Leg weights and overextension

msarro

So, I had researched running/walking with leg/ankle weights and the response I found was a resounding, "DON'T DO IT!" Apparently your muscle memory gets used to the weight being there, and when you suddenly don't have the weight there, your muscles will overcompensate, possibly tearing themselves, or causing other havok.

Now... if this is 100% true, why do soldiers in physical training have 50+ pound packs on their backs when they run?

msarro

So, I had researched running/walking with leg/ankle weights and the response I found was a resounding, "DON'T DO IT!" Apparently your muscle memory gets used to the weight being there, and when you suddenly don't have the weight there, your muscles will overcompensate, possibly tearing themselves, or causing other havok.

Now... if this is 100% true, why do soldiers in physical training have 50+ pound packs on their backs when they run?

paulamma1

I'm no expert on the issue, having said that, I've NEVER understood the whole idea of walking with ankle weights on. Just seems like a bad idea to me.

As to the soldier question, first of all, they're soldiers so being fit is part of their job. Also, wearing a jacket is nothing like wearing an ankle weight. Wearing the jacket is spreading the weight around a number of muscles: shoulders, back, abs, chest, legs.

Eh, what the hell do I know! :smokin:

SHBoss1673

That's different, think of your legs as a fulcrum, if you put weight on the back end (your back), ALL of your leg and back muscles will compensate, but if you put weight on your feet, only the muscles that are used to lift and propel the FEET will work extra hard, when you have some muscles working harder then other muscles they become out of balance, when muscles go out of balance, they tear. This is extreme, you would need some pretty heavy weight to do this I would think, but it's definitely possible.

Anna_Banana

I know that if you lift weights that you need to also do leg curls so you build up the muscles on the back of the leg or you can blow out your knees when you run. Never heard that about ankle weights.

I'm guessing that carrying something on their back is to help them build up strength they may need if they have to carry packs in war or carry somebody. But I have know clue.

hibbler22

So, I had researched running/walking with leg/ankle weights and the response I found was a resounding, "DON'T DO IT!" Apparently your muscle memory gets used to the weight being there, and when you suddenly don't have the weight there, your muscles will overcompensate, possibly tearing themselves, or causing other havok.

Now... if this is 100% true, why do soldiers in physical training have 50+ pound packs on their backs when they run?

Well I know previous soldiers and they dont do physical training with 50 pound packs on their backs! However when the go out into the fields the gear and stuff is about that much or greater. They have to be fit to carry that gear bc trust me its heavy!

hibbler22

I'm no expert on the issue, having said that, I've NEVER understood the whole idea of walking with ankle weights on. Just seems like a bad idea to me.

As to the soldier question, first of all, they're soldiers so being fit is part of their job. Also, wearing a jacket is nothing like wearing an ankle weight. Wearing the jacket is spreading the weight around a number of muscles: shoulders, back, abs, chest, legs.

Eh, what the hell do I know! :smokin:

lol im no expert either but i dont see the reason for ankle weights or wrist weights, ive even seen people with weighted gloves! whats that all about?:huh:

TRLTAMPA

i have ankle weights and i've heard that it's not good to wear. i don't know what to think at this point.
i figured if i'm carrying 5 extra pounds, then that's the difference between walking at my weight and walking at 5 pounds over my weight.
and on the exercise bike it's definitely making my legs tired faster...

hibbler22

i have ankle weights and i've heard that it's not good to wear. i don't know what to think at this point.
i figured if i'm carrying 5 extra pounds, then that's the difference between walking at my weight and walking at 5 pounds over my weight.
and on the exercise bike it's definitely making my legs tired faster...

why dont you do actual weights to build muscle so you can burn calories faster! or strength training?

MisoSoup79

Ankle weights aren't designed for running... they are supposed to be used when doing strength training activities at home, like leg lifts and such. When used for running, they cause added stress on joints, leading to ankle, knee and back problems.

Soldiers sometimes do PT with rucksacks on because their lives may depend on their ability to do so someday. It's more of strength training and they don't do it on a regular basis. Soldiers aren't the only ones to do this type of training, either. Cops, firemen, and other workers who must sometimes put their lives on the line for others also have to practice carrying heavy objects. How can we expect these people to save lives if they don't practice doing the hard work?

TRLTAMPA

i have ankle weights and i've heard that it's not good to wear. i don't know what to think at this point.
i figured if i'm carrying 5 extra pounds, then that's the difference between walking at my weight and walking at 5 pounds over my weight.
and on the exercise bike it's definitely making my legs tired faster...

why dont you do actual weights to build muscle so you can burn calories faster! or strength training?

because this is all i have. i do strength training. i dont go to a gym or have machines at home. i have old fashioned dumbbells and a bike. that's it. i use what i have access to.

hibbler22

i have ankle weights and i've heard that it's not good to wear. i don't know what to think at this point.
i figured if i'm carrying 5 extra pounds, then that's the difference between walking at my weight and walking at 5 pounds over my weight.
and on the exercise bike it's definitely making my legs tired faster...

why dont you do actual weights to build muscle so you can burn calories faster! or strength training?

because this is all i have. i do strength training. i dont go to a gym or have machines at home. i have old fashioned dumbbells and a bike. that's it. i use what i have access to.

oh okay, i thought you went to a gym. well i will try to find out from my trainer or some more info for you about those ankle weights, and home workouts from my trainer. But he wont be back untill monday. hes off on fridays and sats. and the gym is closed on sundays. :flowerforyou:

Coach2010

Keep in mind the transactions that are occurring. With weights on high (military back packs), you're weighing down on your legs/ankles; when weights are low (ala attached to ankles), you are pulling below the calf and potentially stretching the lower leg area from the knee.

That doesn't sound very good :sick: I'd steer clear of this.

What is your goal for using this???

If you're interested in developing leg strength at the calf, simply do calf raises on a step repeatedly. If you're interested in developing leg strength, try lunges holding a pair of dumbbells at a low weight.