Walking w/ Weights

Yes, it will help to tone your arms.. And remember to keep your posture good, abs tight...

I use soft 1 lb. wrist/ankle wraparound weights for walking so my hands don't get tired. When I want more weight, I wrap secure a small barbell in the velcro.

Any strength or "toning" benefits will be minimal, if any. Strengthening a muscle requires that you work it to a state of momentary exhaustion in 8-12 repetitions. Waving around a small dumbbell hundreds of times during a walk is not going to provide the same stimulus--after an initial adaptation, there will be little or no further progress.

I totally agree with you, couldn't have said that better myself

I realize the original question was for toning benefits - and I totally agree that would be very minimal; my question is would these light hand weights lead to at least a bit more calorie burn? I rarely walk, but now that the weather is getting a bit nicer...

I think you'd be better off wearing a weighted vest and speeding up the pace, that will help you burn calories, this leaves your hands/arms free to really pump get them right up there, this would be a better alternative to actually carrying hand weights, the vest distributes the extra weight better then ankle weights, or wrist weights, which I find just odd to wear.

I agree that the muscle toning benefits will be minimal in what I've read. You might be better off doing some circuit training for strength training and, if you want to increase the burn on your walks, walk faster, walk farther, walk up hill and/or incorporate some sprinting drills.

Here's how I introdue my new clients to weights...Beginners: Perform 1 sets of 12 to 16 repetitions,ultimately you want to lift heavier with lower rep for serious sculpting, but gotta start somewhere.

Chest/Bench Press
Lie on a ball, bench or floor with abs contracted. Begin with weights straight up over chest, elbows slightly bent. Bend the elbows and lower arms until the elbows are just below shoulder level (arms should look like a goal post). Contract the chest and push arms up, but don't allow weights to touch at the top.

Push Ups
Begin in a pushup position on the floor, hands wider than shoulders and resting on the knees or on a ball for added intensity. Bend elbows and lower into a pushup, elbows to 90 degrees and abs in tight. Don't sag in the middle. Push back to start and repeat.
Push Ups
OR
Barbell Row
Holding bar or weights in front of thighs, bend knees and tilt torso forward to about 45 degrees, abs in tight. Take the weight out, following line of thighs, then squeeze the back to draw weight in towards belly button. Avoid this move if you have back problems.

Back Extension
Lie face down with hands either behind the back or lightly cradling the head. Lift upper body off the ground a few inches, keeping head and neck in alignment. For a challenge, then lift feet off the ground keeping legs straight (knees don't have to be together), hold for 2-4 counts, lower and repeat.


Overhead Press
Sit or stand holding weights in hands, elbows bent and weights next to shoulders. Straighten elbows and push weights overhead, palms facing each other and slightly in front of head. Lower arms and repeat.


Front Raises
Stand with feet hip-width apart, abs in and torso upright with medium weights resting in front of thighs (palms face the thighs). Lift arms to shoulder level, elbows slightly bent and palms facing the floor. Lower and repeat.


Concentration Curls
Kneel or sit in a chair and prop right arm on the inside of right leg, weight in hand and palm facing out. Contract the bicep to pull weight towards the shoulder (without touching the shoulder). Lower and repeat.


Kickbacks
Bend torso forward until you're at 45 degrees or parallel to the floor, elbows bent and next to ribcage. Contract triceps to straighten elbows, bringing weight up slightly above hips. Keep the abs tight and raise torso if this hurts your lower back or hamstrings.
Kickbacks

Dips
Begin sitting on a step or chair with hands next to thighs. Balance on your arms, moving backside in front of the step with legs straight (harder) or bent (easier). Bend the elbows and lower body a few inches, keeping the shoulders down and the elbows parallel to one another and at 90 degrees. Push back up to starting position and repeat.