, the "strength curve" of elastic resistance is physiologically similar to human joint strength curves.  This provides less torque at the beginning and end ranges, where the muscles can't produce as much torque. 

Q.  How many repetitions will the bands or tubing withstand?

A.  Elastic bands and tubing can last for a very long time with proper care and use.  Thera-Band elastic bands and tubing have been tested at over 10,000 repetitions without any breakage. 

Q.  How long can I stretch the bands or tubing?

A.  We don't recommend stretching beyond 300% elongation.  The bands and tubing are more susceptible to breaking with greater than 500% elongation (for example stretching a 1 foot piece to 6 feet), and the resistance increases sharply after 500%.

Q.  Why do the bands or tubing break, and what precautions should I take?

A.  With normal daily use, the exercisers should last for many months.  However, they won't last forever.  They may break if stretched beyond 500% or if they are used with small tears or abrasions.  These small tears and abrasions usually occur at the "connection point" of the band or tubing to an attachment device.  Therefore, always inspect the band or tubing (particularly near the connection) before use.  It is recommended to use the Thera-Band Door Anchor, Exercise Handle and Assist for connection.  Be aware that jewelry, fingernails, and other sharp objects may cause small tears or abrasions.  Always protect eyes during exercise with elastic bands or tubing. 

Q.  When should I replace my bands or tubing?

A.  Always inspect your bands or tubing for signs of wear, including small tears, abrasions or cracks before use.  Pay particular attention to the connection point.  Always replace the bands or tubing with any sign of wear.  With heavy use, such as in a physical therapy clinic, bands or tubing should be replaced every 1-2 months.  The bands and tubing will not last forever, and will experience normal wear and tear with extended use.  However, they should be safe to use as long as there are no visible signs of wear.

Q.  Can they be used in a chlorine pool?

A.  Yes, but the product will deteriorate at a quicker rate due to the chlorine.  After each use in the pool, rinse the bands in tap water and hang them to dry.  For extended use on land, apply a light dusting of corn starch before use.  

Q.  Why and under what circumstances is it better to prescribe latex-free Thera-Band bands over standard latex Thera-Band bands?

A.  The regular Thera-Band resistive bands and tubing contain natural latex rubber.  Latex allergies occur in a small percentage of the population (about 5-10%).  When patients indicate latex allergy or sensitivity, they should use the latex-free bands.  Also, patients with spina bifida tend to be more at risk for latex allergy.  Anyone using latex bands or tubing that experience an allergic reaction (such as redness or swelling on the skin near the band) should use the latex-free bands.

Q.  How do the Thera-Band latex-free bands compare with the original latex bands?

A.  The resistances of latex and latex-free bands are similar.

Q.  Can Thera-Band bands be purchased powder free?

A.  The powder is used to keep the product from sticking to itself during manufacturing.  The powder will be removed with normal use, and is not necessary for proper functioning of the product.  Thera-Band Latex-Free bands, however, do not contain powder. 

Q.  What is the shelf life of Thera-Band bands and tubing?

A.  When kept in a cool, dark environment, the bands and tubing should last for many years.  However, use, exposure to temperature extremes, chlorine, and sunlight decrease the "shelf-life".

Q.  How do I connect the bands or tubing for exercise?

A.  The Thera-Band Door Anchor should be used to secure one end of the bands or tubing for exercise.  It isn't advisable to tie the exerciser to a door knob or to "close" them in a door;  this leads to early breaking.  The Thera-Band Exercise Handles and Assist can be used to grasp the exercisers.  To connect to the ankle, use the Thera-Band Ankle Strap.  See Accessories.

Q.  Do you have a manual of exercises for bands and tubing?

A.  There are many selections for educational materials.  

Q.  How does Thera-Band brand compare to other brands?

A.  The resistance values and color progression for Thera-Band bands and tubing are specific to the brand, and cannot be applied to other brands.  Although there are several competitive bands and tubing, there is no published research demonstrating the specific resistance levels or performance characteristics of other brands. 

Q.  Why should I purchase Thera-Band brand instead of a competitive brand?

A.  No other elastic resistive exerciser has been studied more extensively than Thera-Band bands and tubing.  Thera-Band has over 15 years to improve strength, range of motion, balance, and functional activities in many different patient populations.  The Thera-Band Academy also provides research and education for the use of all Thera-Band products.  The exercisers are backed by the Hygenic Corporation, manufacturers of Thera-Band products.