Choosing Home Exercise and Rehab Equipment: Bands, Balls, Pedal Exercisers and Weights

A home exercise program usually needs only a few pieces of equipment: something to pull against, something to squeeze or hold, something to pedal and something to add weight. This guide explains how resistance bands, balls, pedal exercisers and weights differ, what to compare on each product page and how to set up a small space at home.

We sell equipment, not medical advice. If a physical therapist or other clinician gave you an exercise program, bring the list when you shop, and talk to your clinician about the resistance level, the weight and how often to use each item before you start.

What are resistance bands and tubing?

Bands are flat strips of elastic, and tubing is the round version, often with handles. Both are light and easy to store or pack, which makes them a common first purchase for a home program. Resistance is usually shown by color, with each color a step up or down from the next. Color scales are set by each brand, so a red band from one maker is not always the same as a red band from another.

Cando Exercise Bands are 5 inches wide and can be cut to whatever length you need, then used as a strip or tied into a loop. They also work with band and tubing accessories. Cando's AccuForce bands go a step further, with indicators on the band that change shape at four stretch levels so you can repeat the same stretch each time.

Tips for bands:

• Check bands for nicks or thin spots before each session, and replace any that look worn.
• Anchor bands only to something solid that will not move.
• Many bands are made of latex. If latex is a concern, check the listing before you order.

How do exercise balls and hand balls differ?

"Ball" covers two very different products. Large inflatable exercise balls are used for seated and floor exercises. The Thera-Band Exercise Ball inflates with a hand or foot pump and comes with a poster showing 24 exercises. Exercise balls are made in different diameters, and this listing does not name one, so call us to confirm the size before you order and ask your clinician which size suits your height and program.

Small hand balls and putty are for grip and finger work. The Cando Gel Hand Exercise Ball is a large cylinder of gel that can be warmed or chilled before use. Theraputty comes in color-coded consistencies, and Cando's Handy Easy Grip Ball is a textured hand weight with an adjustable strap for people who find dumbbells hard to hold.

What should you look for in a pedal exerciser?

A pedal exerciser is a small, frame-mounted set of pedals that you use from a seat. Set the unit down ahead of a chair for foot pedaling, or move it to a table and turn the pedals by hand. Look at three things: how steady the frame is, how the tension adjusts and how the feet are held on the pedals.

The Cando Leg and Arm Exerciser has widely spread legs with rubber feet that will not mark floors, adjustable wrap-around footstraps that work with or without shoes, and a knob for setting the tension. Our basic Exercise Pedal also has adjustable tension and rubber tips, and it needs some assembly. For use from a bed or wheelchair, the Cando Chair Cycle lists a resistance range of 0 to 29 lbs.

Use a sturdy chair without wheels, or lock the brakes on a wheelchair, and check that the pedals are within easy reach before you start.

How do cuff weights and dumbbells differ?

Cuff weights strap around the ankle or wrist, which leaves the hands free. The Cando EconoCuff is made of coated nylon, shapes itself to the ankle, wrist or thigh, and has a long hook-and-loop strap for setting the fit. Our Rehab Ankle and Wrist Weight is vinyl with a foam backing, closes with an 18 to 22 inch strap and is sold one at a time in color-coded weights.

Dumbbells are held in the hand and are often used for arm work. Our vinyl-coated cast-iron dumbbells are color-coded and sold singly or in pairs. Start with the weight your clinician suggests and move up only when your program says so.

Balance and floor work

A mat gives a cleaner, softer surface for floor exercises. The Cando Exercise Mat is waterproof closed-cell foam and rolls up to 24 by 8 inches. For balance work, the Cando Modular Stability Trainer pairs a disc with a non-slip board. Keep a counter or a sturdy chair within reach whenever you practice balance exercises.

How does home exercise equipment compare?

Use the weight and resistance your clinician suggests, and move up only when your program says so.

How do you set up a space at home?

• Clear a patch of floor about the size of the mat, away from rugs, cords and furniture edges.
• Keep a firm chair with armrests nearby for seated exercises and for getting up from the floor.
• Store bands out of direct sunlight, and wipe balls and mats down after use.
• Write the program on a card next to the equipment so the settings stay the same from day to day.

Checklist before you buy

• Bring your program list and check which equipment it names.
• Ask your clinician about band colors, ball size, pedal tension and starting weights.
• Check the listing for latex content if that matters to you.
• Confirm whether a pedal exerciser needs assembly and where you will use it.
• Measure your space for a mat or ball.

Talk to us

Have a question about one of these products? Call 1-877-861-8000, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific, or email contactus@medsupplynow.com. Shipping is free within the US on orders of $50 or more. Browse our fitness and rehab collection, our fitness equipment and our rehab equipment.

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