Monster Bands Canada by White Lion Athletics

Why do Resistance Bands Break or Snap? (Part 1)

DJ Guzda

Why do Resistance Bands

Break or Snap ?

 Where can I anchor Resistance Bands?

  1. anchor points with rounded edges such as band pegs with polished steel or gloss paint ( more on this below); and
  2. power cage/racks, squat racks and rig systems with square metal tubing edges that are slightly rounded  
Monster Bands (resistance bands) can (and will) snap for a number of reasons. One reason for accelerated wear and tear is choosing an improper anchor point to secure the Monster Band during training.
What is an anchor point? An anchor point is where you secure your resistance bands during your resistance band training.
SHARP SURFACES
We have found a great example of a horrible anchor point that will not only destroy you resistance bands but it will also put the user at risk.
Resistance bands should never be anchored in the manner that you see in these photos most of all because the anchor has very noticeable sharp edges.  

reisistance band anchored to a rough piece of steel

During the course of your training session, your resistance bands will stretch as they are pulled away from the anchor point.  If they are stretched over sharp or rough edges, wear-and-tear will speed up and the resistance band may snap even if it is still relatively new. Snapping resistance bands pose a risk of injury to the user and to those around them. 

Aside from sharp edges you should also be cautious of square tubing with edges that are not rounded off. 

reisistance band anchored to a rough piece of steel

TEXTURED SURFACES

Sharp edges can be easy to identify but textured surfaces can also lead to accelerated wear and tear  for your resistance bands. Even if there are no sharp edges on your anchor point still look out for rough textures

The examples in these photos clearly show the sharp edges but you should also consider the texture of a surface as well. Some surfaces have powder coating that is textured and over time this.

Other times we could be training outside of our normal training facility and may not have normal anchors at our disposal. In this case, always choose a rounded anchor point - preferably made of solid steel - with a smooth surface. We found an example of a tree being used as anchor which is not a safe way to anchor your bands.

 

Resistance band anchored to a tree

 In Closing

Resistance bands are not indestructible and choosing an appropriate anchor will reduce your risk of injury; save you money and enhance your overall training experience.  If you are struggling to find a safe anchor point for your resistance band training, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist you !

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