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    Adding ankle weights and dumbells to WATP 3 miles

    Posts: 64
    edited January 16 in Fitness and Exercise
    I want to start WATP, and I have 2/5 lb dumbells and 2/5 lb ankle weights. How much more beneficial is it by doing that? I Googled it and my head is spinning!

    Thanks!

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    Replies

    • Posts: 110
      I have had amazing results walking with weighted vest everyday. I started low at 10 lbs and worked my way up to 50 lb so I know walking with weight helps a lot.

      As far as weight in your hands and ankles vs a vest...I don't know. Mine is strapped to my chest and back. I'd say any weight is better than nothing at all.
    • Posts: 64
      Thanks!
    • Posts: 5,769 Member
      Don't use ankle weights for anything other that sitting weight lifting. It puts a lot of strain on your knees and hips and can lead to permanent injury. Ankle weights should never be used while walking, running or other cardio.
    • Posts: 61,406 Member
      I have no idea what WATP is, but doing any exercise besides leg lifts while wearing ankle weights is generally a bad idea. Puts stress on your joints in places that aren't suited for it.
    • Posts: 64
      Walking Away the Pounds
    • Posts: 506 Member
      anything over a pound or maybe 2 puts stress on your joints and can really cause some painful issues because of the weight being at the 'end' of your arm/leg so when you swing/step it is putting pressure on joints in ways they are not meant for.
    • Posts: 534 Member
      Most studies I've seen show that people tend to walk slower when wearing these things, so it evens out calorie wise. Plus, you're not really getting any strength gains by doing so, and since there is a greater likelihood of muscle strain as DavPul suggested, I'd say the negatives outweigh any potential positives.
    • Posts: 1,299 Member
      I want to start WATP, and I have 2/5 lb dumbells and 2/5 lb ankle weights. How much more beneficial is it by doing that? I Googled it and my head is spinning!

      Thanks!

      Why not just wear a backpack?
    • Posts: 12,294 Member
      Don't use ankle weights for anything other that sitting weight lifting. It puts a lot of strain on your knees and hips and can lead to permanent injury. Ankle weights should never be used while walking, running or other cardio.

      ^This. If you want to add weight put something heavy in a hiking backpack and go.
    • Posts: 64
      Thanks everyone. I love the backpack idea!
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