wrist/ankle weights?

ByronJP

I was just curious what the extra calorie burn might be if any? I would assume some. I put 2.5lbs weights on my wrists and ankles and jog for about 20-30 minutes a day as a start to increasing stamina. Doing so i know will tone my muscles well doing it but what other possible benefits are there? also I will be increasing the weight on my ankles and wrists up to 5lbs+ eventually does a pound a week or every 2 weeks increase sound right? or should i go by comfort-ability.

jallison12

My most frequent cardio workout is a stepper and as I lost weight I began using ankle weights to make it more challenging. I agree it must be burning more calories but not sure how you would calculate it. In a way I pretty much burn the same calories. IF I have the weight the speed is not as high but the effort is more; if I forget the weights I go faster on the stepper. Round about same average HR and around 550 cals per 30 mins (not sure that is absolutely accurate but as I use the same chest strap and phone app it is my relative target number).

Your weight progression sounds very controlled. Mine was based upon finding cheap weights at TJ Maxx. I started on 1.5 each; then 2.5; then 5 and am now at 10lb each. I doubt I could run with these, it is hard enough to walk. But once I get on the stepper I don't lose balance and the workout is excellent.

You may have realised this already but having bought 3 sets of ankle weights I realised one important feature. Wash-ability! The last set I bought had removeable weights (little sand bags that you zip into pockets) so I can wash the wrap. I've been googling for a weight vest now and am looking for one that is easily washed! Not many to find and some quite expensive. But I'll keep looking.

KittyViolet

Hm. Considering a heavier person does burn more calories doing the same exercise as a lighter person, purely based on the fact that the heavier person has more weight to carry around, I would assume the weights will help you burn more. Could it be safe to assume that if you plug in your actual weight + the wrist/ankle weights when you log an exercise on MFP, those will be the calories you burned? I know I burned more calories at 160 lbs. than I do now. It makes sense to me.

ByronJP

I currently have a few sets of the strapped wrist/ankle weights each goes up to 5 lbs and has the little 1lb pouches that come in and out. I normally use a light weighted dumbbell in my hands. Kitty thats a good idea i should see what MFP comes up with.

Mokey41

You really shouldn't be jogging with ankle weights on. It's a great way to end up with a hip or knee injury. If you want to carry extra weight for whatever reason go for it but ankle weights aren't meant to be used with cardio exercise.