Even adding the lightest load will make a huge difference.

 Tone your muscles, boost your stamina and strengthen your bone health with our round-up of the best ankle, wrist and wearable weights that suit a range of fitness levels and budgets. 

If you’ve been looking for a way to level up your workouts, it’s time you strap on a set of weights to your ankles or wrists. No, we don’t mean sticky tapping a dumbbell or free weight to yourself — we’re talking about those pretty bangle-like bands fitness instructors, celebrities and all your friends started using to add resistance to their workouts when we all went into lockdown.

At first glance, ankle and wrist weights look innocent. However, don’t underestimate the power of this little extra load. Even the tiniest bit of added weight (we’re talking 0.5kg light!) during a workout can fire up your muscles to work twice as hard, target all those forgotten areas and leave you crawling out of bed the next morning.

Intrigued? Here, we’ve rounded up the best ankle, wrist and wearable weights currently on the market that cater to a range of fitness levels and budgets. Whether you’re doing an intense HIIT workout, a slow-burning Pilates class or taking a casual stroll around the block, strapping on some weights will give you that added oomph, which feels so good post-workout.

Bala Bangles, from $75 at Amazon

Do Bala Bangles even need an introduction? The OGs of chic bangle-esque weights were a hit even before lockdowns and social distancing became the norm. The eye-catching Bala design stepped away from the old Jazzercise-era styles, blurring the lines between fitness and fashion. Aside from the beautiful aesthetics of Bala Bangles, the comfort and fit is also unsurpassed. Regardless of the size of your ankles or wrists, Balas will fit without chafing or scraping the skin.

For those in Australia, getting your hands on Balas isn’t as difficult as it used to be a year or two ago — the 0.5kg Bangles in the core colours are now available on Amazon. Word of advice: they do tend to sell out incredibly quickly so run, don’t walk.

ES Fit Power Bracelets, $69 at The Iconic

Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul

These weighted bracelets from Australian fitness brand ES Fit, are just like the Bala Bangles but more accessible for Aussies and slightly cheaper. The weight of the bracelets can be adjusted to suit your needs and although the total weight of 1kg between the set may almost seem insignificant, don’t underestimate the power of the burn waiting for you after a few reps.

They’re available in seven different colourways on The Iconic. You’ll also want to pair them with the brand’s durable fabric resistance bands (seriously, genius stuff) for the ultimate burn sesh.

Adidas Ankle/Wrist Weights, $39.95 at Amazon

If you want to test the waters of ankle and wrist weights without spending too much money, we suggest starting with something basic like these Adidas Ankle/Wrist Weights. They’re nothing fancy, they weigh a comfortable 0.5kg each and they’re yours for under $40. These no-frill weights have garnered a 4.5 average star rating on Amazon alone, with reviewers commenting on how durable and comfortable they are.

One person wrote: “Nice starter weights, well made and robust. No problems, very happy.”

Another person commented saying: “They’re comfortable, soft, and don’t slip around too much.”

The only downside pointed out by reviewers is that they’re made for smaller ankles and wrists.

PowerTrain Adjustable 5kg Ankle Weights, $119 at Myer

While even using 1kg wearable weights can truly make the world of difference, those who hit the gym daily and lift regularly will definitely want wearable weights to match their calibre. If this sounds like you, the PowerTrain Ankle Weights will help you get the most out of your workouts.

You can remove each 1kg iron sand-filled section of these weights to increase or decrease the total as needed — the maximum is 5kg on each side with a total of 10kg together. They’re made from super-tough woven nylon and feature a fully adjustable velcro strap to fit all sizes. Trust us when we say these aren’t for the faint-hearted.

Celsius Wrist Weights 2kg, $29.99 at Rebel Sport

Image: Rebel Sport.Source:BodyAndSoul

Although most ankle weights can be used interchangeably between wrists and ankles, some may be too bulky or not fit comfortably on the wrists, which can actually end up causing injury. These Celsius weights are specifically made for wrists only and feature thumbholes to make them even more comfortable and secure to wear. In fact, you can box, burpee and skip your way through a high-intensity workout without them budging one bit.

Fragraim Ankle Weights, from $90.42 at Amazon

These sleek Fragraim weights have accumulated over 1.1k five-star ratings on Amazon alone, with reviewers raving about the comfort and softness of the material. “These are exceptionally good in that they are comfortable, stay in position and are a lot more compact than others I have seen. They seem pretty durable,” one user commented. They're made of a soft, stretchy neoprene fabric that’s incredibly breathable, and Amazon carries them in five different weights so there’s a set that caters to every fitness level.

Lifespan Fitness Strength Series Weighted Vest, from $115 at Myer

If you’re a serious gym-goer who wants a challenge, a weighted vest will do the trick. This Lifespan vest can be used for weight training, hiking and even cardio (watching people do hill sprints or even intense Barry’s Bootcamp classes(!) with a weighted vest strapped to them is awe-inspiring, to say the least).

It comes in a variety of different intensities — 5kg, 10kg and an adjustable 20kg with 1kg increments — to cater to different fitness levels, features dual-buckle fastenings at the front for a locked-in fit and laser-cut ventilation for much-needed airflow.

Tone-y Bands Adjustable Wrist Weights, $84.42 at Amazon

A lot of wearable weights you’ll come across will be made with fabric or velcro that isn’t the easiest to wipe down after a sweaty workout — and this is where the Tone-y weights reign superior. Each 0.5kg band is 100 per cent fabric-free, making them an absolute breeze to wipe down, disinfect and air dry. The unique design features removable stainless steel weighted pegs that simply slide in and out as well as an adjustable strap that can extend up to 23cm long.

Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights, $54.99 at Amazon

The Sportneer Ankle Weights are a great customisable option that also won’t break the bank. Each band features a velcro closure and five removable sand-filled weight pockets — making each 1kg ankle weight adjustable by 0.17kg increments. This makes them perfect for both beginners and more advanced users, or anyone who performs a wide range of workouts that all require different weights, regardless if they’re strapped to your ankles or wrists.

What weight is best for ankle weights?

The perfect weight can boost your stamina and help strengthen and tone your muscles. However, too heavy and you can increase your risk of injury. It’s a fine line so, how heavy should ankle weights actually be?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a universal number because the perfect weight varies between each individual based on experience, joint health, stamina and strength level.

It’s best to start light, let your body adjust to the extra load and then slowly increase the weight over time by no more than 0.5kg increments. Generally speaking, weights between 0.5 to 1kg per leg is a good starting point.

Do ankle weights actually work?

There are plenty of benefits that come with adding ankle weights to your workouts. Some of these include the following:

Easy to use: Using ankle weights or any wearable weights eliminates the need to hold onto dumbbells or free weights to perform exercises where weights are needed. Instead of worrying about holding extra equipment, you can focus on your breath and posture.

Boosts endurance: An extra load will increase your stamina as you’re working harder than usual. This will of course, boost your cardiovascular health. It also means you burn more calories during your workout because you’re expending more energy.

Tones muscles: It goes without saying that wearing ankle weights will tone your legs and wrist weights will tone your arms. Of course, variation in workouts is highly recommended so you can target all your muscles and reap the most benefits.

Versatile: Most ankle weights can also be used as wrist weights. Plus, they don’t just have to be worn during workouts — wear them around the house, on walks around the block or to the supermarket.

Is it safe to run with wearable weights?

Running with weights can increase calorie burn, improve posture and strengthen bone health. However, it doesn’t come without risks. The key here is to avoid adding too much weight too soon. If you aren’t a regular runner, start by simply getting into the routine of hitting the pavement more. Then, once you feel like you need a bit of a challenge, try adding in some light weights — between 0.5 to 1kg would be sufficient for each leg or arm. If you’re wearing a weighted vest, opt for one no heavier than 10 per cent of your body weight.

Avoid increasing your workouts too quickly, ensure you take a sufficient amount of rest days and recover after workouts with nourishing foods. If you experience any unusual joint pain from running with wearable weights, stop immediately and seek advice from a doctor.

Looking for more workout gear? We’ve previously rounded up the best yoga mat bags and carriers to buy as well as the best adjustable dumbbells to workout with from home. For all the best shopping deals, you’ll want to check out our coupons page.

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