The X3 bar has become an incredibly popular piece of workout equipment in recent years. With its versatile design allowing for squats, deadlifts, rows, and more, it‘s no wonder people are raving about it. However, with the full X3 bar setup costing almost $350, it‘s not the most budget-friendly option.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down some more affordable alternatives to the X3 bar that offer similar functionality and benefits for your workouts. Whether you want to save money upfront or just try out the system before splurging, read on for recommendations.
Overview of the X3 Bar and Its Benefits
First, a quick refresher. The X3 bar is a specialty barbell designed for resistance band training. It uses thick elastic bands looped through the ends of the bar to provide tension and resistance for your lifts. As you lift the bar, the bands stretch to challenge your muscles even more.
Here are some of the major benefits of using an X3 bar system:
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Full body resistance training: From squats to rows and deadlifts, you can target all the major muscle groups. The bands add intensity to moves you‘d do with a regular barbell.
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Progressive overload: Swap out bands for ones with higher resistance levels to continually challenge yourself as you get stronger.
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Compact and portable: It takes up little space compared to a full rack and weights, making it perfect for small home gyms.
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Low impact: The resistance bands provide a smooth, low-impact resistance unlike heavy free weights. It‘s easy on joints.
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Constant tension: The bands keep tension on muscles throughout the entire movement since they continuously stretch and rebound.
It‘s easy to see why the X3 bar has become a hit. But is it possible to get those same benefits for less money? Definitely!
Cheaper X3 Bar Alternatives Offering Similar Functionality
While the premium X3 bar package may be out of reach budget-wise, there are plenty of ways to mimic an X3 bar setup at a fraction of the price using more affordable products available on Amazon.
Here are the two main pieces needed:
1. Specialty resistance band bar
Rather than the name brand X3 bar that costs $169, you can use cheaper band bar options:
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JayBird Band Bar: Offered in 24" and 40" lengths starting at $39.99 on Amazon. Provides a knurled grip bar for band attachment.
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Instar Pull Up Assistance Bands Bar: Listed at $49.99 on Amazon. Comes with 4 resistance loop bands.
Both mimic the X3 bar design while costing over 50% less. The biggest drawback is they may not stand up to really heavy use over time compared to the commercial-grade X3 bar. But for most beginners, they offer great bang for your buck.
2. Foot anchors
On the X3 bar official package, they include patent-pending foot stirrups called Fortis Foot Plates to anchor yourself for moves like squats and deadlifts.
You have a few options to DIY cheaper alternatives here:
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Use an adjustable aerobic step platform that runs about $20 on Amazon. It lets you change height to dial in proper squat depth.
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Make your own foot plates using shelf liner or anti-slip mats purchased in the $10-$15 range and cutting to size.
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Use everyday items like hockey pucks, cutting boards, or furniture sliders under each foot. Getting creative works!
When piecing together a budget-friendly alternative, don‘t feel like you need all the official accessories. Improvise with household items or workout platforms you may already own.
Now for the bands themselves…
Getting Quality Resistance Bands on a Budget
The bands are what provides the actual resistance you‘re working against. So while you‘re saving on the bar and anchors, don‘t neglect getting decent bands.
The X3 bar system includes their custom Iron Bull Strength Bands which get pricey:
- X3 Light Band: $29.99
- X3 Medium Band: $39.99
- X3 Strong Band: $59.99
Here are two ways to get quality bands for less:
1. Buy full affordable band sets
On Amazon, you can find complete band sets with 4-5 bands of varying resistance for $20-50, compared to almost $160 for the X3 band kit. Options to check out:
- SUNPOW Resistance Bands Set – $19.99
- Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands – $12.95
- OMERIL Resistance Bands – $22.99
The biggest drawback can be durability issues over time and concerns about inconsistent band tightness. But they allow you to experiment with band tension options in one low-cost package.
2. Invest in quality individual bands
For a pricier but quality option, companies like Rogue Fitness and EliteFTS sell pro-grade individual bands that should stand the test of time.
The one brand that really stands out cost-wise though is Rubber Banditz Pro Strength Bands. What makes them unique? They offer a lifetime warranty on their Made-In-USA bands for defects and breakage. For under $40 per heavy-duty band, that warranty provides awesome value.
No matter what brand you choose, examine reviews and warranties closely when selecting bands for your setup. The bands provide the actual resistance, so quality matters here!
Building a Complete X3 Bar Alternative for Under $100
Let‘s add this all up now…
Here is an example setup you can piece together on Amazon for under $100:
- J Bryant Resistance Bands Bar: $39.99
- BalanceFrom All-Purpose Aerobic Step Platform: $21.49
- Fit Simplify Resistance Exercise Bands: $12.95
Total Cost: $74.43
For less than $75 bucks total, you can put together a pretty solid alternative to the X3 bar system using a basic band bar, step platform for squats/deads, and starter band pack.
Will this match the feel, durability, or performance of a $300+ commercial package? Most likely not. But it lets you experiment with this style of resistance training on a reasonable budget.
And you can always upgrade components like the bands over time as your needs and abilities advance.
The moral is – you absolutely can replicate X3 bar workouts for under $100 if you shop around and get creative!
Additional Guidance for Getting Started
Hopefully this breakdown gives you plenty of affordable alternative options to consider before investing in the high-priced X3 bar system!
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
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Seek out band bar brands that offer warranties like Rubber Banditz. It provides peace of mind for defects or premature wear.
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Read buyer feedback closely before purchasing Amazon band products. Quality control can be hit or miss.
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Don‘t be afraid to DIY anchors or foot plates out of household items. It saves money.
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Start lighter resistance-wise and focus on form before increasing band tension.
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Wash fabric loop bands regularly and store bands properly to extend life.
For reference, check the video description where I‘ve linked all the specific band bar products and DIY plate ideas mentioned here.
I hope these X3 bar alternatives have given you a ton of ways to train resistance band style on a reasonable budget. Let me know if you have any other tips in the comments!