Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE: Aldi sold a resistance tube set again in October of 2023 for the same price of $9.99. 

Sometime around the first week of the New Year, Aldi rolls out its fitness gear. This is no surprise, since just about everyone decides in January that they want to get in better shape. However, Aldi runs some fitness gear during other times of the year, and not always at times we’d expect. So it was that, during a hot week in September, we discovered Aldi was selling a small assortment of fitness gear, including bike accessories, yoga equipment, and this product: a resistance tube set.

Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

The Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set is an ALDI Find, which means it’s only in stores until Aldi sells out of its single shipment. At the time of this post, the set ran for $9.99, which is less than half of what I could find a similar set for online. [EDITOR’S NOTE: the set sold in 2021 for $12.99.]

The set comes with:

  • 5 resistance bands: yellow, green, red, blue, and black
  • 2 foam handles
  • 2 footstraps
  • 1 door anchor
  • 2 manuals (1 in English, 1 in Spanish)
  • 1 drawstring carry bag
Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

Everything. (Click to enlarge.)

One thing the set doesn’t come with is a warranty. That’s probably to be expected for a product like this, but it means that if the tubes break — and tubes can break with use and age — that’s the end of that. Also, the package doesn’t come with any after-sales support information, nor is it clear who made it, other than the fact that it was made in China.

Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

Resistance band information. (Click to enlarge.)

I’m not going to get into all the details on how resistance bands fit into a training routine: there are plenty of other resources on that subject out there. I will say that resistance bands operate differently from free weights, and they have their own pros and cons. Resistance bands use the force of the bands rather than gravity, for example, and that means that the parts of the exercise where you’ll feel the most resistance will be different than if you use a gravity-based approach like weights.

Setting up and using the set is pretty simple, although I did have to fuss with the carabiners on the foam handles to get them attached to the tubes. Once I did that, though, the rest sort of takes care of itself. Also, the manual advises to 1) watch out for pinching yourself while assembling things and 2) to wear proper clothing and shoes when using the set.

Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

The manual, front. (Click to enlarge.)

There are a number of exercises you can do with the set. The manual suggests several, although you can also find plenty more online. Between standing on the tube, anchoring it to the top or bottom of a door, or using the footstraps, you can tone and stretch a lot of muscle groups with this set. The manual, for example, lists exercises for both arms and legs, including biceps and triceps. I liked being able to try out a variety of different positions, in part because it let me experiment with different muscle groups, but also because it allowed me just to change things up.

Crane Fitness 5 Level Resistance Tube Set

The manual, back. (Click to enlarge.)

What resistance strength you need depends on your situation. I’m a pretty lean guy, but I found the strongest (black) band to be fairly easy to use. That said, the manual notes that you can combine several tubes together if you want to add to the difficulty. In short, it’s a set that gives you options.

The Verdict:

If you need a multi-functional resistance band set, this one certainly deserves a look. It comes with quite a bit for its $10 price tag, including the versatility to do a number of exercises. We don’t know how long it will last, and to be honest these sorts of sets aren’t always known for longevity. Still, if you’re looking for a budget entry into the world of some toning, stretching, and even some strength training, this set has its appeal.

About Joshua

Joshua is the Co-founder of Aldi Reviewer. He is also a writer and novelist. You can learn more about him at joshuaajohnston.com.

12 Comments

  1. I have just bought the Crane Resistance BandsSet by Aldi. (61036) June 2020
    It doesn’t have any information on how to use etc.. can you advise, I wish to use it for strengthening my abs .
    I have looked on line and I cannot see anything to help me.

    • If you look at the image of the back of the manual in the post, it does have some suggested exercises. Unfortunately, none of them are relevant to abs, and I don’t personally know of any ab exercises using resistance bands.

  2. I purchased a sealed box, appeared not to have been opened..
    Box contained bands & handles only,…nothing else…
    Purchsed a week ago ..no longer have receipt…
    Annoying, as there were only 4 units left and by now well & truly sold out..
    I’ll try the store for refund..?..

    • ..after explanation to register staff….purchase price refunded …staff apologise for inconvenience ….
      What can you say?…Aldi are consistently a leader in supermarket quality & consistent low prices… their “SPECIALS” are always backed with their “money back if your legit” policy….10 out of 10 from me…AGAIN …cheers

  3. The manual included with the set is in Spanish….need the English version!

  4. Show how to connect straps.

  5. Love to find out what the bands equal to in weight .Ie black band is equaled x amount of pounds fully stretched

  6. I am allergic to latex. I bought these hoping that they are latex free but I can not find any information on the material they are made with. I am afraid I may need to return them. This surprises me since so many people are allergic to latex.
    Thanks , Kim

  7. Josh, I can call you Josh, right…..well here’s a question, I just bought one of these Crane resistance tube sets at ALDI…..and am looking forward to using it, but there’s this one thing…..the door anchor is missing. Do I go to ALDI, or the store or the maker (ie. Crane) to get a replacement for the missing item? Let me know, In the meantime, I’ll stop by the ALDI and see about an exchange.

    • Crane is just a label Aldi puts on its fitness products, so there is not actually a Crane company to contact. Your best bet is to contact Aldi. Fair warning: it’s not always easy to get a hold of replacement parts for Aldi products, but they are typically good about offering a refund if they can’t fix it. Good luck! https://www.aldi.us/en/contact/

  8. Any resistance bands from Aldi should be avoided as they deteriorate very quickly and break at the ball end that goes into the joiner. The break can be very dangerous when it breaks with end possibly hitting your eye. The ball end with broken piece of rubber can be a choke hazard for children as well. Basically these things are rubbish to be avoided. I do have a photo of the broken rubber.

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