Walking with weights?

clicketykeys
clicketykeys Posts: 6,576 Member
edited November 17 in Fitness and Exercise
Is it okay to add ankle weights while walking for resistance? Are there health or safety concerns?

Replies

  • Paco4gsc
    Paco4gsc Posts: 119 Member
    It is okay if you can manage/accept the risk associated with using them. The major risks are the increased stress on joints and the imbalanced load on leg muscles by which I mean, due to their positioning, ankle weights will work your quads but do nothing for your hamstrings.
  • gearhead426hemi
    gearhead426hemi Posts: 919 Member
    I am not an expert but from my personal experience I prefer a weighted vest. It spreads the weight load over your entire body instead of just at the ankle. You can add or remove weight as needed as well.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    If you want more resistance, find a hill!
  • Lizarking
    Lizarking Posts: 507 Member
    If you want benefit from that, super heavy weights over short distances is ideal. see: Farmer's carry.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    clicketykeys wrote: »
    Is it okay to add ankle weights while walking for resistance? Are there health or safety concerns?

    Ankle weights are a bad idea: http://www.livestrong.com/article/387945-why-are-ankle-weights-bad/

    Instead, if you can't find hills and you want more resistance look into getting a weighted vest. This will (at least) distribute the weight evenly.
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    i found that ankle weights and weighted vests made my steps heavier, which lead to more shin splints and sore ankles. i like the idea of walking uphill better myself.
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