Wrist and ankle weights are available in pouches or bands with water, sand or iron plates inside them. They are usually strapped around your wrists or ankles to add a maximum weight of 20 pounds to your body. Five weight bags weighing 1 pound each can be removed to reduce or increase the intensity, making each ankle weight adjustable in 1-pound increments. You can choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-pound ankle weight pairs, so there's an option for every fitness level. If you opt for the 5-pound pair like we did, you'll get five weights in one, which makes this option incredibly versatile. And, at a budget-friendly price, it's a value buy. The Adidas wrist weights also provide a tailored fit for different users. In addition, the velcro fastening is strong and keeps the weights in place on even high-intensity workouts. Fastening: Some of the weights on this list fasten by velcro, and are mainly a neoprene material, others are made from silicone and sit around an elastic band. If you’re allergic to silicone, you’ll want to opt for neoprene weights. That also means you shouldn't wear them during your runs or HIIT workouts — Draper said this is because ankle weights can add stress and strain to your joints. Draper doesn't recommend ankle weights for walking, either. However, if you choose to wear them during walking workouts, Draper said to "use light weights and do not use them for every walk due to the added stress on your joints and potential gait cycle changes."

Although a pair of ankle weights might not replace the versatility of the best adjustable dumbbells, if you’re on a budget (or new to fitness), why not start building your home gym with some small, bite-size investments? On a fashion note, the super fun color options allow people to personalize their weight attire. They have lovely tones including blush, sage, heather, charcoal, sea, and sand, as well as a sparkle option. They come with a matching mesh carrying pouch, which is a nice touch. That said, like many “hot fashion” items, however, these come with a rather hefty price tag per pound.Setup: Upon unboxing, we noted how easy it was to set up each ankle weight and start using it—did the ankle weight come fully assembled, or did additional weights like sand pouches have to be inserted before we could begin training? We noted whether all necessary parts of the set were included, whether the material and look of the ankle weights appeared brand new without any scuffing or rips, and if the weights offered their advertised resistance. As such, ankle weights may be a promising rehabilitation solution for people who’ve experienced a stroke and a tool for gait improvement in older adults. McEwen recommends P.volve's ankle weights, which secure with Velcro and come in 1.5-pound and three-pound options. "The sand-filled ankle weights stay securely strapped around the ankle, and I never have to worry about adjusting them throughout my workouts!" she said. We can vouch that they do stay put, and the fabric isn't irritating to the skin as you're moving around. Attention, ankle-weight newbies: start with a lightweight set. Because even if you're familiar with strength training, it's still a brand-new piece of equipment — you probably didn't load up your barbell the first time you laid eyes on one, right? Lastly, soft materials like terry cloth, neoprene, or lycra will provide the most comfort and are the least likely to cause chafing and skin irritation. Durability and Quality

The Sculpt Society's ankle weights closely resemble the Bala Bangles with similar durable silicone material and a similar design. They're a solid substitute on the chance that you're able to snag them when they're on sale (which seems to happen more often than for the Bala Bangles). Like the Bala Bangles, these also come in two weight options—1 or 2 pounds per ankle, meaning 2 to 4 pounds per set.The BONA Fitness Ankle Weights are ideal for seniors or beginners looking to add resistance to walking or bodyweight exercise. The 1.5-pound weight of each ankle offers three pounds of total resistance for exercise. The reflective trim is a standout feature on these ankle weights if you’re looking for additional visibility at dawn or dusk. The Synergee Adjustable Ankle Weights feature removable weights so you can make adjustments depending on who is using them and what exercises you’re doing.

On the positive side, however, these will really stay put once you strap them on. There is an extra-long closure strap attached (we’re talking 19.5” long). Additionally, there are three Velcro patches attached to the weight itself — the long strap plus the extra Velcro patches means these feel secure. The Synergee Adjustable Ankle Weights give you the option to adjust your weight depending on the exercise you’re performing. The set can also be secure around your arms for additional versatility. These ankle weights feature two sturdy 10.5-inch fabric fastener straps with a hook-and-loop closure for an extra-secure fit.

Finally, a 2017 study on walking mechanics in otherwise healthy adults found that ankle weights using 1–2% of a person’s body weight “can be effective for enhancing the walking factors of adults without symptoms” ( 7). Most ankle weights are suitable for both men and women, but not all will survive use by both. More importantly, some ankle weights might be viewed as just a bit too flashy or stylish for many men. The Fraigraim Ankle Weights are a great choice for men who are looking for a durable and comfortable set of ankle weights to add to their fitness routine. These ankle weights are soft and stretchy, made up of mercerized cotton, and men with leg hair will not need to worry about uncomfortable hair pulling. These weights will not cause chaffing and will absorb any moisture that might be created by the added weight against your skin. Whether you are completing your cardio routine or testing out a new strength regime, these ankle weights will be sure to challenge you. We also like that these specific ankle weights have a slim profile that allows you to move with ease, practicing careful rotations and working on your mind and body connection. What We Like Ankle Weights - Build lower body strength one step at a time with these ankle weights. Adjustable straps allow you to wrap weights around your ankle and strap securely in place without trying to slide it over your entire foot or calf.