More and more people are using ankle weights in their workout regimens and we couldn’t help but wonder if they are safe and useful or just another fitness trend.
Ankle weights are affordable, don’t take too much space, and they are so easy to use. They are sometimes used as an alternative to dumbbells and can be very convenient for beginners. However, they shouldn’t be used for every exercise. Physical therapist Dr. Leada Malek spoke with Popsugar about the safe ways to use ankle weights.
“You can use ankle weights for most strengthening exercises, especially those that target the hips and legs,” she said. She added that light weights are also a good choice for wrists. They will add resistance and make a workout more challenging and more efficient for your muscles.
Dr. Malek warns that you should always start with lighter weights than you think. It’s important that you can tolerate the weight throughout the workout. One or two-pound weights are great to start with, even though they may seem too light. You can always gradually increase the weight as you progress.
