I shudder to think about the last time I did an at-home mat Pilates class without my trusted ankle weights. I didn’t experience the muscular burn I was craving. I felt like I could go on forever (and who has the time?). And while all movement counts for something, I didn’t feel like I got enough out of my session as I could have.
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If you, too, don’t have a minute to waste and want the most out of your workouts, I implore you to consider ankle weights. In my personal training business, they’re my first line of defense when a client discusses hypertrophy (or muscular growth) goals in a gentle, low-impact setting.
What are ankle weights good for?
Ankle or wrist weights add a gentle burn to a range of low-impact lower body or upper body movements, no jumping required. Light weights like these (which stay up and are easy to fasten in a pinch in between sets) adequately load the muscle to failure — in other words, reaching the point where your muscles can no longer support the exercise — to help reach hypertrophy goals without compromising form. This helps minimize overcompensations associated with imbalances and injuries, making them ideal for aging populations, those newer to fitness or those looking to reintroduce gentle movement after some time away.
A pair of ankle weights that double as jewelry
These are the first ankle weights I turn to if you want to feel good while looking good doing it. Boasting the appeal of statement jewelry (say, a chunky bracelet you picked up on a tropical vacation), these adjustable, light ankle weights make any workout infinitely more effective, while activating both stabilizer and major muscle groups to prime you for movement. Choose between 1, 2 and 3 pounds and enjoy their next-level elasticity that creates a custom fit.
Promising review: “I bought the 3 lb Bala Bangles after hip surgery to help strengthen and they’ve been great. Even 3 pounds gets heavy pretty quickly. I’ve also used them for arm circuits since I have rotator cuff issues, and the lighter weight has let me strengthen my shoulders without irritating them too much.
I’ve had the pink pair for a few months now, and they still look brand new. No discoloration or signs of wear. Excellent quality! Worth the price.” — Sarah
A pair of soft, padded ankle weights you’ll barely even notice
I think of these adjustable 1.5-pound ankle weights less as cumbersome workout equipment, and more as pillows for my ankles. They stay secure via a Velcro fastener while accommodating for plenty of range of motion of the ankle in movements like donkey kicks with feet in dorsiflexion (angled toward the shin), or leg circles with toes in plantar flexion (pointed like a ballerina). Lightweight yet mighty, they even come with a 14-day free trial to the brand’s on-demand fitness platform offering over 1,400 workouts.
Promising review: “Love these. Use them almost daily and have been impressed with the Velcro and quality. They are easy to put on and stay put. They are comfortable, could easily wear them around all day if I wanted to go for walks in them and such.” — Lexa Rae
A pair of heavier ankle weights to get the job done quicker
I love my ankle weights for high-rep, low-weight movements that promote muscular endurance. But if I’m looking for something to get the job done a little quicker — and bring my muscles to failure in between eight to 10 reps — I rely on these higher weight eight-pound ankle weights with removable and adjustable steel plates. Thanks to a protective neoprene barrier, said plates won’t compromise your comfort or range of motion.
Promising review: “Buy these. Extremely well-constructed and look like they will last me a long time. I like that I can remove individual bars to vary the weight and will never have to worry about sand leaking out.” — gjacket
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A pair of budget-friendly ankle weights
As far as ankle weights go, it doesn’t get much more affordable for around six bucks and 2.5 pounds each, but you can always wear them as light as 0.5 pounds. A dual Velcro hook-and-loop strap ensures they stay locked in place and a resilient and reinforced polyester exterior ensure they withstand spills, sweat and hours of training or rehabilitating an injury.
Promising review: “These are versatile weights to use for shoulder replacement rehab. I use them for many different exercises and stretches instead of traditional weights. I like that you can adjust the weights by adding or removing some of the bags inside of each weight. These are a good value. Thank you!” — Jengo
A pair of sand-infused adjustable weights
If the idea of steel weight plates has you feeling a little anxious about injury on impact (I get it!), this softer, more forgiving five-pound counterpart might be just what you and your workout routine are looking for. They’re filled with mini one-pound weighted sandbags so you can adjust your preferred resistance. I’ve owned my set for eight years — the purple pop of color is not only fun to look at, but easy to identify in a pinch among my sea of black and gray exercise equipment.
Promising review: “Very nice and adjustable ankle weight set. Recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus and I believe these will work great for my at-home exercise in between physical therapy appointments because they use something very similar. Very pleased that I can adjust the weight from day today as things improve or sometimes unfortunately are set back. This is exactly what I need and great value.” — Cindy Walker
A stunning pair of ankle weights that replicate art
Looking to stay committed to your workout? Find an accessory you won’t want to part ways with. Featuring geometric, multicolored weight plates, these one-pound ankle weights add gentle resistance to your workout that boost its efficacy while also promoting adherence.
Promising review: “These weights are perfect to wear all day! They are really pretty and very comfy. I just wear them no matter what I am doing and I already see my legs and behind getting sculpted.” — Heart_in_NY
A pair of waterproof ankle weights to boost your poolside fitness
Aquafitness (aerobics performed in a body of water) is a low-impact, high-reward activity I recommend to promote cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance and endorphins while remaining gentle on the joints. To power up your poolside pump, check out these low-profile one-pound waterproof ankle weights made of stackable, magnetic silicone. Without having to fuss with Velcro straps, you can sooner get on with your day and workout. Bonus: you can also stack ’em until you reach your desired weight.
Promising review: “Oh my goodness! These are the best ever ankle or wrist weights! If you’ve ever had to struggle with straps or Velcro, you’ll wish you would have paid the extra and bought these like years sooner! They are such a breeze to put on and off and it just takes a brief second! Plus they are pretty too, but even more, they stay put they do not move up and down and all over the place like others do.
After buying my first set, I immediately went back for a second set! They are just really worth the difference in the price and so worth it!
Highly recommend these for anyone needing ankle or wrist/hand weights.” — Patti
A pair of ankle ‘weights’ compatible with a cable machine
Invest in padded ankle cuffs compatible with a cable machine, and you’ll unlock more exercises than you’ll know what to do with. While they’re not loaded with weight per se, you’ll be able to take advantage of as high a weight range as your cable machine will go (which can often range between upward of 200 and 300 pounds). From glute kickbacks to target the largest muscle group in the posterior chain to standing chest flies to activate the pectoralis major, these padded straps facilitate an efficient full-body workout.
Promising review: “I decided to invest in some Ankle Straps to enhance my lower body workouts and came across DMoose brand. 🤩
The price is very affordable but the quality blew my mind! D rings, velcro and stitching well made and very sturdy. They are comfortable, adjustable and fits around my ankle area perfectly. 🦶
Used them to do kickbacks and tested a variety of weights, these held up well.
I bought one at first then immediately purchased another so I can have a pair and not have to switch constantly during my sets and reps. 💪
It fits in my little gym bag so it’s easy to take these with me on my strength training workout days. 🏋🏾♀️
Excellent addition to my gym routine! My gym does not have straps so I’m happy to finally have my own!” — Ms. New York
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