Running with weights

Sugar_Junkie

Sometimes when I do a workout dvd at home my boyfriend will jog in place with 3 lb weights. I have recently started jogging on the treadmill at a 4.5 mph speed and I am just curious if weights while jogging is something I could or should consider..

Osulindsay21

I'm no expert, but I think running with hand or ankle weights is bad for you. It throws your body off of its natural running motion and could cause injury. I would say no.

Ruthaw1961

Running, jogging with weights is not generally a good idea. It throws off your natural gait and you can be prone to injury. And to get any real benefit to weights, you need to lift heavier than 3 pounds. Keep the cardio and lifting workouts independant of each other for best results.

darrensurrey

I think it can also increase stress on the joints if you're jogging on hard surfaces.

FlyByJuly

Speaking from experience, I think it's better to not run with weights. In the past, I've used ankle weights, which pulled on my knee joints. I also ran with light handweights, which pulled on my elbow and shoulder joints.

Sugar_Junkie

Thank you for the responses. I didnt think about it throwing me off balance.

ATLMel

Agreed with others. You put plenty of weight on your knees/shins/ankles/feet when you run (about 1.5 X your body weight). there's no need to add weight to it. That's not really the point of running, imo.

waffleflavoredtea

I have ankle/wrist weights and I use them only for low impact cardio... basically just for walking and general cleaning/gardening. I love the extra challenge sometimes and they are supposed to be helpful for toning.

darrensurrey

When I'm bored, I wear ankle weights round the house for an hour. Then take them off and feel like I'm walking in space. :-D