Utilizing ankle weights is an effective way so as to add resistance to your exercise routine, which can assist enhance steadiness and improve power. Newbie to superior exercisers can put on them on their ankles and, in some circumstances, their wrists throughout body weight workouts, cardio, Pilates sequences, and extra. Plus, due to their measurement, they’re simple to tackle the go or add to your residence exercise area.
To search out the most effective ankle weights in the marketplace, we first spoke with health consultants about what key options to search for in a high-quality possibility. Then, we examined 22 expert-approved ankle weights from high manufacturers in The Verywell Testing Lab, utilizing every pair whereas finishing two decrease physique, core, and arm exercise circuits. One circuit was carried out whereas dry, and the opposite was carried out after spritzing ourselves with water to simulate very sweaty circumstances. We evaluated every pair for setup, ease of use, adjustability, match, consolation, versatility, portability, and worth. We additionally had an authorized yoga and Pilates teacher from our Assessment Board evaluate this text for accuracy.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1, 2, or 3 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Metal, silicone | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13 x 3 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who desire a high-quality, adjustable, and comfy set of trendy ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Bala’s Bangles blew us away with their high-quality, snug silicone materials, smooth look, and flexibility. We love how simple they’re to lock and regulate to our ankles or wrists earlier than starting our exercise routine. We additionally love that we are able to simply regulate the load of every pair by 2-ounce increments. Due to their sturdy Velcro closure and grippy silicone exterior, they by no means budged, even throughout more difficult workouts like standing leg lifts and mountain climbers.
We love that they’re waterproof and don’t maintain on to sweat or moisture. They’re additionally a breeze to scrub—spray them with a pure cleansing agent and wipe any grime off with a fabric. And since they’re made with recycled metal filling, they will not leak onto your flooring and create a multitude like their sand-filled rivals may. Plus, we like that they are smooth and classy sufficient to put on on health walks or to run errands.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than different choices on our record, however they’re sturdy and constructed to final.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1 or 2 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Silicone | Closure: Adjustable strap with magnet | Dimensions: 14.1 x 3.7 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who desire a sturdy, easy-to-adjust set of ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Sculpt Society’s Ankle Weights intently resemble Bala Bangles with their sturdy silicone materials and related design. Nonetheless, this set closes with an adjustable strap with a magnetic closure for added safety. We particularly appreciated this function as we carried out faster-paced and extra superior workouts. After testing each choices, we expect they are a strong substitute for Bala Bangles, particularly if you happen to can snag them once they’re on sale.
After we examined the 2-pound possibility, we beloved how snug they have been. We additionally like that every ankle weight is simple to regulate in 4-ounce increments. You merely slide on or off a number of of the eight included blocks so as to add or take away weight. We notably like this weight adjustment mechanism, which we discover extra seamless than different choices that require you to take away or re-insert weighted pockets into the ankle weights, which will be difficult.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights often pulled our physique hair. To keep away from this, you might need to put on these with thick exercise leggings and/or an extended sleeve shirt.
- Throughout some workouts, we seen that one ankle weight felt barely heavier than the opposite. Nonetheless, basically, their resistance felt related.
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PHOTO: Verywell Match / Nick Kova
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PHOTO: Verywell Match / Nick Kova
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Delicate and comfy
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Keep in place
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Excessive-quality
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1.5 or 3 kilos | Materials: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers on the lookout for a extra budget-friendly set of ankle weights and for individuals who already love P.volve’s train system.
Why We Love Them
Funds-friendly merchandise typically sacrifice high quality for the worth, however this is not the case with P. Volve’s 3 LB Ankle Weights. These ankle weights are a part of Jennifer Aniston’s favourite line of exercise merchandise, and so they combine seamlessly with the remainder of P. Volve’s train system. Nonetheless, they may also be used alone in any exercise the place you need to add a bit of resistance.
After we examined the 3-pound weights, we beloved the texture of their mushy neoprene materials. Plus, they didn’t slip after we affixed them to our ankles throughout workouts, together with extra high-intensity strikes. That includes a conventional design with a Velcro closure, we love how snug they really feel in opposition to our pores and skin. We recognize that we by no means have to fret about their clean materials catching on our physique hair or pinching our pores and skin.
Potential Flaws
- We want their Velcro straps have been longer for a extra adjustable match to accommodate completely different calf and wrist sizes.
- When you cannot regulate their weight, you may select between two resistance choices.
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PHOTO: Verywell Match / Nick Kova
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PHOTO: Verywell Match / Nick Kova
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Straightforward to make small, exact changes
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Securely match a spread of ankle and wrist sizes
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Funds-friendly
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1-15 kilos (offered individually) | Materials: Neoprene (1-3.5 kilos), nylon (5-7.5 kilos), iron pellets | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 9.5 x 4 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to superior exercisers who desire a budget-friendly, snug set of ankle weights for strengthening and bodily (PT) workouts.
Why We Love Them
ProsourceFit’s Ankle Weights stand out for his or her snug, extremely adjustable match. After we wrapped them round our ankles, we beloved their mushy, cosy really feel. After we examined the 2-pound possibility, their cushioning properly padded our ankles and prevented discomfort as we carried out standing leg lifts, double leg lifts, donkey kicks, and extra.
We actually like these ankle weights’ lengthy, adjustable Velcro straps, which loop again by means of a metallic tab, making it simple to place them on and make small, exact changes, even in the midst of our exercise routines. In contrast to another ankle weights we examined, we love that this budget-friendly pair comfortably suits a spread of ankle and wrist sizes. Plus, we additionally love that these simply roll right into a small ball, making them a breeze to tackle the go.
Potential Flaws
- Relying on the dimensions of your calves, the Velcro might rub in opposition to your pores and skin, so you might need to put on full-length leggings or crew socks whereas utilizing these ankle weights.
- Whereas these labored nice after we carried out slower-paced workouts, we expect they’d slide round a bit throughout faster-paced exercises.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I discovered these weights snug on each my ankles and wrists. Their materials is well-cushioned and mushy; even when tightly wrapped round my ankle, they nonetheless felt supportive and cozy. They’re additionally very simple and fast to regulate and permit for a lot of inches of various sizes. As a result of there’s a lot room for measurement changes, you may put on quite a lot of pants or socks—they might even match over denims.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 0.5-2 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.7 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who need budget-friendly, extremely customizable ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Sportneer’s Ankle Weights are our high choose for an adjustable, extremely customizable, and budget-friendly possibility. They function a conventional ankle weight design with 5 detachable pockets with sand filling and a Velcro closure. We love that you simply get 5 weights in a single with these, making them a really versatile possibility that may be adjusted to go well with the wants of newbie to intermediate customers.
Throughout testing, we beloved that these match our ankles and wrists snugly and have been a breeze to regulate for a extra personalized match. They keep put whether or not we use them for higher or decrease physique workouts. And so they by no means slip, even on very moist pores and skin.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, one sandbag ripped barely after we eliminated it and reinserted it a number of instances. Nonetheless, we nonetheless suppose this feature presents good worth for its value.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 0.25-25 kilos (offered individually) | Materials: Vinyl | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 12 x 4.25 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to superior exercisers who desire a high-quality ankle weight that is available in heavier weight choices.
Why We Love Them
The Cuff Authentic Ankle and Wrist Weight encompasses a ton of weight choices and an extended closure strap, offering a safe match for low to high-intensity exercises. With their high-quality, smooth design, we expect they provide off a cool, classic boxing vibe. Plus, with three giant Velcro pads evenly spaced throughout every weight, it’s simple to discover a robust grip round our ankles. Throughout testing, we beloved how their materials felt in opposition to our pores and skin and the way their rectangular design lined our whole ankles with none strain factors or discomfort.
Their weight felt evenly distributed as we carried out core, higher, and decrease physique workouts. We love that their double-stitching offers sturdiness whereas the vinyl materials is simple to scrub–simply wipe it down with a mushy, damp fabric. And whereas they go as much as very heavy weight choices, Kollins Ezekh, knowledgeable coach with over 15 years of experience, recommends beginning with a lighter weight and rising as you progress.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas these weights have been simple to safe round our ankles, they have been a bit more difficult to placed on our wrists.
- These are offered in singles, not like different choices on our record, that are offered as units.
Most Beneficial Perception
“They’re extremely snug, transportable, and well-made. Their lengthy adjustment strap is basically useful for securing the weights onto my ankles and wrists. There’s a pleasant quantity of Velcro pads positioned alongside the design to permit for a really personalized match.” —Jordan Regulation, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2 kilos | Materials: Polyester, spandex, iron weights | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.3/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers wanting so as to add resistance to higher physique workouts or for kickboxers who need to add some weight to their punches.
Why We Love Them
Whereas many ankle weights can be utilized interchangeably on wrists and ankles, DB Methodology’s Dreamlets have been uniquely made for wrist workouts and function thumbholes. We expect this makes them extra snug to put on round your wrists than bulkier ankle weights.
These wrist weights match equally to weightlifting gloves, however each provides a few kilos to your exercise. That won’t sound like plenty of weight, however it may well add a substantial problem to high-rep, body weight workouts like entrance raises, lateral raises, and tricep kickbacks. We love how safe their Velcro closures are, preserving our wrist weights in place even throughout extra dynamic actions like leaping jacks and after we get sweaty.
Potential Flaws
- The load of every pair is not adjustable. However if you happen to’re snug utilizing 2-pound weights, this should not be an issue.
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In a position to regulate weight in small increments
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Breathable, with ample cushioning
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Massive, adjustable strap for safe match
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2, 3, 5, or 8 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Cotton, neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13.07 x 4.68 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to intermediate exercisers looking for sturdy, safe, and heavy-duty ankle weights for focused workouts.
Why We Love Them
Henkelion’s Adjustable Ankle Weights are our high choose for anybody looking for safe, sturdy, and high-quality ankle weights. This ankle weight’s giant, adjustable Velcro strap is robust, offering a reliable match, notably for individuals with bigger ankles or wrists. We beloved how simple these have been to placed on and take off. We additionally beloved their mushy, breathable cotton materials and ample cushioning, which offered added consolation throughout our sweaty, intense exercises.
Together with their cotton exterior, these weights function a neoprene materials and strengthened stitching. This offers the sturdiness to resist intensive use, a vital function for high-quality ankle weights like these. We love that they’ve particular person weight luggage, permitting us to regulate their weight in small increments. Every bag’s weight is determined by the set’s complete weight, with choices accessible for numerous health ranges and objectives.
Potential Flaws
- After we used these on moist pores and skin, they slid throughout high-intensity dynamic workouts, making them a better option for slower-paced, focused workouts like squats and kickbacks.
Most Beneficial Perception
“That is clearly a powerful product manufactured from robust supplies. It’s one thing you’d purchase in order for you it to final for a very long time. Plus, its material feels very mushy and effectively cushioned.” —Lexi Lane, Verywell Match product tester
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Thick, safe Velcro strap
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Snug, breathable material
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Compact and simple to move
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2.5 or 5 kilos | Materials: Neoprene, polyester, mesh with sand filling | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 7.13 x 5.39 inches | Our Total Ranking: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Finest for intermediate to superior exercisers who want breathable weights for sweaty exercises, like sizzling yoga courses or out of doors coaching classes.
Why We Love Them
GAIAM’s Restore Ankle Weights rapidly nabbed our spot for the most effective moisture-wicking possibility, due to their mushy and extremely breathable building. Throughout testing, we beloved that their supplies successfully absorbed moisture whereas their mesh offered an ethereal really feel round our ankles. Plus, we didn’t expertise chafing as we accomplished our exercise circuits.
They function a giant Velcro closure, which offered a secure match and comfy weight distribution as we carried out double leg lifts, donkey kicks, and extra. Ezkeh says {that a} thick Velcro strap is the first function he appears to be like for in ankle weight, because the thicker the strap, the higher the safety across the ankle, and these ankle weights positively ship. Though they arrive in heavier choices, their design is smooth and compact. We discovered them simple to hold in our gymnasium bag to move post-workout.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights could also be too giant for smaller ankles and calves.
- These weights provide restricted measurement adjustability, which can compromise their stability for some throughout higher-intensity exercises.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I used these on my naked ankles and located the material texture fairly snug. The load was distributed comfortably over the floor of the weights and I did not really feel any uncomfortable presssure in anyone spot.” —Jordan Regulation, Verywell Match product tester
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Excessive-quality supplies
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Plush, snug padding
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Evenly distributed weight
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1.5 kilos | Materials: Vegan leather-based, metallic ball filling | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: Not listed | Our Total Ranking: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Finest for individuals looking for trendy, snug, high-quality ankle weights for on a regular basis use.
Why We Love Them
Tracy Anderson’s UWRAPS Ankle Weights completely mix kind and performance. These weights are available a number of smooth colour choices with gold accents. Throughout testing, we discovered them simple to placed on and safe round our ankles, and their weight felt evenly distributed. We particularly love their plush cushioning, which conforms properly round our ankles and wrists as we carry out our exercise circuits. We additionally discovered they felt particularly mild across the bony components of our ankles and wrists–a pleasant contact for these with extra delicate pores and skin.
Constructed of vegan leather-based, these ankle weights are simple to scrub and moisture-resistant. Whereas they’re designed with Tracy Anderson Methodology courses in thoughts (which include aerobics, cardio, dance-based workouts, and mat work), you may seamlessly incorporate them into any low-intensity exercise, whether or not at residence, the gymnasium, or an train class. And we expect they’re trendy sufficient to be worn out and about.
Potential Flaws
- With a comparatively small Velcro strap, these ankle weights present restricted measurement adjustability and should slide on smaller ankles and wrists.
- These weights are pricier than different choices on our record, though we expect their high quality exceeds their worth.
Most Beneficial Perception
“My favourite factor about these weights is their consolation; usually with ankle weights, I can really feel an uncomfortable strain in opposition to my ankle bones, however these are well-cushioned and by no means dig into or pinch my pores and skin.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Match product tester
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary examined roundup of the most effective ankle weights, we’ve re-evaluated our earlier picks and hands-on examined 5 further ankle weight choices from high manufacturers. Based mostly on our testing, we’ve evaluated every pair for setup, ease of use, adjustability, match, consolation, versatility, portability, and worth and included these new insights in our article.
- Based mostly on our testing insights, we’ve reworked two superlatives and product picks, together with Most Snug and Finest Heavier Weights. We’ve additionally added three new superlatives: Most Sturdy, Finest Moisture-Wicking, and Finest Smooth.
- We consulted two new consultants, an authorized private coach, and a health professional, to raised perceive the way to safely use ankle weights and guarantee the entire info in our roundup is updated.
What to Search for When Searching for Ankle Weights
- Weight: Our consultants advocate selecting a weight with which you’ll be able to carry out many reps, like 2- or 3-pound choices. Extra superior exercisers might need to go for a 5-pound pair. Whereas heavier pairs of ankle weights can be found, they may put an excessive amount of strain in your wrist and ankle joints, resulting in put on and tear over time. Additionally, word that heavier weights could also be pricier.
- Materials: Many ankle weights are crafted with neoprene for breathability. Some softer choices are lined in polyester, cotton, or terry fabric. Whereas these supplies can really feel extra snug in opposition to the pores and skin, they’re susceptible to tearing, in order that they might not be as sturdy as different choices. Ankle weights manufactured from silicone are simpler to scrub and extra sweat-resistant, however they are usually pricier.
- Filling: Ankle weights are usually full of sand, metal shot, iron powder, or water. One among our consultants recommends sand filling, saying it molds to your physique greater than different fillings. Nonetheless, some sand-filled choices might leak. In the event you’re notably involved with leakage, you might need to contemplate an possibility with metal filling.
- Closure Kind: Selecting ankle weights with a dependable closure is important to avoiding accidents or painful chafing throughout train. Our consultants like Velcro closures as a result of they’re simple to make use of and will be adjusted to suit most ankle sizes and styles. In the event you’re not a fan of Velcro or desire a extra exact adjustment mechanism, you might go for a pair with a magnetized belt buckle.
Verywell Match / Michelle Parente
How We Examined the Ankle Weights
To search out the most effective ankle weights, we examined 22 choices in our Lab, carrying them whereas we carried out leg lifts, mountain climbers, overhead presses, and extra. When testing ankle weights, we consider every set primarily based on the next key standards.
- Setup: Upon unboxing, we word how simple they’re to arrange and start utilizing. We contemplate whether or not they come absolutely assembled and, if not, how intensive the setup course of is. We additionally ensure that the entire needed components are included.
- Ease of Use: After finishing two train circuits, we word how simple every ankle weight is to make use of all through the exercise. We prioritize choices which can be simple to lock round our ankles and wrists and don’t require fixed changes.
- Adjustability: For choices with adjustable weights, we word how simple it’s to regulate the load throughout our train routine. We additionally contemplate whether or not the load increments are affordable for many health ranges. We prioritize ankle weights that regulate simply with out requiring us to reference their instruction guide.
- Match: Ankle weights carry out effectively on this class in the event that they match snugly all through the exercise with out sliding round. We additionally search for pairs with a safe closure that doesn’t transfer or come undone throughout workouts, even after we begin to sweat. We prioritize choices with cosy, safe closures that match completely different sizes of ankles and wrists.
- Consolation: When assessing for consolation, we contemplate how they really feel and whether or not they irritate our pores and skin or tug on our physique hair. We additionally word if their weight is evenly distributed or if one feels heavier than the opposite. We prioritize mushy, snug ankle weights with a good distribution of weight that feels nice all through our exercise and in sweatier circumstances.
- Versatility: To make sure the ankle weights provide sufficient versatility, we word whether or not we are able to comfortably carry out each train in our full-body circuit with every pair with out adjusting our kind. Pairs that rating excessive in versatility can be utilized on ankles and wrists for a lot of workouts.
- Portability: To evaluate the portability of every ankle weight, we word whether or not every pair comes with a carry bag or may simply be transported in a gymnasium backpack. We prioritize extremely transportable choices that simply roll up and/or are available a carrying case.
- Worth: To find out the worth of every set of ankle weights, we wait to have a look at the worth till we consider all different key standards. Ankle weights that obtain a excessive worth rating are price the identical or lower than we’d contemplate paying for them.
Verywell Match / Jessica Juliao
Our Consultants
We consulted consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of for this story. The next consultants helped us perceive what key options to search for in high-quality ankle weights and the way to use them correctly. Though we make our product picks independently, professional insights inform our decision-making course of.
- Kristin McGee, CPT, licensed Pilates and yoga teacher and Verywell Match evaluate board member
- Gabby Drucker, CPT, licensed private coach and proprietor of Drucker Health in Philadelphia
- Anna Mae Tiry, CPT, licensed private coach and Anytime Health franchise proprietor in Wisconsin
- Kevin Leon, CPT, private coach and power coach at Main Edge Private Trainers in New York Metropolis
- Kollins Ezekh, health skilled of over 15 years and founding father of Constructed By God TV
Often Requested Questions
Can ankle weights be used when operating or strolling?
Sporting weights in your ankles and wrists whereas strolling or operating might trigger joint stress and imbalance over time. Seek the advice of your healthcare supplier earlier than strolling or operating with ankle weights to ensure it’s secure for you to take action.
What’s one of the simplest ways to make use of ankle weights?
When paired with the fitting kind and an applicable weight, ankle and wrist weights are efficient and secure for power coaching and higher and decrease physique exercises. Ankle weights are a staple in Pilates routines, the place you may add them to strikes just like the double-leg stretch and backbone twist. If you wish to goal your abs, think about using them throughout hip lifts, alternating supermans, or the dragon flag.
How heavy ought to ankle weights be?
Ankle weights usually vary from 0.5 kilos to three kilos, though some choices might go as much as 7.5 kilos. For on a regular basis put on, 1 to three kilos may fit effectively, though you might need to improve the load when performing extra superior workouts. Hearken to your physique and communicate to your licensed private coach, healthcare supplier, or bodily therapist if you happen to aren’t positive how a lot weight is suitable.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Megan Foley is a Verywell Match wellness and health author and knowledgeable ballet dancer. She’s keen about translating meticulous analysis into compelling content material. In her 15 years of ballet coaching earlier than becoming a member of knowledgeable New York Metropolis-based firm, she regularly used ankle weights on the barre to maximise muscle tone and general power. Now, she makes use of Gaiam Restore Ankle Weights in her weekly yoga and Pilates courses.
Further reporting contributed by Tori Zhou
Tori Zhou is a Verywell Match author with 5 years of expertise writing within the well being and wellness area. She enjoys staying up-to-date on the most effective merchandise and prides herself on sifting by means of the noise to search out choices that truly work. An avid exerciser, Tori routinely makes use of ankle weights in her exercises, particularly throughout her decrease physique power coaching routine, and is aware of what to search for in set. She additionally participated within the testing course of for this text.