What are weighted wristbands and how can they boost your workout?
You may have seen people exercising with bands around their wrists or ankles lately. No, they're not bringing back the neon leg-warmer look à la 1980s Jane Fonda. They're most likely jumping on the latest fitness trend and giving their workout a boost with weighted wristbands or ankle-bands.
"Weighted ankle and wristbands can be a great way to add small amounts of resistance to your training, or as part of rehabilitation when dumbbells aren't suitable," says personal trainer and expert in women's health and fitness, Tom House. "They are most effective when your grip strength isn’t up to much so holding weights is problematic."
So, which exercises should we use them for? "They're great for arm exercises, such as bicep curls or tricep kickbacks; some rotator cuff exercises like internal and external rotations; and shoulder exercises such as presses, shrugs and lateral raises," advises Tom. He has a word of caution, though: "I wouldn’t recommend them for running or day-to-day wear, as the extra pressure on the joints and muscles can lead to injury, and more dynamic movements can be risky as the temptation to over-compensate with certain muscles, joints and tendons due to lack of control can readily lead to injury."
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Though these weighted ankle and wrist bands have been around for some time, they've undergone a recent revamp, largely thanks to the very millennial-friendly aesthetic of Bala. Their Bala Bangles 'are stylish weighted bands that turn movement into muscle, amplifying the fitness benefits of just about any routine', according to their website. And with their matte finish and pastel pink, peach and mint green hues (among others), it's easy to see why they're flying off the shelves and into our Instagram feeds.
We're on board with anything that will elevate our workouts and help us see results faster (mainly because that means we can spend more time on the sofa in front of Netflix, right?) These are some of our other favourite weighted ankle and wrist bands to really level up your workout.
Opti Wrist and Ankle Weights, £6.99
We love amping up our workouts with these affordable wrist and ankle weights. Except when we've done 40 seconds of bicep curls with them on. Then we hate them a little bit.
Xn8 Neoprene Ankle Weights, from £6.99
Non-slip grip and available in lots of colourways, these weights are available in 0.5 kg, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 2 kg, 2.5 and 3 kg.
Adidas Ankle/ Wrist Weights, from £18
Stripes over checks? Fear not, Adidas have their own monochrome matte weighted bands, available in 0.5kg or 1kg.
These are the OG chic wearable weights. They weigh one pound each and are more like stylish fitness bracelets than weights. Wear them on your wrists or ankles and adjust using the velcro strap (one size fits all). They may be the priciest product on the list, but they're definitely the prettiest and will no doubt add to your Insta fitness (fitsta?) credentials.
You can use weighted bands in your water-based exercises, too. Because aqua fitness isn't tough enough already (it totally is).
DTX Fitness Ankle/Wrist Weights, from £6.95
If 0.5kg sounds way too puny (check you out, you athlete), these weighted bands go up to 5kg. Talk about levelling up.
Domyos Softbell Adjustable Wrist and Ankle Weights, £6.99
Not sure whether you want weighted bands for your ankles or wrists, or both? These are a good shout as they can be used on ankles or wrists interchangeably.
Reebok Training Wrist Weights, £16.99
These 0.5kg weighted wristbands come with a neoprene cover, thumb loops and adjustable straps, making them extra-comfortable.
