Ankle and Wrist Weights
It’s natural for anyone to make a wish of getting into shape or building a strong body.
However, if one is holding themselves back just because they wonder they’d need expensive exercise equipment, they don’t have to. Whether one wants to start resistance training or weight loss exercises, they don’t need to have any fashionable exercise machine, but they just need some ankle and wrist weights.
Published: January 20, 2022.
Ankle and wrist weights are ideal little tools that can intensify one’s exercise without having to break the bank and thus increase the effectiveness of the exercise and give fast results. These weights are wearable and can be secured in place, thus the wearer doesn’t need to worry about their slippage or over-gripping, and can focus on the exercise.
They are made from moisture-wicking, comfortable and durable materials that easily fit against the wearer’s skin and one can adjust them easily with Velcro straps. Most of them allow the wearer to change the amount of weight, thus allowing them to build up resistance over time and vary the types of workout they can perform with these weights.
These weights are thus versatile, portable, and budget-friendly. But like any other thing, ankle and wrist weights too cannot be purchased at random. One needs to consider certain factors. Here are a few.
Factors to Consider while Buying the Right Ankle and Wrist Weights
Type of Exercise
Ankle and wrist weights are some of the most versatile types of exercise equipment. However, using them in wrong exercises can do bad more than good. For example, it can be dangerous to wear them while running because they can cause muscle imbalance. Exerting too much strain on the wrong part of your legs can cause injuries to the back, hip, and knees.
However, if the right exercises are performed wearing these weights, they can be incredibly beneficial. But it should be remembered that wearing small weights (1 to 5 pounds) is advisable. Anything heavier can put unnecessary stress on the wearer’s legs.
This is true about even wrist weights. They too should not be used while long-distance running or activities that involve excessive arm swinging. Instead, they should be used during workouts that focus on strength training such as arm lifts and bicep curls. If one swings their arms too much wearing the weights, it will cause problems in their neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Therefore the user should make sure they perform the right kind of exercise with the weights so as to prevent injuries.
Right Fit
An important factor to consider while purchasing ankle and wrist weights is whether they fit tightly on the user’s body. The strap that contains the weights should be adjustable and have a snug-fitting onto the user’s wrists and ankles. Since the user’s legs and arms may move vigorously during the exercise. The weights should not slide up and down during their movements. Hence their fit should be just right.
Comfort
Another factor to consider is comfort. The user should feel the weights good on their wrists and ankles. They should not feel scratchy or rough. The weights should also be compact and not too bulky and uncomfortable.
Adjustability
Adjustable weights typically use small pouches of sand or iron flakes or pellets as weights. Pouches can be added or removed to change the intensity. It should be also remembered that as it is, ankle and wrist weights should not be very heavy, but should range only from one to five pounds.
Talking to One’s Doctor
Before anyone uses ankle or wrist weights, it’s essential to discuss with their doctor or trainer, particularly if they have problems in the back or joints.
Reviews of Top 5 Ankle and Wrist Weights
Here is our list of top 5 ankle and wrist weights - with so many models on the market, it is really hard to pick 'the best models since we are all different and have different requirements.
But, these models are some of the most popular ankle and wrist weights models and they are tested by countless users in many situations. When picking the right ones for you, choose according to your own needs and preferences.
1. Sportneer Ankle and Wrist Weights
Sportneer Ankle Weights come in a pair of 5lb weights totaling 10 lbs. Each weight contains 5 removable sand pockets, thus can be adjusted from 1 to 5 lbs. by removing or adding the inserts. They offer excellent quality and comfort with a neoprene exterior, reinforced stitching, strong outer rim, high-quality Velcro, and soft feel. They extend their length to 14.56”.
Their Velcro straps are easy to adjust and provide an excellent fit for ankles as well as wrists of almost any size. Even small people can comfortably use them.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
2. Gaiam Fitness 5Lb. Ankle Weights
These are ankle weights designed to build lower body strength. It’s a 5-pound pair of 2.5-pound adjustable weights. The weights offer a superior fit so that the user can focus on the workout and not on the weights.
The weights have been designed with high-quality craftsmanship and materials so as to hold up over time. Velcro closure is high-quality and secures the weights in place without letting them shift or slide during motion.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Gaiam Ankle Weights Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
3. Nordic Lifting Ankle and Wrist Weights
These comfortably fitting and durable weights come in 1, 2, 3, or 5 pounds and come with a carry bag and instruction manual. These fully adjustable weights can be easily switched between ankles and wrists with a large Velcro pad.
They have been made durable with reinforced stitching and their neoprene padding adds to the comfort. They even have a reflective trim for safety during night use. However, users should remember that the weights on the lower range i.e. 1 to 3 pounds are more preferable as they continue to secure well whereas the stitching of the 5-pound weights can get torn soon. It’s even advisable to wear them to strengthen the upper body i.e. on wrists.
Also, as mentioned above, these or any other weights should be used preferably for indoor exercise and not for long-distance running, etc. There is also an issue of the Velcro strap rubbing against the skin, but it can be solved by wearing socks, etc. Nordic’s customer service is excellent and they attend to any complaints promptly.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Nordic Lifting Ankle and Wrist Weights Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
4. CAP Barbell 20Lb. Adjustable Weights
CAP Barbell is a pair of 10 pounds each totaling 20 pounds. They are very well designed and have external pockets. Thus users can adjust the weights to suit their needs. Removable weights are included.
The hooks and loop closures are adjustable and thus ensure a secure fit. They are affordably priced too. However, it should be noted that they may not properly fit users with big ankles.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check CAP Barbell HHA-CB020A1 Pair of 20-Pounds Adjustable Ankle Weights Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
5. Valeo Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights
The Valeo Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights come in a pair of two ankle/wrist straps of five pounds each that have five one-pound sandbags that can be removed or added again.
They have self-gripping Velcro closures that simplify the wearing and removing the weights and offer a great fit. The Velcro closures contain an adjustable metal D-ring double strap system.
The strap has a padded and non-abrasive lining for great comfort. But users observe that these weights are too bulky and only big men and not petite women can use them.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Valeo Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Bottom Line
Ankle and wrist weights are indeed very useful pieces of exercise equipment that can intensify the exercise and make it more effective. However, they should be used only after talking to one’s doctor and with due care, because without proper precautions, they can even cause harm.
But if used with due precautions, they can help one achieve their fitness target more easily and quickly.
