Walking with ankle weights

Lindsay7360
Lindsay7360 Posts: 99
edited September 21 in Fitness and Exercise
How would I log walking with 5lb ankle weights into my exercise diary... I'm not finding anything in the database.

Thanks for your help! :)

Replies

  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    I don't think that you will find that kind of exercise in the MFP database. My PT did not recommend walking with uncle weights. He said that they put unneccesary strain in the knees and hips, and that they don't give much benefits.
  • CFAITH_WARD
    CFAITH_WARD Posts: 281 Member
    I would use a HRM.
  • MisdemeanorM
    MisdemeanorM Posts: 3,493 Member
    You could probably figure this out by just assuming 10 extra lbs of body weight in your calculations - it's somewhat comparable. Also, it will only burn more calories if it gets your heart rate up more than just walking (ie slower with weights is more toning less cardio than faster wout), otherwise it will just affect your muscle toning.
  • Lindsay7360
    Lindsay7360 Posts: 99
    I do have a HRM, but I normally use my ankle weights at work during my lunch break when I'm not wearing my HRM - I suppose to could use them at home once and see how much more I burn vs walking without them.

    Good suggestion, thanks!
  • Lindsay7360
    Lindsay7360 Posts: 99
    You could probably figure this out by just assuming 10 extra lbs of body weight in your calculations - it's somewhat comparable. Also, it will only burn more calories if it gets your heart rate up more than just walking (ie slower with weights is more toning less cardio than faster wout), otherwise it will just affect your muscle toning.

    Great suggestion! Thanks.

    And also, I definitely think it raises my HR. I try to keep my pace up and I can definitely tell my HR is up. I'll use my HRM tonight to confirm that. :)
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    How would I log walking with 5lb ankle weights into my exercise diary... I'm not finding anything in the database.

    Thanks for your help! :)

    You should NOT be walking with ankle weights! It says right on the package not to do it. You're going to kill your knees.

    *That said, I would invest in a heart rate monitor for something like that because I don't think there's an easy way in the tracker to account for the extra weight.

    *I see you already addressed that. :-)
  • Lindsay7360
    Lindsay7360 Posts: 99
    How would I log walking with 5lb ankle weights into my exercise diary... I'm not finding anything in the database.

    Thanks for your help! :)

    You should NOT be walking with ankle weights! It says right on the package not to do it. You're going to kill your knees.

    *That said, I would invest in a heart rate monitor for something like that because I don't think there's an easy way in the tracker to account for the extra weight.

    *I see you already addressed that. :-)

    I really had no idea not to walk with ankle weights, I thought that's what they were for! Hahaha! I did check the package - all it says is "provides added weight resistance for strength and cardio work outs"

    I suppose if nothing else, I can use them for strength training! They also act as wrist weights, so I guess if I need a little extra oomph while lifting, I can throw them on.

    Thanks!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    There should be something somewhere saying not to walk with them. Every ankle weight I've ever seen says that. It's too much for your knees and can cause serious problems.

    Maybe get some wrist weights and pump your arms while walking. That should have the same effect on HR. I would use the ankle weights for leg lifts or something like that. There may be some cardio exercises you could do with them, but walking and running are not recommended.

    Here's an article that explains it: http://www.ehow.com/about_5481085_danger-walking-ankle-weights.html
  • Lindsay7360
    Lindsay7360 Posts: 99
    Thank you rml_16!

    I have searched all over the box, inside and out... nothin'! It does have the standard "check with your doctor...." schpeel.. but that's it. Thanks for the article!

    The weights I bought are interchangable wrist/ankle - so mabe I'll just stick with them on my wrists. It really is just to get my HR up and pumping... so that'll work!

    Thanks again! :)
  • hill242
    hill242 Posts: 412 Member
    To add weight while walking/running, wear a weighted vest. Don't kill your joints with ankle/hand weights!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Thank you rml_16!

    I have searched all over the box, inside and out... nothin'! It does have the standard "check with your doctor...." schpeel.. but that's it. Thanks for the article!

    The weights I bought are interchangable wrist/ankle - so mabe I'll just stick with them on my wrists. It really is just to get my HR up and pumping... so that'll work!

    Thanks again! :)

    :-)

    No problem. I couldn't let that one go by without saying something. I'm really surprised it doesn't say on the box! I've looked at ankle weights for the same reason and on every box, in a very prominent place, it says not to use them while walking or running, so I just didn't buy them. I would say if you use them on your wrists, make sure to hold your elbows at 90 degrees so they're not pulling too hard on the joints.

    Also, inclines will get your heart pumping without weights. I have a lot of hills near me and my HR gets up to 85% just climbing them without weights.
  • JenniferH81
    JenniferH81 Posts: 285 Member
    It says not to RUN with them. however my package says walking is fine. Now I'm confused!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    It says not to RUN with them. however my package says walking is fine. Now I'm confused!

    Read the article I posted above.
  • JustAnotherBob
    JustAnotherBob Posts: 33
    There are several threads on this subject and I believe it will always be a never ending argument. You can ask 10 experts and get 10 different answers. I've use ankle weights off and on for years and they've never bothered me. They may or may not bother you. So why not just check with your doctor, pt, or someone you trust and go with their recommendations.
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