Utilizing ankle weights is an effective way so as to add resistance to your exercise routine, which can assist enhance stability and enhance energy. 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 dimension, they’re simple to tackle the go or add to your house exercise house.
To search out the most effective ankle weights in the marketplace, we first spoke with health specialists about what key options to search for in a high-quality choice. Then, we examined 22 expert-approved ankle weights from prime 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 Score: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who need a high-quality, adjustable, and cozy set of fashionable ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Bala’s Bangles blew us away with their high-quality, comfy silicone materials, glossy 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 will simply regulate the burden of every pair by 2-ounce increments. Because of their sturdy Velcro closure and grippy silicone exterior, they by no means budged, even throughout tougher workouts like standing leg lifts and mountain climbers.
We love that they’re water resistant 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 opponents may. Plus, we like that they are glossy and classy sufficient to put on on health walks or to run errands.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than different choices on our checklist, 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 Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who need 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 comparable 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 seem to be a stable substitute for Bala Bangles, particularly should you can snag them once they’re on sale.
After we examined the 2-pound choice, we cherished how comfy 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 significantly 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 tough.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights sometimes pulled our physique hair. To keep away from this, you might need to put on these with thick exercise leggings and/or a protracted sleeve shirt.
- Throughout some workouts, we seen that one ankle weight felt barely heavier than the opposite. Nonetheless, usually, their resistance felt comparable.
-
Smooth and cozy
-
Keep in place
-
Excessive-quality
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1.5 or 3 kilos | Materials: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 inches | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers in search of a extra budget-friendly set of ankle weights and for many who already love P.volve’s train system.
Why We Love Them
Price range-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, they usually combine seamlessly with the remainder of P. Volve’s train system. Nonetheless, they can be used alone in any exercise the place you need to add a little bit resistance.
After we examined the 3-pound weights, we cherished the texture of their mushy neoprene materials. Plus, they didn’t slip once 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 comfy 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 totally different calf and wrist sizes.
- Whilst you cannot regulate their weight, you possibly can select between two resistance choices.
-
Straightforward to make small, exact changes
-
Securely match a variety of ankle and wrist sizes
-
Price range-friendly
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1-15 kilos (bought individually) | Materials: Neoprene (1-3.5 kilos), nylon (5-7.5 kilos), iron pellets | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 9.5 x 4 inches | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to superior exercisers who need a budget-friendly, comfy set of ankle weights for strengthening and bodily (PT) workouts.
Why We Love Them
ProsourceFit’s Ankle Weights stand out for his or her comfy, extremely adjustable match. After we wrapped them round our ankles, we cherished their mushy, comfortable really feel. After we examined the 2-pound choice, 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 via a metallic tab, making it simple to place them on and make small, exact changes, even in the midst of our exercise routines. Not like another ankle weights we examined, we love that this budget-friendly pair comfortably suits a variety 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 once we carried out slower-paced workouts, we expect they’d slide round a bit throughout faster-paced exercises.
Most Priceless Perception
“I discovered these weights comfy 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 comfortable. 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 dimension changes, you possibly can put on quite a lot of pants or socks—they’d 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 Score: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers who need budget-friendly, extremely customizable ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Sportneer’s Ankle Weights are our prime decide for an adjustable, extremely customizable, and budget-friendly choice. They function a conventional ankle weight design with 5 detachable pockets with sand filling and a Velcro closure. We love that you just get 5 weights in a single with these, making them a really versatile choice that may be adjusted to go well with the wants of newbie to intermediate customers.
Throughout testing, we cherished that these match our ankles and wrists snugly and have been a breeze to regulate for a extra custom-made 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 occasions. Nonetheless, we nonetheless suppose this feature gives good worth for its worth.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 0.25-25 kilos (bought individually) | Materials: Vinyl | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 12 x 4.25 inches | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to superior exercisers who need a high-quality ankle weight that is available in heavier weight choices.
Why We Love Them
The Cuff Unique Ankle and Wrist Weight contains a ton of weight choices and a protracted closure strap, offering a safe match for low to high-intensity exercises. With their high-quality, glossy design, we expect they offer off a cool, classic boxing vibe. Plus, with three giant Velcro pads evenly spaced throughout every weight, it’s simple to discover a sturdy grip round our ankles. Throughout testing, we cherished how their materials felt in opposition to our pores and skin and the way their rectangular design lined our whole ankles with none stress 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 tougher to placed on our wrists.
- These are bought in singles, not like different choices on our checklist, that are bought as units.
Most Priceless Perception
“They’re extremely comfy, transportable, and well-made. Their lengthy adjustment strap is de facto 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 custom-made 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 Score: 4.3/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers trying 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 predict this makes them extra comfy 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 will not sound like loads 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, retaining our wrist weights in place even throughout extra dynamic actions like leaping jacks and once we get sweaty.
Potential Flaws
- The burden of every pair is not adjustable. However should you’re comfy utilizing 2-pound weights, this should not be an issue.
-
In a position to regulate weight in small increments
-
Breathable, with ample cushioning
-
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 Score: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 prime decide for anybody looking for safe, sturdy, and high-quality ankle weights. This ankle weight’s giant, adjustable Velcro strap is powerful, offering a reliable match, significantly for folks with bigger ankles or wrists. We cherished how simple these have been to placed on and take off. We additionally cherished 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 necessary function for high-quality ankle weights like these. We love that they’ve particular person weight baggage, 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 targets.
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 Priceless Perception
“That is clearly a powerful product fabricated from robust supplies. It’s one thing you’d purchase if you’d like it to final for a very long time. Plus, its material feels very mushy and properly cushioned.” —Lexi Lane, Verywell Match product tester
-
Thick, safe Velcro strap
-
Comfy, breathable material
-
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 Score: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for intermediate to superior exercisers who want breathable weights for sweaty exercises, like scorching yoga courses or out of doors coaching periods.
Why We Love Them
GAIAM’s Restore Ankle Weights shortly nabbed our spot for the most effective moisture-wicking choice, because of their mushy and extremely breathable development. Throughout testing, we cherished 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 cozy 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 seems for in a very good 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 glossy and compact. We discovered them simple to hold in our fitness center bag to move post-workout.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights could also be too giant for smaller ankles and calves.
- These weights supply restricted dimension adjustability, which can compromise their stability for some throughout higher-intensity exercises.
Most Priceless Perception
“I used these on my naked ankles and located the material texture fairly comfy. The burden 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
-
Excessive-quality supplies
-
Plush, comfy padding
-
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 Score: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for folks looking for trendy, comfy, high-quality ankle weights for on a regular basis use.
Why We Love Them
Tracy Anderson’s UWRAPS Ankle Weights completely mix type and performance. These weights are available a number of glossy coloration 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 light across the bony elements 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 encompass aerobics, cardio, dance-based workouts, and mat work), you possibly can seamlessly incorporate them into any low-intensity exercise, whether or not at house, the fitness center, 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 dimension adjustability and should slide on smaller ankles and wrists.
- These weights are pricier than different choices on our checklist, though we expect their high quality exceeds their worth.
Most Priceless Perception
“My favourite factor about these weights is their consolation; typically with ankle weights, I can really feel an uncomfortable stress 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 prime 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 Comfy and Greatest Heavier Weights. We’ve additionally added three new superlatives: Most Sturdy, Greatest Moisture-Wicking, and Greatest Smooth.
- We consulted two new specialists, an authorized private coach, and a health skilled, to raised perceive safely use ankle weights and guarantee all the info in our roundup is updated.
What to Search for When Looking for Ankle Weights
- Weight: Our specialists suggest selecting a weight with which you’ll 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 stress in your wrist and ankle joints, resulting in put on and tear over time. Additionally, be aware 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 comfy in opposition to the pores and skin, they’re inclined to tearing, in order that they will not be as sturdy as different choices. Ankle weights fabricated from silicone are simpler to scrub and extra sweat-resistant, however they are typically pricier.
- Filling: Ankle weights are sometimes stuffed with sand, metal shot, iron powder, or water. Certainly one of our specialists recommends sand filling, saying it molds to your physique greater than different fillings. Nonetheless, some sand-filled choices might leak. In case you’re significantly involved with leakage, you might need to contemplate an choice with metal filling.
- Closure Kind: Selecting ankle weights with a dependable closure is significant to avoiding accidents or painful chafing throughout train. Our specialists like Velcro closures as a result of they’re simple to make use of and will be adjusted to suit most ankle sizes and shapes. In case you’re not a fan of Velcro or need a extra exact adjustment mechanism, you might go for a pair with a magnetized belt buckle.
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 based mostly on the next key standards.
- Setup: Upon unboxing, we be aware how simple they’re to arrange and start utilizing. We contemplate whether or not they come totally assembled and, if not, how intensive the setup course of is. We additionally ensure that all the crucial elements are included.
- Ease of Use: After finishing two train circuits, we be aware 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 be aware how simple it’s to regulate the burden throughout our train routine. We additionally contemplate whether or not the burden 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 properly 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 once we begin to sweat. We prioritize choices with comfortable, safe closures that match totally 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 be aware if their weight is evenly distributed or if one feels heavier than the opposite. We prioritize mushy, comfy ankle weights with an excellent distribution of weight that feels nice all through our exercise and in sweatier circumstances.
- Versatility: To make sure the ankle weights supply sufficient versatility, we be aware whether or not we will comfortably carry out each train in our full-body circuit with every pair with out adjusting our type. 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 be aware whether or not every pair comes with a carry bag or might simply be transported in a fitness center 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 take 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.
Our Consultants
We consulted specialists at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of for this story. The next specialists helped us perceive what key options to search for in high-quality ankle weights and use them correctly. Though we make our product choices independently, skilled 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 energy 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
Continuously Requested Questions
Can ankle weights be used when working or strolling?
Sporting weights in your ankles and wrists whereas strolling or working might trigger joint stress and imbalance over time. Seek the advice of your healthcare supplier earlier than strolling or working with ankle weights to ensure it’s protected for you to take action.
What’s one of the simplest ways to make use of ankle weights?
When paired with the best type and an acceptable weight, ankle and wrist weights are efficient and protected for energy coaching and higher and decrease physique exercises. Ankle weights are a staple in Pilates routines, the place you possibly can 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 sometimes 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 match properly, though you might need to enhance the burden when performing extra superior workouts. Take heed to your physique and converse to your licensed private coach, healthcare supplier, or bodily therapist should you aren’t positive how a lot weight is suitable.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Megan Foley is a contract wellness and health author {and professional} ballet dancer. With over eight years of expertise writing for well being web sites and particular person wellness manufacturers, she’s captivated with 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 incessantly used ankle weights on the barre to maximise muscle tone and total energy. 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 contributing author with 5 years of expertise writing within the well being and wellness house. She enjoys staying up-to-date on the most effective merchandise and prides herself on sifting via the noise to seek out choices that really work. An avid exerciser, Tori routinely makes use of ankle weights in her exercises, particularly throughout her decrease physique energy coaching routine, and is aware of what to search for in a very good set. She additionally participated within the testing course of for this text.