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Ankle/Hand Weights

sarymerejo
sarymerejo Posts: 26 Member
edited January 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started walking recently as my only form of exercise and I was wondering if adding hand/ankle weights would benefit me in any way. I know everyone here recommends strength training but I'm not exactly ready to start doing that yet.

Thanks in advance for your responses :smile:

Replies

  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    It's a great way to increase your chance of hurting yourself. If you want more resistance walk up a hill or start jogging.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    It's a great way to increase your chance of hurting yourself. If you want more resistance walk up a hill or start jogging.

    ^^ I agree! Jogging at intervals and uphill climbing will give you more of a burn. And....why not start strength training? It's never to soon to. Even if it's just body weight training (pushups, planks, squats, lunges) it's a great way to start off your strength training.
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    Waddayamean "JUST body weight training"?! Bodyweight training is fun and can get really addictive as you start gaining strength and finding ways to make things more challenging.

    I think most folks here are into doing both some cardio and strength training. Maybe up your stride and swing your arms more if you continue walking or break into a jog - and definitely start to look at some body weight exercises. Plenty on You Tube for free to start you off.

    Above all - have fun doing what you do!
  • sarymerejo
    sarymerejo Posts: 26 Member
    :happy: Thank you all!! :happy:
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    If you want to totally wreck your ankles, knees and hips, walk with ankle weights.

    If not, don't.

    Wrist/hand weights are OK.
  • cinsuccess
    cinsuccess Posts: 333 Member
    I use ankle weights when doing compound exercises but it's supervised by a personal trainer to ensure I don't injure myself. We started with 2 pounds and now I'm up to 10 pounds on each ankle. It's not a bad idea to add weight to exercises but according to my trainer, it should only be done when you absolutely NEED the added resistance... i.e. the normal resistance of your bosy isn't pushing the muscles hard enough. This happened for me as I lost weight because there just wasn't as much weight to resist on me anymore.

    I would advise if you are going to buy ankle wieghts to get adjustable ones. I have 2 sets - one set goes from 1-5 pounds in 1 pound increments and the other set goes from 2-10 pounds in 2 pound increments. You get more value that way. I got mine on Amazon.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Waddayamean "JUST body weight training"?! Bodyweight training is fun and can get really addictive as you start gaining strength and finding ways to make things more challenging.

    I think most folks here are into doing both some cardio and strength training. Maybe up your stride and swing your arms more if you continue walking or break into a jog - and definitely start to look at some body weight exercises. Plenty on You Tube for free to start you off.

    Above all - have fun doing what you do!

    ^^LOL..I know! 'Just body weight training' sounds less intimidating to people who are afraid to strength train. BUT I totally know it will kick your butt!!!! I prefer body weight or lifting weights but I do a mix of both.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    I use ankle weights when doing compound exercises but it's supervised by a personal trainer to ensure I don't injure myself. We started with 2 pounds and now I'm up to 10 pounds on each ankle. It's not a bad idea to add weight to exercises but according to my trainer, it should only be done when you absolutely NEED the added resistance... i.e. the normal resistance of your bosy isn't pushing the muscles hard enough. This happened for me as I lost weight because there just wasn't as much weight to resist on me anymore.

    I would advise if you are going to buy ankle wieghts to get adjustable ones. I have 2 sets - one set goes from 1-5 pounds in 1 pound increments and the other set goes from 2-10 pounds in 2 pound increments. You get more value that way. I got mine on Amazon.

    If your trainer has you walking or jogging with ankle weights, you should find a new trainer. That is extremely unwise.
  • DonM46
    DonM46 Posts: 772 Member
    Not trying to go against the flow here, but:
    I officiated football for 35 years. Over that span, I worked 1,243 games ranging from the little kids (Pop Warner age) through the collegiate level.
    I wore ankle weights on every day that I did NOT have a game scheduled. Even wore them to church on Sunday.
    Put them on right after my shoes and sox; took them off at bedtime.
    No problems.
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