Best wrist and ankle weights to boost your workout
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Though you might already feel like you’re pushing yourself in your workouts, one of the best ways to give them even more of an edge is by adding wrist and ankle weights into the mix.
As many a wise person has said, resistance is the key to growth so take your workouts to the next level with our pick of the best wrist and ankle weights available now.
What are the benefits of wrist and ankle weights?
According to the American Council of Exercise, adding 1-3lb extra weight to your workout can increase your heart rate by 5-10 beats per minute, while the addition of extra resistance helps sculpt muscles faster and torch more calories. Essentially, the addition of wrist and ankle weights can help you get the most out of your workout by forcing your muscles to engage a little more than normal. They’re a great alternative to dumbbells or if you don’t have access to sophisticated gym equipment.
When do you use wrist and ankle weights?
Though it might seem like a great idea to throw them on whenever you’re exercising, most experts advise using them for stationary exercises such as biceps curls or presses. If you’re looking to use them for running or walking, it’s best to opt for the lightest weights possible as they can force certain muscles to overcompensate. Make sure you’ve been given the go-ahead from your trainer or a medical practitioner.
How do you choose the best wrist and ankle weights?
Most weights nowadays are made using neoprene or canvas - for less chafing, neoprene is the best option, whilst benefits such as breathability and reinforced seams can add extra comfort and durability. It’s also worth looking out for the fasting style and how tight they’ll attach - you want them to be flush to the skin to avoid unnecessary drag but don't want them to rub. When it comes to choosing the weight itself, heavy isn’t always the best. You need to choose a weight that will fatigue but not over extend the muscles. As explained earlier, if you want to incorporate them into your runs, you need to choose a lighter option.
Whatever your needs, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best wrist and ankle weights to get training with now.
Sportneer Adjustable Weights
Weight options: 0.23 – 1.6kg
Wouldn’t it be great if you could invest in a pair of ankle and wrist weights that let you adjust the heaviness, so that as your fitness progresses, they can progress with you? That’s exactly what the Sportneers offer - five removable pockets that allow you to change up the weights as and when you please. For those who don’t want anything flashy or gimicky, the simplicity of this design will certainly appeal - black with minimal branding, they’ll go with almost everything.
On the comfort front they score highly too - the neoprene fabric is breathable and the adjustable Velcro strap allows you to fit them as tightly as you need.
PROIRON Ankle/ Wrist Weights
Weight options: 0.5 – 2kg
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, thanks to its structure, the PROIRON option offers a high level of control to the wearer. Whether for yoga, running or HIIT, there are options ranging from 0.5-2 kilograms here, and even once you get to the heavier end, the weights stay flush to the joints thanks to the thick elastic strapping. Reinforced stitching ensures the premium iron sand stays put, whilst the reflective trim offers extra visibility in the dark - something that’ll come in handy if you’ve got plans to run through the autumn and winter. They also come with a non-slip grip, ensuring minimal chafing no matter how hard you go with the exercise.
Opti Wrist and Ankle Weights
Weight options: 2kg
Weighing in at two kilograms each, these weights pack some serious resistance - especially if you’re looking to use them for a boxing or HIIT workout. A slight catch, though - this kind of bulk is ideal for those looking to sculpt their arms or legs but might prove somewhat cumbersome in the middle of a vigorous workout. Thanks to the adjustable hook and loop Velcro straps though, they’re easy to fit snugly to your ankles or wrists so excess moving is minimal - from the weights, that is. The heavy lifting and hard sweating is all on you, unfortunately.
M&S Wrist and Ankle Weights
Weight options: 1kg
If you’re not fussed about having a pair with all the bells and whistles, M&S’s version should do the trick. These are fixed at 1 kilogram, so you won’t be able to mix up the mass, but this is ideal for those just looking to add a little extra resistance to their yoga session or weekend run. What’s great about these is, because the weight is only in one pocket, you get a good feeling of even distribution. The Velcro strap is thick too, so they remain secure even after a vigorous workout.
The Cuff Ankle and Wrist Weights
Weight options: 0.5 – 10kg
Though these might look like an icepack, The Cuff Original weights are a high quality option worthy of any athlete. Featuring an adjustable Velcro strap and removable weights, they’re adaptable to multiple workout situations so you can tweak the resistance to suit your needs. We liked the fact that these also come with an extra hook and loop fastening, ensuring the weights stay on securely, even if you’re using them as part of a vigorous routine such as HIIT or interval spring training. Their lack of bulk also means they’ll fit even under snug workout clothes.
BALA Bala Wrist and Ankle Weights
Weight options: 1lb
Finished with a silicone finish, this offering from LA-based fitness studio Bala might seem overpriced to some but if you’re looking to use the weights to kick up your daily strolls a notch, they’re much less of an eyesore than most. Available in a creamy light pink or dusty grey, these are a slick and modern offering that look more like bangles than your typical wrist and ankle weights. With a hook and loop Velcro fastening, they offer a secure adjustable fit, made even more snug by the fact that the weights themselves are quite streamlined, so they sit flush to the skin, rather than sticking out. Weighing in at 0.45kg each, they offer just enough resistance to add a bite to your movement.
Adidas Wrist and Ankle Weights
Weight options: 1kg
Forget scratchy nylon, this offering from Adidas is made using a super soft neoprene, keeping chafing and irritation to a minimum even during high impact exercises. Weighing in at 1kg each, these are an excellent addition to an endurance run or HIIT workout and the usual hook and loop fastening makes them easy to secure, too. We liked the fact that these could be done up fairly tightly, so even if your wrists are on the smaller side, they won’t slide around during movement. Thanks to the iron ore filling, the weight also felt evenly distributed and both arms and legs felt sufficiently fatigued after a test run.
Gallant Wrist Ankle Weights
Weight options: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10kg
Great for those on a budget, the Gallant weights are available in sizes ranging from 1 to 10kg, meaning you can choose the one best suited to your fitness level and workout needs. However, it’s definitely worth investing in these with your eyes open: you get what you pay for. Made using canvas and filled with sand, they’re not the most comfortable option. On the plus side, the fastenings wrap tightly around the wrists and ankles, so excess movement is kept to a minimum. At 13 centimetres high, they do take up quite a lot of space - something that may feel irritating if you're shorter or may be a bonus if you’re opting for heavier weights and looking for a distribution that takes the pressure of the joints. Either way, for the price, you get a good deal with these.
Verdict:
For weights that can be adjusted as your fitness levels do, the Sportneers are a great option. If you’re looking for weights that are practical even when you take them outside, the addition of the reflective strips on the PROIRON gives them an edge.