This issue we’re celebrating home-grown gains. Of the few winners to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, resistance bands were definitely one. Small but mighty, portable and relatively wallet-friendly, these humble training aids – long written off as nothing more than warm-up accessories – can be genuinely excellent bits of kit for building both muscle and strength. Inside we run through the best bands for every type of workout, and the most effective exercises to do once you’ve got them.

This issue we’re celebrating home-grown gains. Of the few winners to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, resistance bands were definitely one. Small but mighty, portable and relatively wallet-friendly, these humble training aids – long written off as nothing more than warm-up accessories – can be genuinely excellent bits of ki....