Benefits of Ankle Weights: A Comprehensive Guide

Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Lori Harvey, and Kendall Jenner have been spotted sporting ankle weights during their workouts, sparking curiosity about the benefits of this fitness accessory. Ankle weights, which are small sandbags that wrap around your ankles, have been used for decades in both clinical and fitness settings. However, their popularity has surged recently, with many attributing this to the global shift towards home workouts.

Personal trainer Aimee Victoria Long believes that ankle weights offer a simple and convenient way to intensify lower body exercises without the need for bulky equipment. Similarly, fitness coach Georgie Spurling notes that ankle weights have become popular again due to the resurgence of Pilates exercises and 80s-style workouts, which align well with the use of ankle weights for added challenge.

While some fitness coaches remain skeptical, others like Spurling credit ankle weights with helping to build lower body and core strength. Research published in the Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences found that participants who worked out with ankle weights three times a week for 20 minutes or more experienced significant improvements in waist circumference, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage.

Ankle weights work by adding resistance to lower body movements, helping to target and engage specific muscle groups more intensely. They can help build lower body strength, boost cardio endurance, improve balance and stability, and are accessible and cost-effective. However, it’s important to choose the right weight based on your fitness level and workout goals.

One satisfied user, PR executive Quincy Dash, shared her positive experience with ankle weights, noting that they have helped improve her strength and fitness levels. She recommends ankle weights as a valuable investment for anyone looking to tone and condition their body.

If you’re interested in trying out ankle weights, there are various options available for purchase, ranging from 1lb to 2lb weights. These include popular choices like the Bala Bangles Ankle and Wrist Weights, Core Balance Ankle Weights, and Xn8 Neoprene Ankle Weights, all of which offer different levels of resistance for your workouts.