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The ten Greatest Ankle Weights of 2024, Examined

Utilizing ankle weights is a good way so as to add resistance to your exercise routine, which can assist enhance stability and improve 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 dwelling exercise area

To seek out the most effective ankle weights available on the market, we first spoke with health specialists about what key options to search for in a high-quality possibility. Then, we examined 22 expert-approved ankle weights from high 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 situations. 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 Evaluate Board assessment this text for accuracy.

Bala Bangles

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Weight per Ankle: 1, 2, or 3 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Metal, silicone | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13 x 3 inches | Our Total Ranking: 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, modern look, and flexibility. We love how simple they’re to lock and alter to our ankles or wrists earlier than starting our exercise routine. We additionally love that we will simply alter 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 more difficult 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 wash—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 modern 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.

The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight Ankle Weights

PHOTO: The Sculpt Society

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 Ranking: 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 carefully resemble Bala Bangles with their sturdy silicone materials and comparable design. Nevertheless, 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 predict they seem to be a stable substitute for Bala Bangles, particularly should you can snag them after they’re on sale. 

Once we examined the 2-pound possibility, we liked how comfy they had 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 difficult.

Potential Flaws

  • These ankle weights sometimes pulled our physique hair. To keep away from this, it’s possible you’ll wish to put on these with thick exercise leggings and/or an extended sleeve shirt.
  • Throughout some workouts, we seen that one ankle weight felt barely heavier than the opposite. Nevertheless, generally, their resistance felt comparable.

Amazon P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Tender 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 Ranking: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for newbie to intermediate exercisers searching for a extra budget-friendly set of ankle weights and for individuals who already love P.volve’s train system.

Why We Love Them

Price range-friendly merchandise generally 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. Nevertheless, they will also be used alone in any exercise the place you wish to add a little bit resistance.

Once we examined the 3-pound weights, we liked the texture of their gentle 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 towards 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 had been longer for a extra adjustable match to accommodate completely different calf and wrist sizes.
  • Whilst you cannot alter their weight, you possibly can select between two resistance choices.

ProsourceFit Ankle/Wrist and Arm/Leg Weights

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Simple to make small, exact changes

  • Securely match a spread 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 Ranking: 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. Once we wrapped them round our ankles, we liked their gentle, comfortable really feel. Once we examined the 2-pound possibility, 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 by a metallic tab, making it simple to place them on and make small, exact changes, even in the course of our exercise routines. Not like another ankle weights we examined, we love that this budget-friendly pair comfortably suits a spread 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 towards your pores and skin, so it’s possible you’ll wish 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 predict they’d slide round a bit throughout faster-paced exercises.

Most Useful Perception

“I discovered these weights comfy on each my ankles and wrists. Their materials is well-cushioned and gentle; 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 a wide range of pants or socks—they might even match over denims.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Match product tester

Sportneer Ankle Weights

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Weight per Ankle: 0.5-2 kilos (adjustable) | Materials: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.7 inches | Our Total Ranking: 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 high decide for an adjustable, extremely customizable, and budget-friendly possibility. They function a conventional ankle weight design with 5 detachable pockets with sand filling and a Velcro closure. We love that you simply get 5 weights in a single with these, making them a really versatile possibility that may be adjusted to swimsuit the wants of newbie to intermediate customers.

Throughout testing, we liked that these match our ankles and wrists snugly and had been a breeze to regulate for a extra personalized 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. Nevertheless, we nonetheless assume this selection provides good worth for its value.

Walmart The Cuff Original Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weight

PHOTO: Walmart

Key Specs

Weight per Ankle: 0.25-25 kilos (bought individually) | Materials: Vinyl | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 12 x 4.25 inches | Our Total Ranking: 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 Authentic Ankle and Wrist Weight incorporates a ton of weight choices and an extended closure strap, offering a safe match for low to high-intensity exercises. With their high-quality, modern design, we predict 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 liked how their materials felt towards our pores and skin and the way their rectangular design coated our total ankles with none strain 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 wash–simply wipe it down with a gentle, damp fabric. And whereas they go as much as very heavy weight choices, Kollins Ezekh, an expert coach with over 15 years of experience, recommends beginning with a lighter weight and rising as you progress.  

Potential Flaws

  • Whereas these weights had been simple to safe round our ankles, they had been a bit more difficult to placed on our wrists.
  • These are bought in singles, not like different choices on our checklist, that are bought as units.

Most Useful Perception

“They’re extremely comfy, moveable, and well-made. Their lengthy adjustment strap is admittedly 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 very personalized match.” —Jordan Legislation, Verywell Match product tester

Amazon The DB Method The Dreamlets

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Weight per Ankle: 2 kilos | Materials: Polyester, spandex, iron weights | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 inches | Our Total Ranking: 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 wish 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 had been uniquely made for wrist workouts and function thumbholes. We expect 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 numerous weight, however it might probably 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, protecting our wrist weights in place even throughout extra dynamic actions like leaping jacks and once we get sweaty.

Potential Flaws

  • The load of every pair is not adjustable. However should you’re comfy utilizing 2-pound weights, this should not be an issue.

Amazon Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • In a position to alter 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 Ranking: 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 high decide for anybody looking for safe, sturdy, and high-quality ankle weights. This ankle weight’s giant, adjustable Velcro strap is robust, offering a reliable match, significantly for individuals with bigger ankles or wrists. We liked how simple these had been to placed on and take off. We additionally liked their gentle, 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 face up to intensive use, an important function for high-quality ankle weights like these. We love that they’ve particular person weight luggage, permitting us to regulate their weight in small increments. Every bag’s weight depends upon the set’s complete weight, with choices obtainable for numerous health ranges and targets. 

Potential Flaws

  • Once we used these on moist pores and skin, they slid throughout high-intensity dynamic workouts, making them a more sensible choice for slower-paced, focused workouts like squats and kickbacks.

Most Useful Perception

“That is clearly a robust product fabricated from robust supplies. It’s one thing you’d purchase in order for you it to final for a very long time. Plus, its cloth feels very gentle and effectively cushioned.” —Lexi Lane, Verywell Match product tester

Amazon Gaiam Fitness Ankle Weights

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Thick, safe Velcro strap

  • Snug, breathable cloth

  • 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 Ranking: 4.2/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for intermediate to superior exercisers who want breathable weights for sweaty exercises, like scorching yoga lessons or outside coaching classes.

Why We Love Them

GAIAM’s Restore Ankle Weights rapidly nabbed our spot for the most effective moisture-wicking possibility, because of their gentle and extremely breathable development. Throughout testing, we liked 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 appears for in an excellent 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 modern and compact. We discovered them simple to hold in our health club bag to move post-workout. 

Potential Flaws

  • These ankle weights could also be too giant for smaller ankles and calves. 
  • These weights provide restricted dimension adjustability, which can compromise their stability for some throughout higher-intensity exercises.

Most Useful Perception

“I used these on my naked ankles and located the material texture fairly comfy. The load was distributed comfortably over the floor of the weights and I did not really feel any uncomfortable presssure in anyone spot.” —Jordan Legislation, Verywell Match product tester

Tracy Anderson UWRAPS Vegan Leather Ankle/Wrist Weights

PHOTO: Tracy Anderson
Execs

  • 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 Ranking: 4.2/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for individuals looking for fashionable, comfy, high-quality ankle weights for on a regular basis use. 

Why We Love Them

Tracy Anderson’s UWRAPS Ankle Weights completely mix kind and performance. These weights are available in a number of modern 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 components 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 wash and moisture-resistant. Whereas they’re designed with Tracy Anderson Methodology lessons 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 dwelling, the health club, or an train class. And we predict they’re fashionable sufficient to be worn out and about.

Potential Flaws

  • With a comparatively small Velcro strap, these ankle weights present restricted dimension adjustability and will slide on smaller ankles and wrists. 
  • These weights are pricier than different choices on our checklist, though we predict their high quality exceeds their worth. 

Most Useful Perception

“My favourite factor about these weights is their consolation; typically with ankle weights, I can really feel an uncomfortable strain towards 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 extra ankle weight choices from high manufacturers. Primarily based 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.
  • Primarily based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked two superlatives and product picks, together with Most Snug 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 knowledgeable, to raised perceive tips on how to safely use ankle weights and guarantee all the info in our roundup is updated. 

What to Search for When Searching 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 wish to go for a 5-pound pair. Whereas heavier pairs of ankle weights can be found, they might put an excessive amount of strain 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 coated in polyester, cotton, or terry fabric. Whereas these supplies can really feel extra comfy towards the pores and skin, they’re susceptible to tearing, in order that they is probably not as sturdy as different choices. Ankle weights fabricated from silicone are simpler to wash and extra sweat-resistant, however they are typically pricier.
  • Filling: Ankle weights are usually crammed with sand, metal shot, iron powder, or water. One in every of our specialists recommends sand filling, saying it molds to your physique greater than different fillings. Nevertheless, some sand-filled choices might leak. In case you’re significantly involved with leakage, it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate an possibility with metal filling.
  • Closure Kind: Selecting ankle weights with a dependable closure is important 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 styles. In case you’re not a fan of Velcro or need a extra exact adjustment mechanism, it’s possible you’ll go for a pair with a magnetized belt buckle.

Verywell Match / Michelle Parente


How We Examined the Ankle Weights

To seek 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 make it possible for all the needed components 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 might 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 alter simply with out requiring us to reference their instruction handbook.
  • Match: Ankle weights carry out effectively 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 completely 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 gentle, comfy ankle weights with a fair distribution of weight that feels nice all through our exercise and in sweatier situations. 
  • Versatility: To make sure the ankle weights provide 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 kind. 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 may simply be transported in a health club backpack. We prioritize extremely moveable choices that simply roll up and/or are available in 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 value the identical or lower than we’d contemplate paying for them.

Verywell Match / Jessica Juliao


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 tips on how to use them correctly. Though we make our product picks independently, knowledgeable insights inform our decision-making course of.

  • Kristin McGee, CPT, licensed Pilates and yoga teacher and Verywell Match assessment 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 verify it’s secure for you to take action.

What’s one of the best ways to make use of ankle weights?

When paired with the best kind and an applicable weight, ankle and wrist weights are efficient and secure 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 usually 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 go effectively, though it’s possible you’ll wish to improve 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 keen about translating meticulous analysis into compelling content material. In her 15 years of ballet coaching earlier than becoming a member of an expert New York Metropolis-based firm, she steadily used ankle weights on the barre to maximise muscle tone and general energy. Now, she makes use of Gaiam Restore Ankle Weights in her weekly yoga and Pilates lessons. 

Extra reporting contributed by Tori Zhou

Tori Zhou is a contributing author with 5 years of expertise writing within the well being and wellness area. She enjoys staying up-to-date on the most effective merchandise and prides herself on sifting by the noise to search 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 an excellent set. She additionally participated within the testing course of for this text.


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