A Great Way to Train Your Adductors and Abductors at Home in 2024.
DISCLAIMER
What follows is an honest, unbiased review.
Feel free to skip to the sections below if you’re on a time limit.
Speed Training Bands
1. Background
2. Delivery/Condition on Arrival
6. Adaptability
7. WOW Factor
8. Longevity
9. Price
10. Final Verdict
Background
Yes, Yes, I know… what a random bit of kit to review!
This purchase came about when I was rehabbing bilateral adductor strains. I had limited access to any machines that may have help helped, but I did have access to a cable machine.
I thought that if I could manage to hook a strap around my thigh, then connect that to a cable machine – that’d do the job. I thought that if it worked, it could provide me with a very low resistent force to adduct against – enabling me to perform a graded recovery, moving through isometric movements to full on max power isotonic movements.
It turns out that I was on the right train of thought, however I originally purchased these. And apologies in advance DMoose… but these really weren’t effective for my hip/knee/ankle rehab as there’s wasn’t enough contact between the strap and skin. This meant that I had to hold/anticipate certain muscles to make the movement work. As I released the weight, a large gap would appear between the pad and my skin.
If I applied slightly too much force on the concentric phase, the cable would also ‘bounce’ – which is the opposite of the smooth movement that I was trying to achieve. In short, it just felt like a very unnatural movement, not conducive to working through smooth movement patterns. This wasn’t necessarily just an issue with DMoose’s version either. Most ankle straps appear to have this design.
Instant Speed – Speed Training Bands
I therefore needed something that would wrap around the entire ankle, with a good degree of cushioning the whole way round. That’s when I found these speed training bands.
*Disclaimer*
They’re not really advertised for use on a cable machine.
*Disclaimer*
They have they’re own set of bands that attach each strap together, so that you can perform agility drills and the like, placing more emphasis on glute control through movement.
If you hook carabiners to the d-rings on each strap, they then turn into really effective ankle/knee/hip straps for use on the cable machine.
I doubt the manufacturers would reccomend using them on a cable machine, as there may be a risk of the strap coming loose with very heavy weights. But for the sort of load needed for my adductor rehab (and any ankle/knee/hip rehab work), the velcro remains as secure as any strap that ever I’ve used on a cable machine.
Now yes, yes I know… you can train your Abductors and Adductors without equipment by just using gravity as the force. You can even whack a resistance band around your squat rack and legs and do it that way. Resistance bands however slip, rip hairs (first world problem, I know), and require regular replacements due to usage and old age.
These speed bands don’t slip, they provide a perfect snug fit around the thighs – meaning that you can confidently use this to isolate the hip joint, removing the knee and ankle from the equation. And yep, I realise bands can be utilised for this too… but as mentioned above – they slip, twist, rip out hair, and the resistant force is limited by the tension of the band.
None of that is an issue with these speed training bands.
Delivery/Condition on Arrival
Amazon Prime Delivery.
5/5
Technical Specifications
Color | ‎Brown |
---|---|
Size | ‎S |
Style | ‎Resistance Band |
Height | ‎5 centimetres |
Item display length | ‎12 centimetres |
Weight | ‎300 g |
Item display width | ‎12 centimetres |
Material type | ‎Natural Rubber |
Number of pieces | ‎1 |
Sport | ‎Football |
Batteries included? | ‎No |
Brand | ‎Instant Speed Training Bands |
Manufacturer | ‎Instant Speed Training |
Item model number | ‎672975459918 |
Product Dimensions | ‎20 x 10 x 7 cm; 289 g |
Build Quality
Stitching, hooks, velcro are all standing the test of time. The firm, but comfortable and still somewhat squishy interior that makes contact with the skin has no chunks that have been ripped out through constant donning and doffing of the bands.
They’ve handled half of the weight stack so far and the velcro hasn’t slipped an inch. I think this is partly due to the quality of the velcro, but also the sheer quantity/length of the connecting velcro pieces. The D-Handle on ours shows no signs of not being able to handle heavy loads. There’s no deformation or splittage of the seams connecting it to the band.
5/5
Ergonomic Rating
For everything mentioned above – top marks!
5/5
Adaptability
This in an incredibly versatile bit of kit. Imagine everything that you do with resistance bands – and these can do them better. You could even strap these around your arms and perform shoulder stability work with the connecting bands. Your exercise selection will be limited only by your imagination!
5/5
WOW Factor
For the sheer comfort factor, robust build, and innovative design – these get the top WOW marks.
5/5
Longevity
It can’t be said with certainty that these will last the ten years plus that some of the other kit that we’ve tested has, as they’ve only had about a years use. But as mentioned in the build quality – they’re still as good as the day they arrived.
5/5
Price
These are currently sitting at £24.95 on Amazon. If they last the true test of time, then this is a true bargain buy. And holy moly, this is the second ever product to receive our 5/5 total rating!
5/5
Summary
Total rating: 5/5
Should you:
- Avoid
- Consider
- Shortlist
- Buy it NOW!
Grab one below today.
Or find similar options at Amazon and check them out for yourself.
Whilst not writing for FGUK, Tim works as a Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer and is a Retired Ammunition Technician with the British Army. In his spare time Tim enjoys engaging in a whole variety of sports, spending considerable time with his little rascal of a dog, relaxing with his friends and family, but most of all.. geeking out on all things fitness!