Getting regular exercise is an important part of maintaining your health. No matter what type of workout routine you do, you may be able to get better results by adding ankle weights. Training with ankle weights provides several benefits. Once you understand these benefits a little bit better, you can decide whether or not you want to add these versatile weights to your workout routine.
If you aren’t familiar with ankle weights, the design is relatively simple. Typically, they are made out of two flat, rectangular pieces of heavy-duty fabric that are sewn together. Weights are sewn inside between the two layers of fabric. These weights are secured in place with extra stitching so that they don’t slide around. At either end of the ankle weight, there is a strip of Velcro.
To use the weights, all you have to do is wrap them around your ankle and secure them in place using the Velcro. They usually aren’t very heavy. In most cases, they only weigh between one and five pounds, depending on the set that you purchase. Some ankle weights are even adjustable, allowing you to add or remove weight according to your fitness level and your preferences.
One way that you can use ankle weights is to simply strap them on while you are doing your normal workout routine. For instance, if you walk for exercise, putting on ankle weights can help you burn more calories while at the same time strengthening your leg muscles. They also work well for other exercises where you have to pick your feet up off the ground like running.
Adding ankle weights when you work out can also help improve your endurance. That means that you can exercise longer without getting as tired. Increasing your muscular endurance allows you to increase the length of your workouts without experiencing a lot of extra fatigue.
Working out with ankle weights also provides cardiovascular benefits. Since you have to use more energy when you are wearing ankle weights, you breathe more deeply and your heart rate increases. This helps increase your lung capacity and strengthens your heart, helping you get in better shape. When your heart and lungs are healthy and strong, you can perform physical activities more easily and for longer periods.
Ankle weights can also do wonders for many of your leg muscles. You can use them when doing leg lifts or other exercises to tone and tighten your legs. Interestingly, if you wear them while doing straight leg raises to work your lower abdominal muscles, you also can get a better stomach workout, helping you get faster results.
The last benefit of training with ankle weights is that they are so compact and easy to carry. You don’t have to worry about bulky weights taking up room in your home. You can also easily tuck them into your luggage when you are traveling, allowing you to get a good workout even when you are away from home or on the road.
