Resistance bands like the Stroops VITL kit are a wonderful way to enhance your exercise routine, and best of all, require minimal space so you can easily do it at home.
If you’re interested, check out our review on the Stroops VITL kit as well as what you should look for in a resistance band training system.
Things to Consider before Buying a Resistance Band Training System
It may seem like a simple, quick task to choose a resistance band training system, but there are some factors to keep in mind before you add one to your training.
These features might help determine what type of workouts and benefits you can get from using the resistance bands.
Type of Resistance Bands
There are various types of resistance bands, and certain ones work better for particular workouts than other ones.
Here are some of the common types you’ll see:
- Power Resistance Bands: Otherwise known as loop bands, these are the type that looks like rubber bands. They’re designed in a flat loop, and they can be used in a number of different workouts from full-body routines to bodyweight assistance.
- Mini Bands: Designed in fabric and non-fabric styles, the mini bands are almost like smaller versions of the power resistance bands. They’re also thinner and wider, and they’re ideal for improving stability and strength. For example, you can use them in weight training to maintain your form.
- Therapy Bands: As the name implies, therapy bands are usually used for those regaining strength or for people that require a low impact workout. They’re also helpful with fat burner workouts as they can help people, women in particular, tone muscle.
- Tube Resistance Bands: These bands typically have handles so that they better imitate a gym machine. They can anchor to things like a door so you can use them for pulling or pressing exercises.
- Figure Eight Bands: Shaped like a figure-eight, these bands have soft handles and they’re designed to stretch. They’re good for pushing and pulling workouts as well as for basic rehabilitation that targets the upper and lower body.
Resistance Levels
Just like there are various types of resistance bands, there are different levels as well.
These are meant to accommodate whatever workout or level of resistance you need. When you’re shopping around, look for weights.
The higher the weight, the more resistance you’ll feel so the more difficult the workout will be.
Finding a resistance band training system that has multiple levels is ideal as you can continually adapt your exercises as needed.
Ease of Use
You shouldn’t have to struggle to use your resistance bands. One of the best ways to ensure ease of use is to find bands that are comfortable.
The bands should be simple to grip whether they have handles or not.
For those with handles, having them cushioned can help with comfort and stability.
If they don’t have handles, then the band itself should have a good enough width for you to grasp.
Bands should also remain in place well. Meaning, there shouldn’t be an excessive amount of movement that won’t allow you to take advantage of the resistance level.
Durability
Considering all the pulling and stretching resistance bands see, it’s normal for them to wear down and break over time.
However, bands made from durable material have more reliability to last long.
So, consider the construction of the bands as the better they’re made, the less likely you’ll have to replace them anytime soon.
Introducing the Stroops VITL
The Stroops VITL is an all-in-one resistance training system.
It is versatile enough that it can be used by professionals as well as the average person who just wants the freedom to exercise at home.
Furthermore, it comes with several attachments so you can address your entire body.
This is known as a dynamic training system that’s lightweight, and thanks to the anchors, you can take the kit anywhere so you don’t have to interrupt your training schedule if you’re traveling.
Pros
- Good amount of padding on the handles
- Comfortable range of resistance levels
- Made from quality, long-lasting material
Cons
- Have to purchase other helpful items (spine strap) separately
- Could benefit from a longer warranty period
- Handles might be better with a more ergonomic design
Features & Benefits of the Stroops VITL
The Stroops VITL boasts a number of standout features that make the kit ideal for home gym users that need a portable, reliable resistance band training system.
Slastix Bands
The Stroops VITL kit includes everything you need to have a versatile, full-body workout.
This starts with the Slastix bands.
Inside this kit are four of the bands, and each of them is medium in size as they’re 36in. long.
Otherwise known as sleeved-elastic, the ones in this kit are a standard length that can accommodate the majority of training regimes.
The medium ones offer 20lbs of resistance.
Various Resistance Levels
Although this particular kit only includes four of the 36in. Slastix bands that are 20lbs (medium), the kit is capable of working with various resistance levels.
You can use the kit with other bands from the company that are 10lbs (very light), 15lbs (light), 25lbs (heavy), and 30lbs (very heavy).
The bands are easily interchangeable so that you can adapt your workout to higher levels if you want something more intense, or you can switch out the medium ones for lighter ones if you need a low impact exercise instead.
Durable and Safe Design
As the Stroops VITL kit is a more high-end resistance band training system, it is designed to last you a good deal of time before you have to replace anything.
The straps are made from reliable, premium material that isn’t known to overstretch or become damaged from any outside elements.
When it comes to safety, the straps are designed snap-proof as well.
As such, whenever the bands do wear down and may break, users should still be safe as the band has less chance to snap back at them.
Grip Handles
Since these bands are the tub resistance type, they do feature grip handles.
The handles are not entirely ergonomic, but they do feature a cushioned design.
This may reduce any hand fatigue you may feel from longer, strenuous exercises.
Additionally, the cushioned handles are textured, so this may allow you to get a grip easier and maintain that grip, especially when you begin to sweat.
Belt and Foot Straps
Alongside the grip handles for the typical pulling and pressing exercises for the upper body, the Stroops VITL kit allows you to work the rest of your body through different workouts.
There are two foot straps in the kit that you can use for lower body routines. Alongside that, this resistance band training system comes with one swivel belt.
The foot straps have a quick-buckle design and they are adjustable so people of various sizes can use them.
They’re also designed to handle numerous exercises such as kickbacks and bicycle crunches.
As for the swivel belt, it’s universal in design and it gives you even more resistance without getting in the way of your range of motion.
Once you attach it, you can rotate almost 360°.
This belt works in two ways: it can be used to enhance your intensity for a challenging workout, or you can use it to make your routine easier.
Additional Accessories
Since this is a kit, the Stroops VITL comes with additional accessories.
Cloth Anchors
This resistance band training system comes with two cloth anchors.
These simplistic anchors allow you to take the kit wherever you need it to go as they can be wrapped around almost everything.
Depending on how the anchors are mounted as well as where you’re working out, they have a max resistance of 350lbs.
Agility Dots
When you want to switch up your routine, consider using the five agility dots that come with the kit.
These agility dots are 5in. in width and 5in. in length. They only weigh 1lb so they won’t add any unnecessary weight if you need to take them with you anywhere.
These agility dots also feature a rubber mat layout. Such a layout helps them stick to the floor better so they won’t slide out from underneath you if you use them at home.
Carrying Bag
As the kit is designed with portability in mind, it does come with a bright orange cinch bag.
This bag is just big enough to give you enough room to pack everything up.
It keeps your exercise gear all in one place, which can also reduce the amount of room it takes up inside your home.
Also, this can help keep the gear safe if you decide to travel with it.
What Others are Saying about the Stroops VITL kit
Although our review of the Stroops VITL kit is meant to offer you everything you need to know about this resistance band training system, we feel it’s best if you hear from everyday users like yourself.
These personal anecdotes should, hopefully, offer more personalized reviews to help you come to a decision on whether or not the system is right for you.
Review #1
One user praised the high-quality bands that come with the system. They also highlight how well the kit offers users a full-body workout routine that can give you a challenge.
Review #2
Another reviewer praised how user-friendly the VITL system is.
Review #3
Lastly, this reviewer had a straightforward comment about the resistance system, praising the quality equipment as well as how well it is for use as on-the-go fitness training.
Other Resistance Bands Alternatives
Despite our praise of the Stroops VITL resistance band training system, we understand that it may not be for everyone, more so considering the price range.
So, we searched for more top-rated training systems that are more affordable and budget-friendly.
We took care to review each one and even mention some comparisons with the Stroops VITL kit so you know whether or not it’s the right choice for your exercise needs.
AMBOR Resistance Bands Set
The AMBOR Resistance Bands Set includes five resistance levels in five different colors, and you can combine them for a max resistance level of 125lbs.
They’re good at various exercises such as fat burning routines and strengthening routines. You can also use them for low impact workouts or stretches.
It features high-quality resistance bands made from 100% natural latex, and they’re anti-slip in design and aren’t known to break or snap.
The kit comes with a carrying bag so you can pack it all up and take it with you. It’s also designed for both indoor and outdoor use
AMBOR Resistance Bands Set vs. Stroops VITL kit
- 5 colored resistance levels: 15lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs, and 35lbs
- 2 hand grips and 2 ankle straps
- 1 safety door anchor
- Travel bag
Letsfit Resistance Bands Set
The Letsfit Resistance Bands Set comes with five bands that are 41in. in length and color-coded to represent different weight levels.
They can be used independently or in various combinations. These bands are also skin-friendly and made strong so they can last through frequent use.
With this system, you can manage various exercise routines from muscle toning to Pilates.
Letsfit Resistance Bands Set vs. Stroops VITL kit
- 5 color-coded resistance bands: 10lbs, 20lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs, and 50lbs
- 100% natural latex bands
- 2 cushioned handles and 2 ankle straps
- 1 carrying bag and 1 exercise training guide
Whatafit Resistance Bands Set
The Whatafit Resistance Bands Set is a simple, effective resistance training kit that allows you to exercise as you see fit to suit your skill level and needs.
It has five bands, all color-coded and they are made from natural latex and designed with wear-resistance.
This kit comes with non-slip handles that are absorbent so you can exercise safely and comfortably even when you work up a sweat.
There’s even a handy carrying bag so you can pack it up for storage or for travel.
Whatafit Resistance Bands Set vs. Stroops VITL kit
- 5 colored resistance bands: 10lbs, 20lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs, and 50lbs
- Bands can be used solo or in a combination at a max resistant level of 150lbs
- 2 non-slip cushioned handles
- 1 carrying bag and door anchor
Final Thoughts
Although there are more cost-friendly options, the Stroops VITL can be a good investment to make for versatile at-home training.
It includes four bands, two foot straps, and even a swivel belt. These attachments can help you achieve a full-body workout.
Everything even fits in a carrying case for easy portability.
