Mark Bell Sling Shot Hip Circle Resistance Bands for Exercising (Level 2)

High quality band. Used it for my leg day today and it was a killer, just as it should be. Perfect size as well. So many bands are too big and this one is just right for me.

Adds more stability for my squats and deadlifts

Simple….. high quality

I have been lifting for many years, and as hip muscle function, in particular the external rotators of the hip, is commonly found to be deficient in athletes, leading to less control of the knee, and increased rates of knee pain and risk of knee injury. Despite this awareness, and occasionally using bands personally and to coach clients, I found the SlingShot hip circle to be absolutely fantastic as an aid to squatting. My first try with this led me to comfortably do multiple sets of Goblet squats (a form of front squat) at varying foot placement widths, along with a strong feeling of lateral gluteal activation unlike any I've felt before. I am 6'0", 220lbs, and the 15" was good for me. However, for a greater challenge, I immediately ordered the 13" band for me, and one for my wife as well. I am very enthusiastic about including the band in my leg workouts from now on, and I can see where this will be an invaluable aid to squatters everywhere.Addendum of 21 Jan 16: the hip band is also effective for three additional things, one obvious and two not-so-obvious.1) Obvious-to work the hip/pelvic muscles involved with sacral stabilization, apply the band just above or below the knees, lie on your back, with your legs bent and feetc flat on ground (situp style), and open and close your knees. Alternatively, keep one knee vertical and externally rotate the other knee. Then switch. This helps with isometric/eccentric training, a critical function of lateral rotators.2) Not obvious-for chest wall splinting, e.g. sore ribs, this works as a nice wrap. I'm 6'0", 230, 40+" chest, and the 15" red band fit perfectly snugly.3) Breathing-an aid to practice diaphragmatic breathing, use the wrap around the chest to restrict its motion and allow lateral "belly breathing".

It does a great job of assisting with my heavy kettlebell squats. Plus I like to shoot it up in the air like a rubber band and watch my dog chase after it!

I'm familiar with the slingshot and have watched Marc Bell use this in his YouTube series so I thought I would give it a try.The good: As you might expect this does a great job providing some proprioceptive feedback during squats. You can feel the need to keep your knees open and activate your glutes. It's less effective if you squat narrow (typical for Olympic lifters), but still gives enough feel to remind you what you should be doing. This is also FAR more comfortable than a rubber band. I'm hairy enough that rubber just bites and pulls, but the cloth of this is comfortable on bare skin. I will also say that this tool, even at the lightest resistance, is ample. There is probably no need to go with a thicker hip circle (red, etc).The bad: Well, if you are cheap and don't mind rubber bands ripping your leg hair out there is probably a much cheaper option for purchase at your local sporting goods store. That's really about all of the negative feedback I have.

I’m a physical therapist, avid weight lifter and have watched 1 too many Mark Bell youtube videos which resulted in me buying the sling shot.Sizing: I’m 5’8 and 170 lbs- I bought the large and I am pleased with my sizing decision. Several of my clients have used this including my wife who is 130 lbs.Durability: I’m writing this review after using this product for two years. I’ve used it heavily and have had no issues. The band is still like new and has not lost any resistance. I use it prior to squatting as a warm up. My wife uses it for the same purpose. I’ll put it around my thighs and do monster walks (forwards and backwards) and side to sides.Exercise: I like that this band does not slip off and it offers a good bit of resistance. Is it my go to for glute exercise, no, but it’s great for glute activation prior to doing squats, hip thrusts or three weigh hips with weights.Compared to bands: I would say they serve two different purposes. I mostly like the sling shot for warm up and a few exercises. With bands you can do a lot more (three way hip, shoulder work, rows, back exercises etc). The sling shot is best for warming up your lower body.Overall: Great product, held up well, good to use before a squat warm up.

I’ve used Mark Bell’s products before and I’m loving the slingshot, and I love the color. Fits great and will hopefully allow me to reach my fitness goals. Definitely not cheaply made, and I like how durable and strong the material is.