Are they good or bad?
It is like
everything good has its demerits. Ankle weights are no exception either. When
you use them as required, they will be good for you. For this reason, you have
to understand the exercise that is safe with ankle weights. Know how you can
use them and when you should avoid them when working out. Before opting for
ankle weights, ensure that your knee or ankle is free from injuries.
Can You Run With Ankle Weights
As mentioned
previously, running with ankle weights can be injuries and most physicians
discourage their use. They can cause muscular imbalances and affect the gait
pattern. In case you find running with loads effective, prefer using weighted
vests.
Injuries related to Ankle Weights
·
While
using ankle weights, your body tries to compensate for that weight. Additional
weights in your ankles may change your walking style and body posture.
·
By
using these ankle weights you will be giving more weights on ankle than it can
handle. This will affect your hips, knees, and ankles in the long run.
·
Overweight
and weak individuals should avoid ankle weights at any cost. Instead, you can
adjust your training intervals and different speeds.
Existing Injury or pain
In case you
have existing injury or pain in the muscles of your leg, extra weights can
worsen your condition. The additional weight and force will mean overworking
your joints and muscles. For this reason, you need to stop using ankle weights
in case you start feeling aches and pain. Avoid the weights while working out
and alternate their usage. Do not make the weights an essential part of your
routine body workouts.
Using ankle weights in excess:
Undoubtedly,
wearing ankle weights has a lot of benefits. But this does not mean that it is
without the dangers. The first thing you should keep in mind whenever planning
to use ankle weights is that they are tools. Using any tool in excess or the
wrong way can lead to serious issues. To gain the advantages of ankle weights,
you have to use them moderately and sparingly.
Joint stress:
Instead of
building muscles, you might be causing joint stress if with too much usage of
ankle weights. Avoid running or walking with your ankle weights. This can lead
to altered gait, and the last thing you may want to experience is muscle
imbalances or strain. Overweight individuals can feel the straining in their
hips and knees.
Effecting speed:
Another
reason you have to avoid ankle weight is that tendons, joints, and muscles need
to rest for some time. You might be overloading your joints with consistent
addition of weight. You can avoid the ankle weights by increasing your speeds
and/or reps. If you are focusing on cardiovascular and aerobics, ankle weights
may be less effective compared to when doing uphill-walking or stair-climbing.
You can burn more calories with the latter.
May not be
long-lasting:
Ankle
weights are the easiest and quickest solution for individuals looking to
increase the intensity of their normal workout routine. They are versatile,
cost-friendly and you can use them in various exercises. You might use them in
targeting your main muscle groups. But, you will only benefit if you use them
as required. Do it in a moderation and consult in case something is not clear.
Start slowly and as you gain experience, you can try varying exercise with them
as well as increasing your weights.
Depending on
added strength and resistance may not guarantee long-lasting outcomes. If at
all you have to use wearable weights, ensure everything is in moderation and
mind your safety.
Make
performance intense:
Wearable
weights are good in calorie burn and strengthening your body during workouts.
This is not a hard thing, you only have to wear them and proceed with your
usual workout routine. Whether you will be jogging, walking, jumping, or
running, you add the weight to make the workout effective. The aim of this is
to adjust your gait's mechanics and strain your muscles for a harder
performance.
Ankle Weights: What are they?
Most people
have been incorporating this workout equipment for years now. If you have ever
been in aerobic exercises, you might have heard of wearable weights if not used
them. Are you aware that using these additional weights recklessly or
incorrectly can be injurious?
Ankle
weights are extra weights that you can wear before a workout. The main aim of
these weights is to improve your endurance and increase overall strength. Extra
weights will force your body to go the extra mile and produces additional
force. With this, you will gain more stamina and endurance. You can as well use
ankle weights to increase your musculature in your calves, quadriceps, and
glutes.
Usage:
Most
individuals claim to have gained a lot using ankle weights in their workouts.
With this, we cannot claim that these equipment are entirely bad. Maybe they
lie between the bad and the good. How you will use them is what determines the
outcome. Try avoiding them if you can. Any contemporary addition may be
detrimental in the long run. Overindulgence in ankle weights may give you the
opposite results.
You might
injure your tendons and muscle with the forced stretches. Seek advice from your
doctor and trainer when planning to use wearable weights. In case you notice
any unusual pain while using ankle weights, drop them, and identify the reason.
Workouts equipment produce a varying result in different people.
