Alexandra Ramirez
1. All Pro
Best Overall Ankle Weights
5/5 Product Rating
These adjustable ankle weights have cushioned flaps that provide the user with plenty of freedom while working out and they protect the ankles as well.
Each ankle weight weighs 5 pounds. A feature of these quality ankle weights is that they can be adjusted ½ pound at a time easily. The weights inside are solid iron.
The protective padding on the heel and up against the ankle protect your Achilles tendon during your workouts. The weights are stylish too with bright blue and black color design that looks as great as it works.
You can use these ankle weights to do resistance exercises, walk, do low impact aerobics and other forms of exercise. It is not recommended that users run while wearing ankle weights. Running already puts stress on the joints and the added weight could increase the chances of injury. All Pro Exercise Products provides you with safety, quality and comfort that you will appreciate as you work out.
– Jonathan Maxwell
2. Nordic Lifting
Best Overall Ankle Weights – Runner Up
4.7/5 Product Rating
Included are 2 ankle or wrist weights that will work for men or women, a carry bag and a manual that will provide all the instructions you need.
Each ankle weight can switch to a wrist weight and has reinforced stitching on the weights as well as padding for additional comfort. They are long lasting and durable and have a reflective trim which makes them the perfect weights for using outdoors, even at night.
The Velcro makes the weights completely adjustable to fit different ankle or wrist sizes. They offer a 1 year warranty. If you want to reap the benefits of using ankle weights, whether you are a beginner to working out or have been doing hardcore workouts for years, then get these durable and long lasting ankle weights.
– Jonathan Maxwell
3. Valeo
Best Budget Ankle Weights
4.5/5 Product Rating
You will have improved balance, flexibility, coordination and they can also help you increase your endurance as well. Ankle weights are used to develop core strength and allow you to work many different muscle groups at one time.
There are 2 – 5 pound weight and 2 – 2 ½ lb weights. Each one is equipped with ½ lb individual packs that can be removed to adjust the weight even more.
The padded weights will not cause friction during exercise and the fit will be very snug thanks to the grip closure that will provide a secure fit whenever you where them.
There are also wrist weights in this pack so you can work out your arms as well. These are perfect for those who engage in aerobic exercise, total body toning and those who like walking as well. Valeo ankle weights add challenge to your cardio training that you can’t get other ways.
Each weight is padded for your comfort and has a metal D ring closure that provides you the workout you’re looking for. The removable weight packs allow users to adjust the weights. They can be set for anywhere from 1-5 pounds for each weight.
– Jonathan Maxwell
Ankle Weights Buying Guide
Benefits to Wearing Ankle Weights
People use ankle weights to add additional resistance to their workouts. They can increase strength in your legs and increase overall calorie burning as well. They also increase endurance and overall strength as well. If you don’t have access to workout machines that can add resistance to your leg workout, you will love the result you get from ankle weights.
Using ankle weights properly will tone and shape your legs as well as gain some definition as well. Your legs will look better and better as you continue to work out. Many people that use ankle weights use them for doing ab exercises such as leg raises, both hanging and lying down raises. These will give your abs quite a workout.
Ankle weights are one of the lightest and most inexpensive ways to get a great workout without a lot of hassle. Most people forget that the ankle weights are even on after awhile so they are still getting the benefits of the ankle weights without having to really be aware of “working out”.
Types of Ankle Weights
There are two types of ankle weights. We’ve outlined them below with a little bit about each one.
- Fixed weight – These are available in ¼ lb up to 25 lb increments.
- Adjustable – With adjustable ankle weights, they have ranges such as 1-5. The weights that are added are usually solid iron and come in ½ lb increments.
Precautions When Using Ankle Weights
Some people use ankle weights when engaging in certain cardio exercises such as walking, hiking, jogging, etc. It is not usually recommended to w3ear ankle weights while performing these exercises due to the increased risk of injury. If you are using them for strength training, use them while performing aerobic exercises or calisthenics.
If you feel pain of any kind while wearing the ankle weights during exercise it is best to take them off immediately so you do not sustain any lasting injuries. Ankle weights that are too heavy or that put strain on the joints can cause permanent problems that will affect your ability to workout and in some cases work at all.
It is important to be careful when using them and to not overdo it or put stress on joints that are already stressed or weak. If you are in excellent physical shape, you can handle a little more than someone who is not used to using them, but even those in great shape should be careful.
Weight Increments for Ankle Weights
There are several different weight increments that you can choose from when it comes to ankle weights. You should select these based on the types of activities you will be performing with the ankle weights on and your health.
- 2 lb – This is usually the starting point for ankle weights. 1 and 2 pound increments are the lightest available and are very good for just walking around casual, walking for exercise and some even use them for jogging.
- 5 lb> – 5 pound ankle weights are good for jogging, walking, and running and will add the desired resistance that you are looking for.
- 10 lb – At this weight, wearing the weights for walking and running is not a good idea unless you are an experienced and seasoned runner. Instead they can be worn while performing strength training exercises and calisthenics.
- 20 lb – These are used for the home gym while performing resistance exercises using your body weight. 20 pounds is pretty significant and you will definitely feel it in your muscles while using this weight.
- 40 lb – These extremely heavy weights are used to increase body weight while performing pull ups, weighted dips or leg raises.
Optional Features and Alternatives
When you are searching for the right pair of ankle weights, there are a few options and features that you will want to consider.
- Water Ankle Weights- If you are looking for an ankle weight that is adjustable and very flexible, you may like water filled ankle weights. The way you can adjust these weights is by adding or removing water from inside the weight. They are very comfortable to wear since there is no hard surface pressing against your ankle.
- Adjustable Ankle Weights – Adjustable ankle weights are much more popular than fixed weight due to the flexibility they offer. Being able to add or remove weight can save you a lot of money since you won’t have to buy multiple weights and can just use the one set to adjust to the weights you want to use for that workout.
- Velcro Straps and Buckles – Most ankle weights have either buckle or Velcro enclosures. Buckles tend to hold stronger so the ankle weights don’t slip during use. Velcro can be a little scratchy as well. Some ankle weights have D rings that straps slide through to secure them around the ankle but those can slip too. You want to ensure a secure fit that won’t shift or fall off during use.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the right ankle weights for your workout and fitness goals, it can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. There are many different types, styles, colors, weight amounts and closure types that are available to choose from. With all of those choices it can be overwhelming to try and figure out which are good ones and which are better passed over.
The information in this buyer’s guide is designed to help you sort through the choices available and look at the different factors involved in choosing a good quality pair of ankle weights. Having the right knowledge will enable you to make a good decision on ankle weights that will last you a long time and help you reach your fitness goals.
Resources
- All Pro – http://www.allproweights.com/
- Nordic Lifting – http://nordiclifting.com/
