Wearing leg weights

sun_n_jazz

I work a fairly active job that requires me to run up and down 3 flights of stairs in 2 adjacent buildings. Recently, I wore my mothers heavy but waterproof winter boots and felt incredibly toned by the end of the day. Since then I've been thinking about buying some ankle weights that I can wear to work.

I was wondering the potential benefits to doing this, or if there's any reason that I shouldn't do it. I really do want to tone my legs and butt too!

concordancia

On the con side, wearing such weights has been associated with increased joint injury. It is even more dangerous than just being overweight, because the weight is in the wrong place. If you were ten pounds fatter, that weight would be on your thighs, not your ankles.

sun_n_jazz

I've never been very over weight but my mothers side of the family have had joint problems (childhood arthritis, cartilage degeneration in the knee etc;) and I feel like I'm getting some of that as well. Would you suggest that I not use weights on my legs?

jallison12

I weare ankle weights to work out on a stepping machine. But walking from the locker room to the machine is very difficult. The weight increases the pendulum effect by being down on your ankle. For what you are doing, I don't think you should wear ankle weights. I know there are weight vests (still looking for just the right one) and maybe weight belts (?). You would still have the extra weight but on a better place on your body, not pulling joints. Maybe a backpack with some water bottles in it?

ChrisLindsay9

I agree with the commenters.

Unless the leg weights are 1 pound or less (each), I would stay away from them. For the 1 pounders or less, if you decide to use them, then maybe use them sparingly at first and gradually progressively wear them for longer intervals. But for things such as jogging, running, or doing a lot of stairs - I'd avoid wearing them.

Good luck to you!

bostonwolf

I weare ankle weights to work out on a stepping machine. But walking from the locker room to the machine is very difficult. The weight increases the pendulum effect by being down on your ankle. For what you are doing, I don't think you should wear ankle weights. I know there are weight vests (still looking for just the right one) and maybe weight belts (?). You would still have the extra weight but on a better place on your body, not pulling joints. Maybe a backpack with some water bottles in it?

This. A weighted vest or belt is a much better option.

I used to train for hikes with a backpack filled with two 20lb bags of rice. The ones you find in an Asian store made of burlap or really tough plastic. They are cheaper than the weight inserts that places like REI sell.

DavPul

DON'T

Sarauk2sf

Don't bother - they will increase your risk of injury and you will become adapted to them really quickly anyway.

jonnythan

The injury thing is significant. And more importantly, they won't do much of anything for you.