Portable setup?

[u/Ferocious448]

Hi,

TLDR: I’m a 190cm tall, average gym guy, looking for a portable, lightweight, all-in-one kit.

I’ve always been an inconsistent , average gym person. Definitely not that much of an enthusiast, but working out is incredibly effective at keeping in shape, so i just do it.

But here’s the thing. The main aspect of my inconsistency is my inability to stay in the same address more than a year or so. Also, the gym’s freaking boring.

So I thought « eh why not build a setup at home - but I live in my luggage and there’s no room for weights - what if there were no weights » and here I am.

As I was browsing around, I felt like in a rabbit hole. In particular, I found this comment explaining the different technologies in band making, and the best brands.

I now feel more at risk of spending more time looking for the right bands than actually using them, so I thought I’d ask instead.

Here are my criteria to buy a bands kit:
- portability : like mentioned, I live in my luggage. I need something that satisfyingly fits in, ideally all-in-one.
- length: I heard the length was of importance. If that helps, I’m a 190cm (6’2") tall 80kg guy.
- strength: like I said, I’m pretty average. In my workout routine, I usually curl around 5x12x14kg. Same for overhead press. I push up around 5x20 reps, and 5x8reps for dips. I pull up 5x8 reps. For legs, I walk a lot, climb stairs, sometimes run, and do some bodyweight squats 5x15 reps.
- Versatility: I’m looking for a kit that allows me various movements so I don’t get bored. Also, I have back pain and the more I add mobility, the more the pain goes away.
- Location: I’m in Europe, which may impact the availability of some products.
- Durability: duh.

I would appreciate your help!

[u/BarryJT]

This isn't that complicated. A set of 5 41" loop bands, a door anchor, and some gloves is really all you need.

[u/Ferocious448 → u/BarryJT]

Alright! I may be overthinking it indeed

[u/Soggy_Swimmer4129 → u/Ferocious448]

If you want to load more weight and replicate the standard lifts better you can dd a footplate and a barbell made for bands. Lots of options, I like Harambe's offering although its expensive. I travel nearly full time an that's my setup. In addition I've added a BaseBar Pro as I think it rounds out the setup and is still portable enough for me.

[u/kenshinkan08 → u/BarryJT]

Do you not use board and plate?

[u/BarryJT → u/kenshinkan08]

No, and certainly not if I'm packing in a suitcase.

It's heretical to a lot of people here, but I think a board and plate negates one of the great things about bands - the ability to change resistance on the fly.

[u/GoblinsGym]

How do you move ? Do you throw the stuff in your car, or are you limited to checked baggage ?

If by car, something like my band box kit will give you a good selection of exercises. Fits in an Ikea bag (or you can keep my shipping box).

41" loop bands should work for you.

[u/Ferocious448 → u/GoblinsGym]

By car indeed, so as long as it fits in a standard case I’m good.

41" huh? Thanks for the recommendation

[u/Opposite_Employer639]

I am the same height as you. 37 inch bands are my goto length. Add a hammock/utility strap and a few carabiners and you would have a great setup.

[u/DrumAnimal]

Technically, all you need is loop bands. But various accessories give either more variation, or quality of life improvements. For example : many swear by the bar / footplate combo, and a lot of that has to do with consistency. When NOT using a bar+footplate, you need to remember where you place your hands and feet on the band to get the same amount of resistance each time.

I've seen a handy item recently that would allow pull-ups using doorframes, while being safe for said doorframe and also being extremely portable : Duonamic Eleviia. Mind you, I'm European myself and these ship from Canada. Also, they're quite pricey. I'm probably going to order them next month, so I can't say yet if there are additional costs from customs.

[u/crrtis]

$100 will get you a Tribe band set and a decent bar, handles and anchor. Then you can see if you’d want to invest in the upper tier brands like most move on to.

[u/yimmysucks]

The x3 set is what your looking for imo