How does elastic resistance compare to free weights?
Let’s start this answer by stating a fact: your muscles are blind. Your muscle does not know whether you are lifting a free weight, a weight stack from a machine or stretching elastic exercise tubes. It only knows that it is working against resistance, not what type of resistance. Also, similar to some of the best weight machines, elastic resistance actually has an advantage. As you stretch it, it becomes more difficult which means that you are placing more stress on the muscle at the right time.