Best Ankle Weights - AskMen
By Rachel Davis
Ankle Weights to Upgrade Your Workout Are Here
September 24, 2020
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Product photos from retailer sites.
Fitness enthusiasts are always looking for the next best thing to enhance their workouts. This can range from utilizing waist trainers, resistance bands, even drinking new workout beverages—the list never ends. However, if you’re looking for an accessory that can take your workout to the next level, try ankle weights.
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If you’re not familiar with ankle weights, they are exercise accessories used to add a greater load to your leg and hip muscles, causing you to exert more energy while increasing strength. These wearable weights wrap around your ankles and attach on using a velcro strap.
Best for Beginners
Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights
This pair of ankle weights are easy to use for a beginner in the gym. Each weight is designed with a velcro that’s integrated into the weight. When performing exercises this will give you an evenly distributed weight experience. Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable as it’s equipped with extra padding for more comfort.
Pros
Made with double stitching, making them more durable.
Comes in increments up to 8 pounds per ankle.
Cons
Who should buy this product: If you’re someone who doesn’t work out often, but looking to give yourself more of a challenge in the gym.
Ranges from $13.99 to $33.99 (depending on weight size) at Amazon.com
Best Overall
Henkelion 1 pair Adjustable Weights
This pair of ankle weights are great for outdoor workouts, featuring reflective strips that ensure safety. It’s made from mercerized cotton, a breathable fabric that is moisture wicking that prevents sweat build-up. Plus, it's an adjustable weight that has separate weight bags that can be subtracted or added to enhance resistance.
Pros
Cons
Who should buy this product: These are perfect for promoting strength and recovery in muscles for athletes and therapeutic patients.
Ranges from $24.99 to $34.99 (depending on weight size) at Amazon.com
Best for Your Buck
GAIAM Ankle Weights
An easy and lightweight pair of ankle weights that can add the right amount of resistance. This set of weights are constructed from a high quality velcro closure, to prevent sliding during exercises. It’s made from a soft fabric that protects your skin from chaffing.
Pros
Doesn’t stick to your skin.
Fits secure and naturally around the ankles.
Each weight weighs 2.5 pounds.
Cons
Who should buy this product: A great set of weights for people who love cardio exercises, such as walking, pilates, and yoga.
Best Fit
REEHUT Durable Ankle/Wrist Weights
A set of weights that can be used for both your wrists and ankles. They’re equipped with elongated straps, which are adjustable to fit around any ankle size. It’s made of a mercerized cotton that absorbs sweat and is breathable and comfortable to wear. Each pair of weights comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
Versatile, can be used on ankles or wrist.
Comes with a D-ring, which is used to connect the elongated strap, making it adjustable.
Offers different size increments.
Cons
Who should buy this product: This is a great product to use for people who engage in intense workouts on the regular.
Ranges from $15.99 to $40.99 (depending on weight size) at Amazon.com
Best Comfortable
Nordic Ankle Weights
These ankle weights have a neoprene padding that allows you to move freely and comfortably. This product is simply designed with reinforced stitching to make these weights very durable. It features a reflective trim perfect for a late-night run.
Pros
Cons
Who should buy this product: This product is great for those looking for muscle recovery post surgery or therapy. It’s also good for exercisers who perform moderate workouts.
Ranges from $29.95 to $39.95 (depending on weight size) at Amazon.com
Best Adjustable
Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
An adjustable ankle weight that allows you to increase or decrease its weight size. Each of these ankle weights comes with five removable sandbags to increase leg strength. It’s made with a neoprene exterior that makes it durable.
Pros
Cons
Who should buy this product: If you’re looking for a durable product that will give you more of a challenge during a workout, this is a great product to add to your workout routine.
Ranges from $33.99 to $37.99 (depending on color) at Amazon.com
What to Know Before You Buy Ankle Weights
Ankle weights are a great way to build your endurance and challenge yourself during a workout. However, they need to be used under tight restrictions, because they could put you at risk for injury. “It's not a good idea to use wearable ankle weights while you're walking or during an aerobics workout,” Terry Downey, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, told Harvard Health Publishing. The use of these weights when walking makes you use your quadriceps instead of hamstrings. Over time this may cause your hamstring to weaken, he says. “Wearable ankle weights also pull on the ankle joint, which poses the risk of tendon or ligament injuries to the knees, hips, and back,” adds Downey.
So if you want to remain safe while incorporating ankle weights to your workout, you should consider the following:
That you’re using an appropriate increment of weight.
That you determine what exercises you will be performing.
If you want to add more resistance, do so in moderation over time.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a trained professional before you buy an exercise product you’re not familiar with.
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