Walking with weights?

clicketykeys

Is it okay to add ankle weights while walking for resistance? Are there health or safety concerns?

Paco4gsc

It is okay if you can manage/accept the risk associated with using them. The major risks are the increased stress on joints and the imbalanced load on leg muscles by which I mean, due to their positioning, ankle weights will work your quads but do nothing for your hamstrings.

gearhead426hemi

I am not an expert but from my personal experience I prefer a weighted vest. It spreads the weight load over your entire body instead of just at the ankle. You can add or remove weight as needed as well.

TavistockToad

If you want more resistance, find a hill!

Lizarking

If you want benefit from that, super heavy weights over short distances is ideal. see: Farmer's carry.

TeaBea

clicketykeys wrote: »

Is it okay to add ankle weights while walking for resistance? Are there health or safety concerns?

Ankle weights are a bad idea: http://www.livestrong.com/article/387945-why-are-ankle-weights-bad/

Instead, if you can't find hills and you want more resistance look into getting a weighted vest. This will (at least) distribute the weight evenly.

itsbasschick

i found that ankle weights and weighted vests made my steps heavier, which lead to more shin splints and sore ankles. i like the idea of walking uphill better myself.