Bottom Line – Upfront: The All Pro Adjustable Ankle Weights are our top choice.
If you are looking for a way to increase the intensity of your exercise routine, then ankle weights are a great option. Ankle weights are thick belts that you secure to your ankles with a velcro closure. They are filled with weights of various size. You can use ankle weights when performing both cardio training, such as running, and weight training exercises like glute ham raises.
Ankle weights not only make your exercise harder, they also make it far more effective. You’ll be able to burn more calories, increase your aerobic capacity, get stronger and build more muscle when you use them.
In this article we discover the best ankle weights on the current fitness market.
Top Pick: All Pro Adjustable Ankle Weights
The All Pro Adjustable Ankle Weights are a high spec pair of 5 pound weights (10 pounds in total). They come in a fluorescent blue color and have been ergonomically designed for comfort, and causes no irritation to your lower foot.
Benefits
Adjustable Weight
A key selling point of the All Pro is that they are adjustable weights via an adjustable strap. They are removable and solid as opposed to sand, liquid or metal beds, that you might find in lesser products. The individual weights are made of solid iron. Each ankle weight consists of five one pound weights that can be removed or added depending on your requirements.
Cushioned Flaps
The cushioned flaps provide comfortable grip during workouts.
High Quality
The quality of the All Pro is very durable, from the stitching to the material and even the velcro strap.
Easy Fixture
Strapping the ankle weight on is very straight forward. Simply wrap the velcro strap around your ankle or wrist. Then secure the velcro strap to provide a secure, but not an overly tight, fit.
Suitable for Wrists
The All Pro Ankle Weights can be used for both the ankles and the wrists. This allows for a fuller range of movement on dumbbell exercises.
Drawbacks
No Buckle
The All Pro does not provide you with a belt loop or a buckle to keep the velcro in line. This makes tightening a little cumbersome, because you have to hold on to the side flaps.
Summary
The All Pro Ankle Weight set provides you with 10 pounds of total resistance. It can be used on both the ankles and the wrists, provides individual, adjustable weights in one pound increments, and is easy to put on and take off.
Second Pick: Theraband Comfort Fit Ankle Weights
The Theraband Comfort Fit Ankle Weights are possibly the most comfortable ankle weights on the market. They provide you with a total of five pounds of resistance (2.5 pounds on each leg). These custom fit cuffs provide you with a sleep neoprene outer surface.
Benefits
Terry Cloth Inner
The Theraband Comfort Fit Ankle Weight gives you an amazingly comfortable terry cloth inner lining that feels great against the skin. It also does a superior job of wicking up moisture and preventing sweat slippage.
Reflective Trim
The Theraband Comfort Fit Ankle Weight features a reflective trim that acts as a safety reflector when you are running at night.
Different Resistance Options
You can choose between three resistance options to suit your individual requirements.
Adjustable Buckle and Strap
The Theraband ankle weight provides you with an adjustable buckle and strap. This allows for easy on and off while also providing a secure fit.
Drawbacks
Weights Not Removable
The weights in the Theraband ankle weight are not removable. This does not allow you to adjust the resistance level of each weight. This limits their ability to adjust to your changing requirements as you get stronger and fitter.
Summary
Theraband Comfort Fit Ankle Weight are an extremely comfortable set of weights that sit well and secure tightly. However, the weights are not removable preventing you from progressing the resistance without buying a heavier pair.
Third Pick: Valeo Adjustable Ankle Weights
The Valeo Adjustable Ankle Weights are a comfortable, adjustable set of sand bag weights, They come in stylish jet black color and come with a max resistance of 5 pounds on each leg.
Benefits
Adjustable Resistance
The adjustable weights in the Valeo band consist of five individual sand bags that each weigh one pound. Each one is removable, providing you with the option of using resistance between one and five pounds on each ankle.
D-Ring
Valeo ankle weight sets provides you with a D-ring that allows you to securely fasten the band to the level that you desire.
Soft Padding
Valeo Adjustable Ankle Weights provide you with soft padding to give you a comfortable feel on the leg. It is both moisture and odor resistant and will slip up and down the leg.
Multi Purpose
Valeo Adjustable Ankle Weights can be used on both the ankles and the wrists.
Drawbacks
Sand Weights
Sand weights are not the ideal type of weight resistance. This is due to the possibility that the bag might leak.
Summary
The Valeo Adjustable Ankle Weight are comfortable, multi purpose ankle weight sets. It is adjustable in increments of a pound. However, the weights are filled with sand, which may leak over time.
Fourth Pick: Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights
The Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights were built to meet the needs of the athletic woman. They provide extra comfort padding, a snug feel, durable double stitching and extra string velcro.
Benefits
Especially for Women
The Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights are ergonomically designed to meet the needs of the active sports woman. Though they will work for men, they offer the enhanced design and comfort that a woman especially values. They are great for focusing on glute ad hamstring work during your workout.
Extra Padding
Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights provide you with double the amount of padding that you get on most other ankle weights. This gives you a much greater level of ankle comfort and a more secure fit.
Guarantee
With the Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights you get an impressive lifetime replacement or refund warranty.
Very Secure
The Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights feature a sure stay design which ensures that they won’t slip up or down while you’re working out. They fit snugly and stay in place regardless of what you are doing.
Drawbacks
Limited Weight
The Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights only provide you with two pound weight resistance of each side. These weights are not removable or adjustable.
Summary
Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights are specifically designed for use by women. They provide you with a very comfortable, snug fit but only come with two pounds of resistance on each ankle.
Fifth Pick: Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weights
The Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weight is designed for comfort and functionality, coming in a durable neoprene fabric. A D-Ring provides you with a way to keep the brace secure. They come in a range of resistances, which are made from sand and are removable
Benefits
Strong
The Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weight sets are made from neoprene and feature sturdy double stitching. The outer trim is very strong and secure.
Very Comfortable
The Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weight is extremely comfortable, providing you with a sift, snug fit. The band is moisture resistant and odor reducing.
Adjustable
Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weights contain individual one pound weights that can each be removed, allowing for variable level of resistance.
Multi Purpose
The Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weight set can be used in both the feet and the ankles.
Drawbacks
Sand Weights
The resistance in the Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weight is provided by way of sand bags. These have been known to leak over time.
Summary
Yes4All Comfort Ankle Weights are a very comfortable fitting band that is fully adjustable and strong. The resistance is adjustable, but features sand, which has a history of leaking.
Sixth Pick: Da Vinci Ankle or Wrist Weights
The Da Vinci Ankle and Wrist Weights are a durable, snug fitting band that wick away moisture and sweat. They are made of soft cloth that feels great against the skin. They come in a range of color coded resistance levels.
Benefits
Comfortable
The Da Vinci Ankle and Wrist Weight is made from a lightweight, cushioning material that feels very snug against the skin. You will never suffer from abrasions with this product. It also does a great job of wicking away moisture and odor.
Tight Fit
The stretchy material from which the Da Vinci Ankle and Wrist Weight is made provides you with a tight comfort fit to ensure that the weights do not slide up or down your leg.
Range of Resistances
The Da Vinci Ankle and Wrist Weights are available in a range of resistances, from 2 x 1 pound to 2 x 5 pounds.
Drawbacks
Not Adjustable
The Da Vinci Ankle and Wrist Weights are not adjustable, so you will have to buy a new set if you want to increase the weight.
Seventh Pick: Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights
The Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights are a popular choice for men and women who are looking to add extra intensity to their strength training. These weights are well priced and very comfortable.
No Chafing
The neoprene padding on the Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights provides a very gentle feel against the skin. This ensures that you will never experience chafing, scratching or abrasions.
Durable
Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights are extremely hard wearing. They feature double reinforced stitching throughout.
Reflective Trim
The reflective trim on the Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights allows for running at night in safety, as they act as a reflector to light your way.
Carry Bag
Your Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights come with a convenient carry bag, making it easy to carry them with you to the gym.
Warranty
Your purchase of the Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights is covered by a 12-month warranty.
Multi Use
Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights can be used for both the ankles and the wrists.
Drawbacks
Not Enough Resistance
The Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights only come in weights of between one and three pounds. This may not be enough resistance for many users.
Not Adjustable
The Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights cannot be removed and adjusted, That means that, in order to progress the weight, you need to buy a whole new set.
Summary
The Nordic Lifting Ankle / Wrist Weights are a reliable, comfortable wearing pair of weights that can be used for both the ankle and the wrist. They are well priced and durable. However, they are only available between one and three pounds for each weight and are not adjustable.
The Benefits of Ankle Weights
Ankle weights provide you with a very convenient way to add intensity to your exercise session. Here are five ways that they can make your workouts better:
- Ankle weights boost your endurance levels – the added weight that ankle weights bring to your workout cause you to exert more force than you otherwise would. This will build up your cardiovascular fitness and health, with the result that you will have more endurance and stamina.
- Ankle weights tone your legs – to really challenge your hamstrings, glutes and quads, you need to add some resistance. Ankle weights do this without interfering with your range of motion when doing leg raises, kick backs and other leg-centric exercises.
- Ankle weights burn more calories – because they make you work harder, ankle weights allow you to burn more calories. They take your body out of its comfort zone, shocking it to respond by working harder. This makes it a great way to ramp up your fat loss. A number of studies have confirmed that exercising with ankle weights allows a person to lose body fat faster.
- Ankle weights provide versatility to your strength training – nothing defeats exercise like boredom. Ankle weights allow you to broaden your strength training horizons, adding resistance to basic bodyweight moves and bring a whole new perspective to such cardio exercises as cycling, running and skipping.
- Ankle weights strengthen your muscles – wearing ankle weights will allow you to develop the strength of your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes. This will make your legs far more functional. If you wear your ankle weights on your wrists, you will also develop the strength of your forearms, wrists, biceps and triceps.
Whether you are working out at the local gym or hitting it hard on your at home exercise equipment, try throwing on a pair of these ankle weights and see how much harder you have to work! You’ll notice more toned leg muscles, I promise.