They're light, but make a load of difference.
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us? Heavy Resistance Loop Bands
Pilates is having a moment, thanks to TikTok users loving the low impact burn and celebs like Julianne Hough showcasing the deceptively tough workout. Whether you're on a reformer or testing out a pilates ring, while streaming Pilates or sculpt workouts at home you've probably seen your trainer donning ankle weights to add resistance. Although relatively light and non-intimidating at first glance, don't underestimate the serious burn that adding even a couple of extra pounds to your lower-body moves can muster. "It increases the endurance of the muscle groups you're working," says Emily Diers, CPT, founder of Body Craft.
Diers frequently cues students to put on their ankle weights during her workouts for a little added oomph! "I use them for sculpt classes," she says. "Adding resistance to any movement is going to ask more from your muscle, and if you're doing it without rest it's going to add a cardiovascular element to it."
That said, you'll find that wearing ankle weights helps with more than just revving your heart rate and muscle gain: They can literally help improve your bone strength, too. How, you ask? Well, resistance training aids you in maintaining skeletal health by increasing your bone mass and density, says a 2018 study published in the journal, Endocrinology and Metabolism.
And while ankle weights can level up lots of exercises, there is one type of workout that Diers doesn't recommend wearing them for: "I stay away from using them during cardio just because I like to take optimal care of my joints and any extra weight with impact is just going to put more stress on them," she says. (This could be dancing, running or any workout that requires jumping, like plyo or, sometimes, HIIT.)
Another tip: Don't start too heavy. Diers recommends beginners skip the weight until they get the hang of their new fitness routines. "Working with body weight and gravity is enough resistance at first, and then once you feel confident in what the movement is, and what the format is, then you can add weight," she says. After you've mastered bodyweight exercises, start with 1 or 1.5-pound ankle weights, and then you can work up to 2 or 3 pounds from there.
You can adjust these ankle weights from 1 to 5 pounds as you get stronger, and the added hook closure is also great for reinforcing the strap so you never have to worry about one coming undone in the middle of a workout.
Reviewer Rave: "Totally love the ankle/wrist weights!! The fact that I can change and swap the little weights to build up resistance is the best thing about it. I highly advise those new to this to start low...the last thing you need is swollen joints from being too zealous."
The idea of trying to clean sweaty fabric ankle weights grosses you out? These cast-iron bars are coated in recycled silicone making them a cinch to wipe down post-workout, and they have a velcro strap that's easy to adjust. They come in a variety of weight increments, starting at 1/2 pound and go up to 2 pounds.
Reviewer Rave: "I love these weights. They are so sleek looking compared to other ankle weights. I love the case they come in, making them super easy to store in a small place. I also love how they do not move around on your ankles once they're on."
Yes, this pair is on the more expensive side. But do you want a totally sweat-proof set of ankle weights that you can clean and dry without hassle? These are 100-percent fabric-free and super easy to wipe down with disinfectant wipes or any other cleaner. Let them air dry in between sweat sessions and you're good to go.
Reviewer Rave: "I have used a lot of similar products for strengthening but these are positively the very best. A little pricey but well worth it in my book as they are so comfortable, easy to clean, and the fit is wonderful. No flopping around or chaffing that I have experienced with other adjustable wrist weights. A great product. I am really amazed that I am moved to write a review. But these are worth every word."
If you've ever used a set of ankle weights and wished the straps were a bit longer, these are a great option since the strap has an extended length compared to most. Plus, they come in 2-, 3-, and 5-pound options that you can remove individual weight bars from to add or subtract resistance. (These ankle weights are covered in a cotton casing, btw.)
Reviewer Rave: "The weights are perfect and so easy to put on and take off. There’s no messing with buckles, fasteners, D-rings, etc., just wrap around ankles, Velcro and you are ready to exercise. They are soft, comfortable and they stay firmly in place. The adjustable 1 pound inserts have to be finessed a little to remove and put back in, but only takes a minute. I love these weights and highly recommend them."
These ankle weights are soft, adjustable and come in a variety of weight increments (1, 1.5, and 2 pounds). The inside of these weights are lined with a towel-like terry cloth, perfect for preventing slipping during super sweaty workouts.
Reviewer Rave: "I'm so glad I ordered these weights! I'd read about several different brands and styles, but decided to go with this one because so many people commented about their comfort—and it's true. I knew if the weights I bought were scratchy, uncomfortable, or difficult to wear, they would probably remain on the shelf never to be worn at all. I've walked several miles in these (I bought the red ones and they are PLENTY heavy for me) and they are so comfortable—I strapped them on each ankle for the best fit and they never turned or slipped."
For a heavier lift, each of the weights in this set are adjustable up to 10 pounds each, giving you 20 pounds to work with. They have two velcro straps to adjust the size with and each sand bag is removable, so you can opt for weight from 2 pounds to 10 pounds.
Reviewer Rave: "These ankle weights allow you to perform a full range of motion for your knee/leg extensions. I moved to these along with a 5lb set to help strengthen my knees from years of jogging. I had been using leg extensions on a weight bench for years but felt due to the last injury my knees a wider range of motion with lighter weights. In my case it is working well. Takes a little longer to strap on and off but worth the effort. For under $25.00 well, well worth the price."
If you take your workouts outdoors, these weights can help you stay visible (and safe!) since they have a reflective trim. Plus, these have reinforced stitching making them extra durable (read: no sand escaping and creating a huge mess in your living room).
Reviewer Rave: "These have been the most comfortable ankle weights I've ever owned. The extra wide Velcro strap makes putting it on easy and it keeps it on. Others I've owned were always falling one way or another on the ankle, this set stays in place and has a really good balance around your leg."
These ankle weights (also wearable wrist weights!) have a soft and comfortable feel. Their super strong no-slide velcro strap will keep 'em in place while you work out. Both 3-pound and 5-pound variations are available.
Reviewer Rave: "These weights have excellent workmanship. They are made of great material and they are very high quality. I exercise most days and wearing these on my ankles pushed my heart rate up very quickly in my routine - thus in the same amount of time, my calories burned nearly doubled, due to the addition of the ankle weights. This also increased my muscle tone for my leg exercises because of the addition of the weight. These were wonderful fit for my ankles. They did not turn, nor move nor slip."
At $10, these ankle weights won't break the bank, but they'll still deliver on comfort and function. They are covered in a soft neoprene material that also helps absorb sweat, while the extra D-shaped loop closure is great for reinforcing an extra secure fit.
Reviewer Rave:"It is very durable and fits well. Velcro is thick and holds tight. I wear them while I do housework and exercise. I myself felt the burn as if I had exercised at a harder pace than I actually did. I also felt like I had exercised when I simply did what I would have done on a regular day. I bought four more sets to give as gifts when my family and friends wanted to know my secret to better looking legs."
If you like the softer feel of the fabric-covered ankle weights but want something that's easier to clean, vinyl covered weights—like The Cuff—are the answer. They feel similar to their fabric-covered counterparts (the weights are filled with sand), but the casing is way easier to wipe down and keep sanitized. Plus, they go up to 8 lbs. which gives you lots of room to progress.
Reviewer Rave: "They are extremely durable, do not scratch your skin and the make is incomparable. They are definitely worth the investment. I use them for lower body exercises such as the stairclimber, leg lifts, or even just walking. They are great for thicker legs like mine AND slim legs as the Velcro strap has a lot of give to wrap around."
Available in either 5-pound or 10-pound sets, these ankle and wrist weights have an adjustable fit and shouldn't slip or slide around while you're in motion. The reinforced stitching makes them extra durable and they attach securely with a velcro strap.
Reviewer Rave:"I have had a couple of other types of 2 1/2-pound weights that I use for either cardio or do add extra to my free weights by putting around my wrists. Most of the time the sand has leaked out over time after being lopsided for a while. These are definitely more comfortable that the others that I have had—and the way that they are shaped with the pads alternating with the material makes them quite comfortable."
If you're the type to love an all black workout fit, these wrap around weights are an excellent addition that will coordinate with your aesthetic. They come as a 1-pound pair and are secured around your wrist or ankle with velcro. The lightweight option is also a good place to start if you're looking to add just a slight bit of weight to your workouts.
Reviewer Rave: "I can not tell you how many brands of ankle weights I have purchased. The normal velcro enclosure strap kind cut into my ankle. I have scars on both the front and back of my ankles from past ankle weights. I use them for hiking and working out. These are so darn comfortable I forget I have them on! They fit so snug and the velcro is very strong, it has not loosened up at all. Highly recommend these. "
These weights come with their own carrying case, making them super easy to take with you if you're traveling or if you're hitting a Pilates or yoga class in person. They have a loop to hook the strap through and secure with velcro for a comfortable fit and come in 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-pound sets.
Reviewer Rave: "These are by far the best ankle wrist weights I’ve owned. The velcro straps are wide, distributing the weight perfectly. The length allows for almost any size to be comfortably fitted. The quality is excellent. I’m really happy I found these"
Setting themselves apart from the rest of the crowd, these silicone weights have bracket style fasteners as opposed to a velcro band. They come in 1.2-pound, 2-pound and 3-pound sets. They come in a host of both fun and neutral colors and the silicone material is easy to wipe sweat off after your workout session.
Reviewer Rave: "These wrist weights are comfortable, easy to adjust, easy to clean, they stay in place and look great! Depending on how skinny your ankles are, you may be able to wear them on your ankles too. The weight is comfortable and not overbearing. Mine are less than 1 pound each and I can feel the difference when I don't wear them while walking. So glad I chose these wrist weights as I'm a very satisfied customer!"
Designed especially for your hands, these wrap around wrist weights have a hold for your thumb to slip through, helping to keep them in place while you get your sweat session on. The 4-pound weight set comes in pink or black, and the rest of the weight secures around your wrist. You won't be able to use these for your ankles as easily, but they're a great pick for upper body focused movements.
Reviewer Rave: "These are fabulous wrist weights. I tried one pair from a different brand without the thumb hole and they were so uncomfortable. These fit well, don’t slide around, don’t cut off my circulation. I have been using these 6 times a week during HIIT workouts and they are holding up very well."
Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools.
11 Best Cross-Training Shoes Of 2023, Tested
Leni Klum's Abs Are Epic In Lingerie Halloween Pic
This Foldable Treadmill Is Currently $100 Off
How To Do Hanging Leg Raises For A Strong Core
How TODAY's Sheinelle Jones Preps For Marathon Day
Mariah Carey's Legs Are Toned In A Miniskirt On IG
Boob Bounce No More With These High-Impact Bras
Demi Moore, 60, Has Toned Abs In Bikini IG Photos
Christina Aguilera Flaunts Toned Butt On Halloween
5 Best Gym Machines For Working Your Abs
Here's *Exactly* What To Eat Before Your Run
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Heavy Gym Ball ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.