Although there are many similarities between weights and resistance bands, there are a number of pertinent differences that make them serve different purposes. Basically, they both work on the muscles, but in different ways.
Weight training
With weight training, you can customize your workout to fit your present level of fitness by using varying weights. This means that you will exert varying force at different levels. You can adjust different weights as you develop more strength. At the same time, you will enhance your cardio in an effort to give the muscles necessary supplies. You will also have better coordination.
Bands
With the bands, you will have all of these benefits and several others on top. You can make the bands exert greater force by stretching them more. These fitness devices are very good at enhancing bone density as they stimulate the addition of calcium through the release of a number of biochemicals. Metabolism is also improved.
Apart from such benefits that you will derive from your workouts, the bands also offer a lot of convenience. For instance, handling and storing them is very easy given their slim nature. They are also quite safe.
Although both weights and bands exert force on the muscles, they act in opposite directions. This gives different muscles different benefits. Although both of them will give you more strength, you will gain more if you use both of them given their subtle differences.
There are some circumstances where you will be better off with the bands rather than weights. For example, it will be safer to use them in your process of recovery from sickness.
Given the different ways in which you can use these fitness gadgets, you will also receive a wider variety of exercises. However, there are some circumstances where it is more convenient to use free weights. For instance, you can take some curls with small dumb-bells right from a wheelchair.
In general, if you would like to have a more well rounded workout, you should make use of both weights and resistance bands.
