Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands Review

We purchased the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

Whether you're into lively workouts, like elliptical machines or HIIT, or going with the flow in yoga sessions, resistance bands are one of the most valuable at-home fitness tools, but they’re often overlooked as a piece of equipment. And that’s a shame, because these giant elastic bands, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, can be used to make workouts easier or harder whether you’re at home, at the gym, or on the go. You use them the same way you would use free weights; the stronger the resistance, the tougher the exercise will be. 

The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands set consists of five 12-inch by 2-inch bands with resistance ranging from extra-light to extra-heavy. They’re super portable and roll up into a little bag about the size of a travel adapter—a weird comparison, sure, but one I can make with confidence because I stashed both of those things right next to each other in my backpack so I could test out the bands while traveling through Australia.

Versatility: Made for working out on the go

There were two elements that make the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands so versatile: First, there are five in the set; second, they are super packable. 

Having five bands to choose from made it possible to amp up an entire bodyweight workout while I was staying in a hotel. I used the bands with stronger resistance for moves like squats and glute bridges, then switched over to a lighter band for exercises like clamshells. (You want to be able to control the band throughout the duration of the move, which is why it’s important to vary the resistance depending on which muscles you’re working.) The lighter bands are also great for beginners, while stronger exercises may rely more on the heavier bands. One note: These small, looped bands may not be as versatile as longer bands or tube bands with handles, which can be used to provide assistance for upper body moves like pull-ups.

Despite the fact that there are five bands in the set, they take up barely any space in a bag when they’re rolled up. I kept them in my carry-on during the 14-hour flight from Los Angeles to Australia and was able to take out the bands for some sneaky stretches in my seat and at the back of the plane (you just have to be good at ignoring the weird looks from fellow passengers). There’s literally no other piece of fitness equipment that’s compact enough to carry on the go and still deliver a solid workout. 

If you don’t know what you’re doing with the bands, though, carrying them around will feel more like a waste of space than anything else. Fortunately, the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands set comes with an instruction guide and an additional 41-page e-book with tons of illustrated exercises that demonstrate how to use the bands to strengthen your legs, arms, back, shoulders, ankles, hips, and stomach. There’s even an online video workout guide for demos.

Feel: You won’t even realize these are rubber

The only issue I’ve ever had working out with resistance bands is due to the fact that they’re essentially giant rubber bands. Rubber on sweaty skin: not always great. But the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are made from 100 percent natural latex (read: no gross chemical small!) and don’t feel sticky or tacky. I didn’t experience any chafing or pulling on my skin during exercises, which is really all I can ask for during a workout. 

The one downside: The bands are not particularly wide, and they did tend to roll down my legs during lower-body moves, which forced me to stop and adjust several times. The thicker your legs, the more likely you’ll be to experience this.

Durability: Snap-, stretch-, and sweat-resistant

It’s hard to judge the durability of a piece of equipment in just a few weeks, but Fit Simplify claims the Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are rigorously tested to be snap-, stretch-, and sweat-resistant. Some reviewers have reported that the bands ripped or broke relatively quickly after buying them; I can say that I used them on the beach and in the gym, shared them with my friend, and even accidentally let her dog get a hold of one of them, and I still didn’t notice any differences in the strength or stretch of the bands. The brand offers a lifetime guarantee on the entire set, so if you do run into issues, you can send it back for a full refund.

Price: Great value for the bands and the additional perks

Though the manufacturer site notes the full price of the product at $15.95, at the time of review it was $10.95 on other retailer sites. A similar set of three Pro Series bands from the same brand can also be found for $10.95.

For that low price, you get five high-quality bands, a travel bag, and access to a library of workout moves. Most fitness apps cost around that price, and they certainly don’t include any of the equipment you’d need to do the actual workouts. And considering a set of free weights, which provides the same benefits without the benefit of portability, can go for $30-plus, the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands deliver on great value.

Competition: Quality sets these apart from other budget brands

Sure, there are a ton of cheaper resistance band sets online (seriously, sets of five start at $3), but “cheaper” applies to quality, too. Most low-budget bands are made from flimsier rubber that looks a) like the band version of that tacky cap that used to rip your hair out after swim practice and b) like one good stretch will push it past the breaking point.