We discovered 360 BANDS a few years ago while doing research on resistance bands made in the USA. Domestically made ones are tough to find, so we knew we landed on something special when we found 360 BANDS.
David (who you’ll meet in a minute) and the team are doing it the right way with 100% recyclable and US-sourced materials, which is great to see in a plastics and latex industry that is often outsourced overseas.
We got the pleasure of talking to David Wolfenden, Founder of 360 BANDS, about his start, how the company grew into what it is today, and much more about his fitness equipment business. That exclusive interview is below. Our questions are marked with “AAO” and David’s answers have a “DW” next to them.
We hope you enjoy their story!
Behind the Scenes of 360 BANDS
AAO: Give us a look inside the history of 360 BANDS. How did y’all grow up into the company you are today? What made you want to get started?
DW: About ten years ago, I met a young golfer working to get on the LPGA Tour. She showed me the latex exercise bands she and others were using.
I knew I could develop a much better material that did not have the health or environmental issues of latex and might also be recyclable.
Over the next few months, I developed that material here in the US and started making looped exercise bands with it.
Based on customer feedback, I decided to differentiate. So, I created a great new design that added grips to the bands.
Now, 360 BANDS are the only looped exercise bands with built-in grips. They are made in the USA and are recyclable.
Fast forward to today, and my company, 360 Fitness LLC, manufactures sustainable fitness products made in the USA. 360 BANDS is our flagship brand.
In 2023, we launched the 360 GRIP, an extension of the brand and the only grip trainer that works both the opening and closing of the hand.
AAO: How many U.S. based employees do you have and in what locations?
DW: We are a small business with three full-time employees based in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We outsource our production and related services to other US companies. Our band material is made in Illinois, and the bands are produced in New Hampshire.
AAO: Why do you choose to manufacture in the U.S.?
DW: From the start, our commitment was to make our products in the USA. Our raw materials, final products, and packaging are all made here.
My Dad worked in a factory for his whole working life. I also spent over 20 years in the plastics industry and witnessed the loss of US manufacturing due to terrible trade policies, such as NAFTA and especially China.
From day 1, my mission was to develop and make my products here. From my experience in plastics, I was fortunate to know exactly how to do it. I already had a head start on developing the right material to mimic latex and knowing potential suppliers to use.
Our Favorite 360 BANDS Products
Here are a few more details about David’s 360 Fitness products – 360 BANDS and 360 GRIPS.
360 BANDS
360 BANDS come in 4 sizes which each provide different resistance levels and allow for different exercises. This creates the ability to get a full-body workout. And the bands are light and easy to take anywhere you want to work out. You can check them out on their website.
360 GRIP
The 360 GRIP revolutionizes grip training, providing comprehensive strength development for hands, wrists, and forearms. With an ergonomic design, it targets all major muscle groups, ensuring balanced strength. Improve power, accuracy, and endurance for enhanced athletic performance.
Functional Training For Everyone
AAO: What do your customers love most about 360 BANDS and your products?
DW: Our customers are athletes of all ages and abilities. At 360 BANDS, we like to say, “We are all about the GRIP.” Our customers love the GRIPS because they make the bands easy to hold and allow them to work on their grip strength at the same time.
The Future
AAO: What gets you excited about the future of 360 Bands? Where are you headed?
DW: We are super excited about the future of 360 BANDS and offering new products.
Late last year, we introduced the 360 GRIP, the only grip trainer that works both the opening and closing of the hand. Of course, it, too, is made in the USA! More new products are planned for later this year.
Thanks so much to David for giving us an inside look at 360 BANDS. We wish y’all the best of luck in the future and with your new product launches!
