If you are looking to boost muscular endurance or build your muscles, you may want to consider getting ankle and wrist weights. The weights are a hands-free system that can help you improve the resistance to exercise done in the gym or at home. You can wear them like lunges, leg lifts, or a short walk and feel the effect on your wrists, quads, calves, glutes, and hamstrings. Regardless of how you choose to use this unique tool, you are confident of getting a lot of benefits.
In this guide, we will look at all you need to know before buying any of the best wrist & ankle weights.
Things to look out for before buying wrist and ankle weights
Before you click on the buy button, here are some solid tips you should consider before buying weights.
Material
Ankle weights are made using different materials, although most of them are crafted using neoprene, thus giving it increased breathability. Some are covered using terrycloth or cotton, thus giving it extra comfort, while others are made using silicone, making it easy to clean.
The interior of the weights may be filled with steel shot and water or iron powder.
Type of closure
It would help if you were sure that your ankle and wrist weights are secure before you engage in any exercise, as this will help avert chafing and injury. Velcro ranks as the most commonly used tool for adjusting the fit and tightness of the ankle weights, and the most popular of the fasteners are the O-rings, D-rings, and hook-and-loop closures. Buckles closures are reputed to be more durable even though you may find them uncomfortable if used for long workouts.
Weight
While choosing the wrist and ankle weights, the weight should be the first thing to consider because the amount of weight of each set ought to change totally with your skill level. Only go for consequences you can do a lot of reps with, such as the 3-pound. If you have been at it for a while, you will find ankle weights that measure up to 15 pounds. However, if you aren't clear about your workout goals, you could try out an adjustable set of ankle weights.
Cost
Note that price doesn't always translate to quality. Therefore, you should check the reviews on the budget-friendly product to ensure it is the right product. Ensure you search for products that have sturdy exterior materials and durable closures. Also, wrist and ankle weights made with reinforced double-stitching are bound to last for an extended period.
Adjustability
If you want your weights to be versatile and act as wrist weights, you need to ensure that they can be adjustable. Most ankle weights can be adjusted using a Velcro strap. However, you must ensure that the tightening mechanism comes with a versatile adjustment. Doing this will make it easier to use them as ankle or wrist weights.
Comfort
One other thing you should consider before buying your weights is the level of comfort they offer. It would help if you had ankle and wrist weights made using flexible and soft material durable and long-lasting. Also, the ankle weights should have an inner lining that should help cut down scratching and abrasion. Also, they ought to be securely and snuggly fit around your legs, making them easy to bounce around.
Aesthetics
While the main reason for getting weight is to boost your physical health and wellbeing, you also need to consider the way it looks. Get the right color and design that should make you feel comfortable and confident wearing them.
What are wrist and ankle weights used for?
The good thing about ankle and wrist weights is that you can use them for multiple functions. Some of the uses include:
Stretching
You may use this tool to stretch your muscles by inducing added gravity. Trying is vital for most forms of exercise because working out with cold muscles is not exactly the best because it causes injuries. Also, it is an easy and promising way to help you with stretching without causing excess stress.
Muscle toning
One other benefit of using these weights is that you can use them to tone your muscles. Wearing them during an aerobic or cardio workout can give you an extra push. These extras are essential if you don't have the luxury of time to exercise because they can be worn on the go. You will find your muscles slowly toning and helping them look the way you desire by wearing them.
Endurance and strength
Wrist and ankle weights are perfect for strength and endurance training. Lifting weights may not be a challenge for you, but lifting weights with more load attached to your wrist or legs will undoubtedly increase the challenge while boosting your gains. Carrying out cardio and aerobic exercises having wrist or ankle weights on will assist in increasing endurance. When you get used to running with weights, it becomes easier to run without weights.
Conclusion
Ankle and wrist weights come with several benefits. These weights help tone your muscle, stretch better and boost your endurance and strength. If you are not finding it easy to choose one, this guide should help make the process easier for you.
FAQs
Q. What can I use wrist and ankle weights for?
- There are several things you can use weights for, such as swimming, running, or cycling. Ankle weights are perfect for those looking to give themselves the needed extra challenge.
Q. How can I find the best weight for my wrist weights?
- Ankle and wrist weights are made in diverse weights even though they are lighter than dumbbells. They weigh from 1 and 10 lbs, but if you need something for your ankle, you need something weighing between 1 and 5 lbs.
Q. How do I know the weights are of the right quality?
- The easiest way to find the perfect product is to search for one that comes with sterling reviews online and offline. Also, check for their customer service delivery and warranty, if any.