Are Ankle Weights Safe?

Ankle and foot weights are useful for exercises and training, but if not used properly, they can cause injuries and accidents. Aside from wanting to look and feel better, most men and women actively seek whatever benefit they can obtain while toning their bodies and reducing weight. Many people opt to do so with the assistance of ankle weights while doing aerobic or floor exercises at the gym.

Professional and advanced levels of fitness and training, as well as those who know their bodies well, employ ankle and leg weights to get thicker thighs and greater resistance.

Let us look at some do’s and don’ts to using ankle weights.

Contents

Do's

• While purchasing, choose weights that are made of breathable fabric or material. Weights filled with sand or water, are ideal for all users, irrespective of their level of fitness.
• Ankle weights are great for people who are used to lifting their legs at a 90-degree angle while lying down. These weights add fantastic resistance to floor exercise training.
• Do select ankle weights with gravity, especially while doing stretching exercises to ease the body from aches and pains.

Dont's

• Avoid sleeping with the ankle weights or keeping them on when you’re not actively working out. Keeping the ankle weights on for prolonged periods may increase the tension in your legs and cause tendon damage.
• Avoid using ankle weights till you reach a mid to high level of training and endurance. Beginners should avoid ankle weights and concentrate on increasing stamina and metabolic rate through cardio exercises.
• Don’t use ankle weights without supervision the first time. Ankle weights are heavy and if misused, can cause ankle sprains and ligament tears.

Ankle Weights in Strength Training

People who use ankle weights during strength training have benefited the highest. By incorporating ankle weights during strength workouts, you can distribute the strain on the muscles through added weights so that you can protect your knees. Strength training during leg lifts and floor exercises adds resistance to the feet while taking the stress off the knees.

Ankle weights are great on elliptical trainers, cycles, and other weight machines. They can also be successfully incorporated while doing floor exercises, pull-ups, and crunches. While using ankle weights for the first time, use the minimum weighted ones, and then slowly work your way up to higher loads.

Ankle Weights In Pregnancy

Women may work with ankle weights during pregnancy. However, before starting exercise with weights, it is necessary to check with the doctor. Most women are advised to have some form of exercise throughout their pregnancies. However, depending on the family and medical histories, some may be prescribed bed rest. While using ankle weights, it is essential to warm up thoroughly before the exercise routine. Ideally, expecting mothers should not use more than 2 lbs of ankle weights for each ankle.

At the first sign of leg or back pain, please stop immediately and rush to the nearest hospital. Drinking water while exercising with ankle weights will help in maintaining hydration levels and keeping stamina high. While performing lunges or other thigh exercises, expecting mothers may place the ankle weights around their thighs to help increase resistance.

Closing Thoughts

Ankle weights are intended to increase the effectiveness of moderate-intensity aerobic activities. They are perfect for wearing throughout daily activities since they give several health advantages. Ankle weights are one of the most important instruments for developing toned, thin legs and raised buttocks. The extra weight causes the muscles to engage and work just hard enough to become visible without breaking down and bulking, allowing you to feel muscles that you would typically keep dormant.