We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
7 ankle weights to boost your home (or gym) workouts
They're a great addition for barre, Pilates, power walking and more...
The online workout revolution has been underway for some time now, meaning more of us are looking for ways to keep things fresh and add a new challenge into our routines: step forward, ankle weights. Yep, those velcro strapped ankle weights that you'll likely have come across in a barre or Pilates class are also great for home use too, and can even double up to be used as wrist weights as well.
But why are ankle weights such a good buy? Well, for starters they take up minimal room and have maximum impact when it comes to building up muscle endurance. Although ankle weights may appear a bit 'meh, what are these really gonna do?' when you first put them on (they can go from 0.5kg and range all the way up to 5kg and beyond for the pros amongst us), you'll quickly discover that popping them on will really help you feel the burn in your legs, glutes and thighs.
By adding a weighted resistance to any movement that you're attempting, the muscle you're targeting is immediately going to have to work that little bit harder – and if you repeat a toning move, such as a donkey kick (where you get down on all fours and raise one leg up, pretending you're squeezing a balloon between your leg and the back of your thigh), even though it might feel like a small movement, you'll quickly realise it's working a big old muscle. That is to say, your glutes will be on *fire*. Plus, if you do plenty of reps without stopping, you'll also be adding a cardiovascular element to your workout.
Keen for even more good ankle weights-related news? One 2018 study even found that resistance training aids you in maintaining skeletal health by increasing your bone mass and density. So, without further ado, here are the best ankle weights to try today (and remember, if you're a beginner here, go in gently on the weight front and gradually build it up):
FitHut Ankle and Wrist Weights in Pink (2 x 0.5kg)
If you're looking to grab a bargain, these FitHut ankle weights (via ASOS) are currently on sale and are down from £16 to £11. Don't walk – run (preferably with these ankle weights on)!
These weights pack a real punch, as they can go from 0.45kg all the way up to 5kg per ankle. Great if you're looking for versatile ankle weights that allow you to mix it up.
The Sportneer set of ankle weights (or wrist weights, depending on how you use them) are brilliant for those who aren't quite sure what weight to start with. They can be customised, with removable bags, meaning they range from 0.23kg to 1.6kg per ankle, or wrist. That gets a big tick from us!
These are the perfect ankle and wrist weights for beginners, or anybody looking to take it slow after an injury, as they weigh in on the lighter end of the scale at 0.5kg each. Available from Argos, these are perfect for anyone looking to gradually build up (or back) strength.
Bala Bangles (2 x 0.45kg) in Sage
Okay, we hear you... are Bala Bangles more expensive than some of the other ankle weights or wrist weights we've highlighted? Yes. Are they more beautiful, durable and easier to clean than others? Also yes. For any Insta-gym fan, you'd be hard pressed to find better.
For those ready to move up from beginner weights, might we suggest these 2kg beauts? The velcro strap makes them great for an array of exercises, from running to hiking to cycling – just adjust them to your desired fit to ensure there's no unwanted movement.
SPRI Adjustable (2 x 4.5kg) Ankle Weights
These SPRI weights are tough as old boots, with a very durable nylon mesh design. Combined, they add 9kg to whatever moves you're mastering while working out – bring on the burn!
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Primark's £18 polka dot gym set is so on trend
These £28 gym leggings ‘hold you in perfectly’
21 butt-sculpting leggings for a perky bum
Flared yoga pants are the comfiest piece of gym kit
![“they're so much weaker”: pts on how "skinny jabs" have impacted their client's training](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/they-re-so-much-weaker-pts-on-how-22skinny-jabs-22-have-impacted-their-client-s-training-697b4b3481b9d.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.141xw,0&resize=360:* "“They're so much weaker”: PTs on how "skinny jabs" have impacted their client's training")
