Buying guide for best ankle weights
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Strength training is an important part of any fitness routine. For many people, however, working out with heavy free weights just isn’t possible. Exercising with ankle weights is an alternative worth considering. Ankle weights are considerably lighter than most dumbbells, and they allow you to keep your hands free while you get some good exercise.
To get the most out of your ankle weight workout, you need to select a product with the appropriate weight, material, closures, and other features.
Editors’ picks
Sportneer Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights
Editors’ Favorite
Weight: 2 lb | Materials: Iron, neoprene | Number of Color Options: 5
The Sportneer Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights are made from iron for unmatched durability and feature a neoprene outer material for comfort. Each pair weighs 2 pounds, giving you extra intensity during workouts, like running, jogging, walking or even yoga.
They’re a cheaper pick than some other models, but deliver surprisingly similar performance. Each weight features removable sandbags, so you can adjust the weight to match your preferred intensity level. They don't slip during workouts, and the Velcro straps ensure a snug fit so you can focus on your workout instead of constantly adjusting them.
These weights are among the best value picks for those who want quality at an affordable price. You can choose from five vibrant colors, including pink and sky blue, and wear them on either your wrists or ankles.
BAGAIL Ankle Wrist Weights for Women & Men
Great Value
Weight: 1 lb | Materials: Lycra-SBR Fabric, Iron Sand | Number of Color Options: 6
If you’re looking for a set of ankle weights that’ll help you get more out of your workouts, the BAGAIL Ankle Wrist Weights for Women & Men are a great choice that won't cost you more than $10.
These weights are made of Lycra-SBR fabric that resists sweat and chafing, so you can work out comfortably as you move. The high-tension Velcro and metal ring let you securely fasten these to your wrists or ankles in a way that doesn’t feel too tight or loose for maximum comfort and performance,
These budget-friendly ankle weights are a great way to make walking and running workouts more intense. Whether you’re jogging outdoors or on a treadmill, you can build strength and challenge yourself more by wearing these weights around your ankles.
Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights
Best for Beginners:
Weight: 5 lb | Materials: Neoprene, Sand | Number of Color Options: 5
The Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights are a solid choice whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter or athlete looking to make workouts more intense.
Made with cotton, these are much more comfortable than other entry-level weights. They’re not as breathable, but they’re so soft you’ll likely forget you’re wearing them even during tough running or jogging sessions. You can increase the weight by 1 pound to suit your preferred workout intensity, making them an excellent pick for beginners who want to start light.
While they’re not as durable as some of our other top picks, they’re a pretty solid midtier option for beginners or even advanced athletes and lifters who want to ramp up their workouts. They’ll help you build strength and endurance, and you can wear them on your ankles or wrists.
Bala Bangles Adjustable Wrist & Ankle Weights
Best Pair for Pilates, Barre & Yoga
Weight: 1 lb | Materials: Alloy Steel, Silicone | Number of Color Options: 3
Few ankle weights are as stylish and practical as these Bala Bangles Adjustable Wrist & Ankle Weights. Unlike traditional ankle weights, these are actually sleek enough to wear throughout the day without feeling like you’re wearing clunky gym equipment.
You can wear these as snug or as loose as you like thanks to the adjustable straps, and the steel core is wrapped in soft silicone for a durable yet comfortable design. They’re not sand-filled so that they won’t leak or rust, and they’re water-resistant so you can wear them even during your toughest workouts.
These ankle weights are perfect for yoga, aerobics, boxing, Pilates, walking and core workouts. Their design is so stylish you might even get a few compliments at the gym in addition to a great workout.
Fragraim Adjustable Ankle Weights
Best Heavy Ankle Weights
Weight: 10 lb | Materials: Neoprene, Cotton | Number of Color Options: 5
The Fragraim Adjustable Ankle Weights are best for hardcore athletes or lifters who want to build strength faster. They’re made of durable yet breathable materials, so you can wear them comfortably while walking.
Each weight is 10 pounds and has a wide Velcro strap so you can easily wrap it around your ankle before workouts. The moisture-absorbing material inside helps keep you dry and cool during tough exercises, and the iron-shot fill adds greater resistance to everyday workouts like walking, jogging and aerobics.
You don’t have to worry about sizing since it's one-size-fits-all, and the hook-and-loop fastener gives you a snug fit that won’t weigh you down or make you uncomfortable as you move around. Plus, you can choose from five colors, including orange and green.
How we analyzed
We looked for ankle weights that are easy to adjust so beginners can start light and work their way up. We also considered design and materials to give shoppers the best options. Some are a bit more stylish than others, but all our picks are designed to enhance workouts and recovery.
Ankle weight benefits
There are many reasons why you might wish to incorporate ankle weights into your workout routine.
Boost workout intensity
Whether you’re power-walking around the block or running 10 miles on the treadmill, wearing ankle weights can boost the intensity of your exercise. As a result, you incorporate some extra strength training into your workout and burn more calories.
Keep hands free
Do you have joint issues, a hand injury, or balance problems? With ankle weights, your hands remain free, yet you still get the benefits of strength training.
Expert tip
When selecting ankle weights I recommend selecting a weight that is between 1% to 2% of your body weight.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Target hard-to-reach muscles
By wearing ankle weights, you can work out lower-body muscles that would be more difficult to target otherwise.
Strengthen knees and hips
With weights on your ankles, you can build strength in your lower-body joints, namely the knees and hips. For people with arthritis, this can be particularly helpful.
Improve flexibility, balance, and range of motion
Using ankle weights while you practice yoga or perform light stretches can help expand your flexibility, improve your balance, and increase your range of motion.
What can you do with ankle weights?
There are many ways to incorporate ankle weights into your workout routine.
Full-body workout
Don’t have room in your home for large pieces of workout equipment? Ankle weights can help you achieve a full-body workout. With ankle weights, you can perform a range of lower-body exercises to target your abs, glutes, hips, thighs, calves, and shins. Switch the weights to your wrists, and you can get an upper-body workout that targets your shoulders, back, biceps, and triceps.
Injury recovery
Ankle weights provide a great way to regain strength after an accident or other injury. In fact, ankle weights are often used in physical therapy and rehab centers to help gradually build up strength with gentle exercises.
Cardio workouts
When you’re walking, running, swimming, or even riding a bike, adding light ankle weights to your legs can make your workout a little more difficult for better results.
Stretching
Wearing ankle weights when you stretch or do yoga can help you improve your flexibility and build muscle at the same time.
Expert tip
Some of my favorite ankle weight exercises are leg lifts, glute lifts, and leg rotations.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Weight
Perhaps the most important feature to consider when selecting ankle weights is how much they weigh. You want them to be heavy enough for an effective workout but not so heavy that they strain your muscles. Ankle weights generally range from one to ten pounds. For most people, weights in the one- to five-pound range are best.
To choose the best weight, consider both your fitness level and the activity you plan to use the ankle weights for. Individuals who are recovering from injuries or aren’t very physically fit should usually opt for weights in the one- to three-pound range. These lighter ankle weights also work well for exercises that require a greater range of motion, such as leg lifts or stretches.
If you’re a little more physically fit, ankle weights of about three pounds are a good option for boosting the intensity of your cardio workout or targeting specific muscles. If you’re very physically fit, you may wish to consider five-pound ankle weights for cardio or muscle-targeting exercises.
Ankle weights that are heavier than five pounds can strain muscles if you’re not careful, so it’s best not to use them unless you’ve worked your way up from light and moderate weights.
Adjustable ankle weights
Want to tailor your ankle weights to specific activities? Look for adjustable ankle weights with pockets that allow you to add or subtract weight. These weights typically come with an iron bar or sandbags that you can place in the pockets.
Other feature considerations
Ankle weight material
If you want to use your ankle weights outdoors during inclement weather, we advise you to choose a set made of a water-resistant material like nylon or neoprene. (These materials are also suitable if you’ll be sweating during your workout.) If you plan to use your ankle weights for water workouts, opt for neoprene ankle weights, which are fully waterproof.
Some ankle weights also feature a moisture-wicking material that helps pull moisture away from the body. These are ideal if you tend to sweat a lot when you exercise.
Comfort
The ankle weights you choose should be comfortable. Otherwise, you might not feel like wearing them! Look for contoured ankle weights with smooth corners and a soft inner lining; you’re less likely to suffer scratches, abrasions, or other skin irritations with this type of user-friendly design.
Closures
Most ankle weights have Velcro closures. The closure may be a simple band that wraps around your ankle or a belt that passes through a metal or plastic tip. Simple band closures are best for light-impact activities that require little foot movement. Belted closures are more secure and therefore more suitable for vigorous activities.
Versatility
Some ankle weights double as wrist weights; you can use them to work your upper body, too. And, as mentioned above, some ankle weights are adjustable: you can make them lighter for cardio exercise and heavier for strength training.
Color
Ankle weights are available in a wide range of colors. Choose an option that fits your personal style. Neutral colors like gray or black may be your best bet because you’ll never have to worry about them clashing with your workout clothing.
If you plan to use your ankle weights outdoors, look for a set with reflective trim. The trim will reflect light at night, allowing drivers to easily spot you when you’re walking, running, or biking.
Ankle weight prices
Ankle weight prices are usually based on how heavy they are. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $10 and $55 for a set of ankle weights.
Many consumers will want weights that are one to three pounds. For these, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20. For weights in the three- to five-pound range, you can expect to pay between $16 and $35.
Weights that weight five pounds or more can cost between $30 and $55. As mentioned above, these heavier weights are best reserved for people who are highly physically fit already.
Adjustable ankle weights offer a bit more versatility than a product with a set weight. The price for adjustable ankle weights is typically reflected by the maximum weight of the pair.
FAQ
Q. I’m new to ankle weights. How heavy should I go?
A. When you’re getting used to exercising with ankle weights, it’s best to start with a lighter option. Weights that are one to three pounds are usually a good choice. If you’re a regular exerciser but just haven’t used ankle weights before, you may be able to go up to five pounds. Adjustable ankle weights are ideal for beginners because they allow you to gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable.
Expert tip
If you are a beginner, try using ankle weights AFTER you get stronger from using your own body weight and increase the weight slowly to avoid injury.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Q. How can I tell if I’m overdoing it with ankle weights?
A. Pay attention to how your body feels when you’re working out. If you’re using weights that are too heavy or working out with the weights too often, you’ll likely feel pain or discomfort in your joints or muscles. If you’re having trouble adjusting your routine to be easier on your body, consider working out with the ankle weights in a swimming pool. You’ll endure less stress on your joints there.
Q. What’s the best way to clean ankle weights?
A. The best method for cleaning your weights depends on the material with which they’re made; consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally speaking, you should avoid submerging the weights in water or using an abrasive cleaner. Instead, use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to wipe down the exterior of the weights.
