Resistance tube training does have its limitations. First and foremost is its "rubber tube" effect. As you extend the movement, the "resistance" increases. That is great. Not so great is the reverse effect. As you return to the start position, the resistance goes to zero, in some cases.
Let us take the squat. In the down position with free weights, you are still under whatever weight you began with. With resistance tubes, the resistance goes to zero as the tubes return to its "normal" length. Hence in the down position, there is no stress on the legs unlike free weight squats. Same holds true if you were doing rows with the tubes.
That is not always the case, as with chest press; you could stand far enough away from the door to get some initial stretch for the start position. Nevertheless, I believe in most cases, when the tubes are closest to its natural position; the resistance is minimal.
Additionally, it is just difficult to replicate some movements. After some experimentation, I have settled on a movement that approximates the incline press. But that is all, it approximates the movement. In some cases, it does not do that.
Case in point, as you move through the arc in chest flyes, I believe there is a point where the tubes do not get any longer. There is no, therefore, stress through that portion of the movement. With the gravity working on a dumbbell, that would never be the case.
Yet despite the limitations, there can be no other conclusion than that this is a legitimate strength building equipment. The advantages of this system is in many ways far superior to what any free weight system a person could get for his home.
The first clear advantage is the cost. Whether the brand that I used, or other names, resistance tubes are ridiculously cheap in comparison. That is the correct word - cheap - not affordable or inexpensive but cheap. Home gyms can run up to several thousand dollars. A basic bench and 110lb weight set will set you back close to 200 bucks. Retail stores sell an adjustable 25lb dumbbell for 60 to 70 bucks. A pair automatically puts you at plus $120.
Secondly, these systems are stupidly versatile. Yes, it is difficult to exactly simulate some movements. But what are the alternatives? Would be preferable to spend several hundred dollars a year to join a gym plus all the cost involved with getting to the gym daily, or several times a week? That is a costly investment just to be able to bench press correctly on a bench.
Still, with resistance tube home gyms, you eliminate the need for a lat pull-down machine, power rack, bench, cable machine, dumbbells, barbells, abductor machines, leg extension/curl machines, and the list goes on. So, you cannot duplicate some movements, but you can do plenty more.
Safety is a huge consideration, particularly as you get stronger. Going all out on a bench press or squat at home is not a smart move. With resistance tubes, it is not a problem. There is no getting trapped under a barbell. You can still pull a muscle or tear tendon if you do something dumb. This is a legitimate strength building system. But the danger of using too much weight is less of an issue.
It is also safe for another reason. I simply cannot keep my 2 ½ years old, little daughter out when I am working out. She wants to be in there helping daddy. With free weights or large contraptions, I would not be able to work out other than when she is asleep or napping. With these tubes, it is not an issue. I just have to be careful she does not whack herself with one of clips at the end of the tubes.
It has no footprint to speak of. When I done, I stuff it all back into its little black pouch and I am done. Nice. No barbells or plates lying around, and definitely no power gym that turns into a clothes hanger.
Lastly, these tubes are hard. Wow, there are some movements that I thought that these 19lb rated tubes were going to be too light. Who was I kidding? I clipped a 19lb tube and a 13lb tube to the handles, turned around, got into position, and I could not stretch one inch. It was hard. So, I dropped one tube and tortured my triceps with a "measly" 13lb tube. Check your ego at door!
In conclusion, the advantages of cost, versatility, safety, size, and real strength building far outweigh the disadvantages of owning a home gym of this type. For any serious individual looking for a legitimate, cost effective home gym needs to look at:
Resistance Tube Home Gyms
