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The simple addition of ankle and wrist weights into your regular workout routine provides additional gravitational resistance which, with regular use, will improve muscle development, boost core strength, and even increase fat burn.
Below are some great ankle and wrist weights of 2024 that will bring a whole new level of difficulty to any workout. Versatile in use, these weights can be used on your ankles when doing floor workouts to target your leg and hip muscles for overall strengthening and lengthening and worn around your wrists for some upper body conditioning.
These weights all come in pairs and are available in a variety of weight and color options. Their oversized velcro pads can be tightened or loosened for a snug fit which also makes them easy to put on and take off. In addition, these weights are made of special, moisture-absorbing materials that will keep your wrists and ankles dry for the duration of your workout.
Comparing the Top Ankle and Wrist Weight of 2024
Nordic Lifting Ankle And Wrist Weights — Best Overall
Designed for comfort and durability, these ankle and wrist weights are versatile in use and can be used to supplement most workout routines such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and group training scenarios. These weights are designed for comfort and durability with reinforced stitching and neoprene padding and can easily switch from ankle to wrist with a large velcro pad. Every pair of these weights is also made from high-quality materials, reinforced stitching, and an industrial-strength velcro strap for extensive periods of use without any wear or tear.
Pros
- Reflective trim provides safety for outdoor use
Cons
- If you have smaller wrists, these weights may be too big
REEHUT Durable Ankle and Wrist Weights — Runner Up
Add more resistance to your daily workouts with these durable ankle and wrist weights. This pair of weights has an elongated design, and an adjustable velcro band with a metal D-ring and is made of breathable cotton that is quick to absorb moisture and sweat. These weights are comfortable to wear and have an adjustable strap closure for loosening and tightening to ensure a customized fit, keeping them snug and secure, while taking only seconds to get on and off.
Pros
- These weights come in a variety of colors and weight adjustable options
Cons
- If these rub your ankles, wearing socks or pants underneath is advised
Yes4All Ankle And Wrist Weights — Honorable Mention
Easily incorporate this set of ankle and wrist weights into your daily workout routine. These weights are specially designed with a soft and comfortable neoprene material to prevent abrasion on your skin while a secure D-ring and velcro band closure provides a secure fit. These weights are versatile and work well for running, walking, home workouts, core training, and even physical therapy activities. They have also incorporated a sturdy outer trim and durable middle stitching, ensuring even weight distribution during various workouts.
Pros
Cons
- Consult a doctor before using if you experience frequent lower-body pain during exercise
BalanceFrom GoFit Ankle and Wrist Weights — Contender
This pair of ankle weights will be a great addition to any workout as they can help increase fat burn and improve the strength of your legs while making any cardio routine extra effective. These weights are fully adjustable to fit the ankle, wrist, arm, or leg. They also have a neoprene exterior, reinforced stitching, and a moisture absorbing material inside, making them soft, breathable, and comfortable.
Pros
- These weights are one size fits all
Cons
- These may slide around the ankle if not secured properly
DA VINCI Ankle or Wrist Weights — Also Consider
Manufactured with comfort and ease in mind, these ankle weights are made of a soft cloth exterior with a velcro tightening band, making them adjustable to a variety of ankle and wrist sizes. While tightening these weights, the soft material stretches to provide a comfortable tight grip around the ankles so the weights will not move during even the most vigorous of exercises.
Pros
- Multiple weights and color options are available
Cons
- These are not made to be worn in the pool
Buying Guide for Finding Ankle And Wrist Weights
Even though ankle and wrist weights intensify your training session, you must be careful about your bones and muscles’ health while using them. You cannot simply pick a pair randomly without caring about your tolerance level, comfort, fitness, and more. Doing exercises with the wrong weights can also cause injuries like strained muscles and aching bones. Due to this reason, we have crafted a complete buying guide that can help you understand which pair of ankle and wrist weights is ideal for you.
What Key Factors Should You Consider When Getting Ankles and Wrist Weights?
Size
Even though the ankle and wrist weights can be adjusted, you still need to get the right size to avoid discomfort or injury. Let’s assume the pair you choose is smaller than what you need. So when you try to fit it around your ankles or wrists, the extended band will compress your bones and muscles. Similarly, when you get a larger size, either the weights will slide down from their position due to gravitational force, or you need to tighten the strap somehow. Thus, you should always go for a pair of weights having a length slightly larger than the circumference of your wrist and ankle.
Weight
The next factor you need to check is the weight of the wrist and ankle weights because it will help you decide whether they are suitable for you or not. Usually, the weight of these products ranges from 1 lb to 3 lbs per unit which means that the overall weight of the pair will vary between 2 lbs and 6 lbs. If you want to use these weight bands for muscle rehabilitation or recovering from an injury, go for a set having each unit of about 1.5 lbs maximum. On the contrary, if your primary goal is to increase your core muscle resistance or improve the bones’ tolerance level, each unit should weigh between 2 lbs and 3 lbs.
Material
It is crucial to focus on the material with which the wrist and ankle weights are manufactured. The two most common materials used are cotton and neoprene, out of which cotton is more skin-friendly and comfortable. It is also a natural fiber obtained from plants that won’t cause abrasions or any allergies, even if you have sensitive skin. On the contrary, neoprene is lighter and feels much smoother against the skin. It is also highly durable and can last for a long time, no matter how you use it.
Breathability
While looking for the top wrist and ankle straps, it is your responsibility to check whether the products are breathable or not. If the inner layer of the straps is not breathable, it will prevent air from circulating between the belt and your skin, thereby causing discomfort. Apart from this, you may suffer from allergies, skin abrasions, and redness which is why you should always go for a pack having high breathability.
Moisture absorption
Some wrist and ankle weights have their inner wall made of a moisture-absorbing material that can quickly absorb sweat from your skin without retaining moisture. Once it absorbs the moisture, it can quickly lose it through evaporation, thereby staying dry throughout the time you will be wearing it around your skin.
Adjustability
Most wrist and ankle weights are reinforced with extendable straps having Velcro covering so that you can have a snug fit around your hands and legs effortlessly. Just make sure that the Velcro is of the highest quality so that hook and loop surfaces stay attached during your workout.
What Features Make Ankles and Wrist Weights Special?
You can get a long list of ankle and wrist weights in the market, but only a few have features that make them unique from others. Below, we have listed some of these key features you should look for in the ankle and wrist weights.
- Make sure the product you choose is bolstered with metallic D-rings or loops through which you can pass the strap for adjusting the weights properly.
- These weights are either filled with iron sand or balls, ensuring that you can add the required resistance level to your workout plans.
- The reflection trims help you work out in dark or low light conditions and prevent yourself from any injury.
- Most products are reinforced with a cross or double stitching to ensure that they can last for a long time and the weight is distributed along the entire length.
How Much Do Ankle and Wrist Weights Cost on Average?
Ankle and wrist weights usually come in pairs and cost between $11.99 and $18.99 based on many factors. For example, large-sized weights are costlier than small ones. Similarly, products made from neoprene material with extra padding cost much higher than those manufactured using cotton.
How to Use Ankle and Wrist Weights During Workouts?
If you don’t know how to use ankle and wrist weights, follow the below-given instructions and start training in a better way.
- Lay the weight flat on a surface and rest your wrist or ankle right at the center.
- Adjust the belt's position to make sure that the ends are touching each other without causing any discomfort.
- Next, extend the strap and wrap it around the wrist or ankle.
- Now attach the Velcro to ensure that the weights have a snug fit and aren’t compressing your bones.
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