Are booty bands the same as resistance bands?
Yes. Booty bands are one type of resistance band. "Resistance bands" is the umbrella term. Loop bands are closed loops, like 1 metre power bands and 30cm mini bands. Booty bands are wide fabric bands sized for glute and hip work. Long flat bands suit stretching. Choose by the exercises you'll do.
Search for resistance bands and you'll see loop bands, mini bands, booty bands and flat bands, often used to mean different things. This guide sets out what each one is, how they compare and which one suits which exercises, using the POWERBANDS® range as the example.
Comparing the main types of resistance bands
Quick answer: 1 metre loop bands cover the widest range, from 1kg to 80kg of resistance, for full-body work and pull-up assistance. 30cm loop bands (1kg–12kg of resistance) and fabric booty bands are for glutes, hips and warm-ups. 1.5 metre flat stretch bands are for stretching, yoga and pilates.
| Band type | Size | Range (live product pages) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1M Power Bands (loop) | 1 metre loop | 1kg–80kg of resistance, seven levels | Full-body strength, pull-up assistance, mobility |
| 1M fabric bands (loop) | 1 metre loop | 1kg–48kg of resistance | Full-body work with a non-slip, machine-washable band |
| 30cm micro bands (mini loop) | 30cm loop | 1kg–12kg of resistance | Warm-ups, glutes, hips and legs |
| 30cm fabric bands (mini loop) | 30cm loop | 1kg–30kg of resistance | Glutes, hips and legs without rolling |
| Booty bands (fabric bands) | 33cm, 38cm and 43cm x 8cm | Light, Medium and Heavy | Glute and hip work at home or before class |
| Stretch bands (flat) | 1.5 metre flat band | X-Light to Medium | Stretching, yoga and pilates |
Loop bands
A loop band is a continuous circle. Long loop bands (1 metre) can be stood on, anchored to a door or wrapped around a bar, so they suit squats, rows, presses and assisted pull-ups. Short loop bands (30cm) sit around your thighs or ankles for lateral walks, clamshells and glute bridges.
Booty bands
Booty bands are wide fabric bands made for glute and hip exercises. POWERBANDS® booty bands come in Light (33cm), Medium (38cm) and Heavy (43cm), all 8cm wide. They're machine washable. The Fabric Booty Band Set includes all three for $49.
Flat stretch bands
Flat bands are a single strip with no loop. The POWERBANDS® 1.5M Stretch Band Set is designed for stability rather than maximum resistance, so it suits stretching, yoga and pilates.
What about bands with handles?
POWERBANDS® doesn't sell tube bands with handles. For handle-style exercises, fold a 1 metre loop band over itself for a thicker grip. Our loop vs tube vs flat bands guide compares them in detail.
Can I use resistance bands with a door anchor?
Quick answer: yes, with 1 metre loop bands. The POWERBANDS® Door Jamb Anchor ($10) turns a door into a fixed anchor point for rows, chest presses and pull-downs. It's for 1M Power Bands only. Test it under light load on each door before you train.
How do I choose the right band strength?
Choose the band that lets you finish every rep with good form. If the last few reps break down, go one level lighter. If they feel easy, step up. Every POWERBANDS® band lists its range in kg of resistance, so you can compare levels across types. A set lets you move between levels without buying again.
Which band should you get?
- Glutes and hips: booty bands or 30cm bands. The Fabric Booty Band Set ($49) or Mini Resistance Band Set ($33).
- Full-body strength and pull-ups: 1 metre loop bands. The 1M Power 6 Band Set covers 1kg–65kg of resistance across six bands ($169).
- Full body with a non-slip band: the 1M Fabric Resistance Band Set, five bands, 1kg–48kg of resistance ($89).
- Stretching, yoga and pilates: the 1.5M Stretch Band Set.
Not sure where to start? See our beginner's guide to choosing your first set, or browse all resistance bands.
What makes a resistance band durable?
Quick answer: even thickness, a consistent build and good care. POWERBANDS® 1M loop bands are made from multiple bonded layers. Whatever band you choose, wipe it after use, store it cool and dry, and check it before each session. Every POWERBANDS® band comes with a 6-month warranty. Our care guide covers when to replace a band.
Still deciding? Think about the exercises you'll do this week. Then pick the band built for them. See the full resistance band range. Free shipping over $99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are booty bands the same as resistance bands?
Yes. Booty bands are a type of resistance band. They're wide fabric bands sized for glute and hip exercises. Other resistance bands include 1 metre loop bands for full-body work, 30cm mini loop bands and 1.5 metre flat stretch bands.
What's the difference between loop bands and resistance bands?
Loop bands are resistance bands formed into a continuous circle. In the POWERBANDS® range they come in 1 metre lengths (1kg–80kg of resistance) and 30cm lengths (1kg–12kg of resistance for micro bands).
Are mini bands the same as micro bands?
Yes. Mini bands, micro bands and mini loop bands all describe short loop bands. POWERBANDS® micro bands are 30cm loops from 1kg to 12kg of resistance.
Can I use resistance bands with a door anchor?
Yes, with 1 metre loop bands. The POWERBANDS® Door Jamb Anchor ($10) is for 1M Power Bands only. Test it under light load on each door first.
Can you wash booty bands?
Yes. POWERBANDS® fabric booty bands are machine washable.
