Adding ankle weights to your regular exercise program is a great way to increase the intensity of your workout with actually doing a whole lot more work. For best results, be sure to start with ankle weights that are the right size for you.
About Ankle WeightsAnkle weights are a popular piece of exercise equipment that, like the name suggests, consists of a weighted band that is wrapped around your ankle. This piece of equipment is great for individuals who are interested in increasing strength and muscle tone in their lower body, but don't have access to a gym or are afraid to try traditional weight lifting forms of exercise for the lower body. Ankle weights make a great addition to your exercise routine if you have recently suffered an injury to your lower body, and are starting to develop a new exercise program.
Finding the Right Ankle WeightsYou must first find weights that are right for you. Ideally, you should start with weights that are relatively light, and work your way up. If you use weights that are too heavy initially, you can cause major injury. Be sure to look for weights that are not too large for your body. The strap of the ankle weight should wrap around 1-1/3 times around your ankle--if the strap is any larger than this, you risk tripping over the loose ends. Typically, ankle weights can be found at any sporting goods or home improvement store. If you have difficulty locating them, try searching the Internet. More and more online athletic companies are now beginning to sell ankle weights.
Incorporating Ankle Weights into Your RoutineNow that you have your own pair of ankle weights, you can begin to incorporate them into your exercise routine. One great way to use ankle weights is to simply wear them while out on your regular walk or jog. Wearing these weights will increase the amount of weight you need to work against, making your exercise much more challenging. Ankle weights can also be used while jogging, biking or even swimming. If you are interested in using your ankle weights in the pool, make sure that they are waterproof.
Preventing Injury While Using Ankle WeightsBe sure to follow some basic guidelines when it comes to using ankle weights in order to prevent possible injury. Be sure to talk with your doctor in order to make sure that you are healthy enough to use ankle weights. Find weights that are the right size for you. Stop exercising if you notice any unusual pain while wearing the ankle weights. You may have an overuse injury that needs to be examined.
