How to choose an expander

Sports and fitness

The expander is a compact simulator that implements an isolated load on individual muscle groups. It has a minimal size and is great for training at home. Choosing the right expander is easy – all you need to know is the characteristics that should be given the most careful attention.

choose an expander

Best expander manufacturers

When choosing such a device, it is best to choose the products of exclusively proven manufacturers of sports equipment:

  1. Regal

  2. Adidas

  3. Reebok

  4. Nike

  5. Captains of crush Guide

Information about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model is easiest to find on thematic forums on the Internet.

Types of expander. Which one to prefer?

Hand expander

Hand expander

Compact devices designed to work out the muscles of the forearm and strengthen the grip. They are made of rubber or have a metal structure. They do not require special skills, are compact and do not take up much space.

Advantages

  • Compact dimensions;

  • Inexpensive;

  • Low weight;

  • Suitable for working out the forearm;

disadvantages

  • Minimal functionality;

  • Small stiffness, limited to around 25-30 kilograms;

Shoulder Resistance Bands

Shoulder Resistance Bands

An excellent option for working out the deltoid muscles, latissimus dorsi, pectorals, and also shoulders. They are two comfortable handles fixed on a rubber or metal hinge. The exercise is performed by stretching the springs or rubber inserts, and the load is adjusted by adding or reducing the number of spring elements.

Advantages

  • Versatile;

  • Adjustable shoulder strap;

  • Inexpensive;

  • Allows you to work out many muscle groups;

disadvantages

  • Suitable only for beginners, they cannot replace a full-fledged gym;

Butterfly expander

Butterfly expander

A versatile trainer that allows you to pump the muscles of the whole body and, first of all, the quads and inner thigh. It is a special spring element, between which there are two neoprene handles. It is on them that the effect is exerted during the exercise.

Advantages

  • Great for working out the leg muscles;

  • Inexpensive;

  • Do not require special handling skills;

  • Safe from injury;

disadvantages

  • Limited load range;

  • Not able to replace professional exercise equipment;

Multifunctional expander

Multifunctional expander

They are complexes suitable for a full-fledged workout at home. Thanks to them, all muscle groups of the body can be maintained in good shape. Popular with professional bodybuilders as a tool for exercising.

Advantages

  • High functionality;

  • Trauma safety;

  • High quality workmanship;

  • Allows you to work out all muscle groups, including large ones;

disadvantages

  • High price;

  • Will not replace a full-fledged gym;

Expander selection options

expander selection criteria

Brand name

It is best to choose products from trusted manufacturers that are recommended by users. Its performance will be consistent with the stated, which will affect the effect of the training performed in a positive way.

Load range

Or stiffness, as manufacturers call it otherwise. It represents the force that must be applied to perform the exercise. The value ranges from 5 to 90-100 kilograms. There are also models with variable stiffness, which allow you to spot the load along with the growth of muscle mass and strength indicators of the athlete.

Workmanship and injury safety

  1. Spring resistance bands are wrapped in a protective shell that prevents metal parts from contacting the skin. All joints must be of reliable construction capable of withstanding the stated load;

  2. The rubber-technical elements are made of 'fresh' rubber and have no visible cracks and micro-injuries in the stretched state. The latter may indicate the low quality of the materials used, or that the rubber is 'old'.

The shape of the expander handles

It is best to choose a model whose handles are anatomically shaped and provide a comfortable grip. The texture of the material also plays a role – a rubberized or rough handle has grip characteristics even when performing the exercise with wet hands.

Choosing a tape expander

A quality belt expander has the following characteristics:

  1. Traumatic design;

  2. Comfortable rubberized handles;

  3. Rubber or metal stakes that evenly distribute the load;

  4. The presence of replaceable elements – inserts that allow you to change the value of the applied force in the range from 20-25 to 65-70 kilograms;

Choosing a wrist expander

Despite the fact that the wrist expander has a less complex design, close attention should be paid to its characteristics:

  1. High quality rubber or spring metal element;

  2. Maximum load at the level of 25-30 kilograms;

  3. Rubberized handles for a comfortable grip;

  4. Compact size and minimum weight;

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose a Swedish wall and the secrets of choosing a horizontal bar for your home.


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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