Why would I put weights on your ankles unless I am throwing you overboard?
Written: Jun 09 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Portable, durable, versatile, well made.
Cons: None except the 5 pound set is not my favorite.
The Bottom Line: Every home should own a pair of ankle weights. Really they are a great addition to your home equipment.
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| jo.com's Full Review: SPRI Products Ankle Weights 2 1/2 Pound Pair SPR02... |
I have several pair of ankle weights but I like the ones made by Spri the best. Another brand I own is made by Everlast. It is weighted with the use of sand. You will see why those made by Spri are my favorites.
What are ankle weights:
Ankle weights come in a variety of forms. In general they are weights that one puts on their ankles (or wrists) that add resistance. There are some great exercises that are enhanced using them. They add an extra challenge for my clients.
Ankle weights come in many weights and in a variety of forms. Some can be used as wrist weights which is true of those made by Spri which I am reviewing. I have mixed feelings about using weights around your wrists so I am not going to recommend them for that purpose.
About Ankle Weights by Spri:
The ones I am reviewing are the 5 pound set which makes them 2.5 pounds each. Although I own them and use them for some clients (elderly, those injured or brand new to exercising) I wouldn’t buy another set of 5 pounds again. The reason is simple. Because of the way they work which I will get into, I get much more bang for my buck with my 10 pound pair. They are also available in a 20 pound set. At about $20 for a set they are reasonably priced.
Spri’s ankle weights are made of nylon. There is foam padding around the weights. They are extremely durable. I have had my Spri ankle weights for a long time and they are as good as new. (To be fair I have had my Everlast pair even longer and they have held up as well.)
They have two straps that come off the ankle weight. Each strap has Velcro that attaches securely to the weight. I don’t have any problems with slippage. The Velcro holds and holds and holds. Since they are secured with Velcro straps they are adjustable. The ankle weight itself measures 12 inches in length. Adding the straps makes the weight 27 inches.
Now to the great part. Each ankle weight has pockets that each weight goes into. There are eight pockets. The weights are thin rod type pieces that slide easily in and out of the pocket. Each weight weighs 5/16th of a pound. This works out great if I am working with a client. If she has had recent knee surgery (an example) and I start her out with the full 2.5 pounds perhaps she will find it too heavy. I can quickly take out one or more weights at a time until she is comfortable.
What I like about Spri’s ankle weights is what I don’t like about the 5 pound set. At only 5/16th of a pound per rod one would have to be very limited to use the weights alone. However it has been done. For example if I am working with an elderly person I might use these around her wrist (I said I wouldn’t recommend them and I am not but I am a professional and have assessed this person.) I might take all the weights out and leave only one in. That will build up some strength in her wrist. She can also hold the weight. Although very light it may be all she can do to start out with.
However for a few dollars more I bought the 10 pound set. Each one in the pair is 5 pounds. This give me a bit more options while still being able to keep the weight low for those who need it. In fact since the rods are thin I could take 4 of them out and have someone holding 2.5 pounds (half of 5 pounds for those number challenged like I am!)with still plenty of room to grow.
Some exercises that work well with Spri’s Ankle Weights:
Most of us do not use our hip flexors enough. If you go to kickboxing classes or Yoga you will but in general they are not a part of our bodies we exercise. Hip Extensions work your hip flexors all the way down to your ankles.
Lie on your back on the floor. Slowly lift you leg up until it is perpendicular to the floor. Then lower it back to starting position without relaxing. This becomes an abdominal exercise as well so make sure your abs are pulled in nice and tight.
Two very common exercises that really lend themselves to ankle weights are leg lift lying on your side. This can be tough so start out light. If you are lying on your left side I want your right leg over you left leg with a slight bend. You are going to lift the bottom leg as high as you can with you foot flexed. This is a small movement. If done correctly you should not be able to get your leg up very high.
The other one is probably the first exercise taught. You will be lying on one side with your knees slightly bent. Lift the top leg remembering to squeeze the glutes (butt). Then lower your leg back down with control. While in this position you can bend you leg behind you working your hamstring muscles (back of upper thighs); you can kick to the front with a straight leg and then bring your leg back keeping your torso straight.
Please check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have any medical conditions. If you have never exercises and are a man over 40 or a woman over 50 you should talk with your doctor as well.
I love Spri’s Ankle Weights. They are portable, versatile, durable and inexpensive. Every home should have a pair!
Other products by Spri:
Spri Stability Ball • Spri Products Xerball Medicine Balls • Spri Xerdisc • Spri 12 pound Body Bar Spri 9 pound Body Bar • Spri 15 pound Body Bar • Spri Heavy Tubes • Spri Very Light Tubes • Spri Light Tubes • Spri Foam Rollers • Spri Medium Tubes • Spri Ultra Heavy Bands • Spri Ultra Toner
I hope this has helped but feel free to leave me a question or comment. A list of my fitness related reviews can be found on my profile page. Thanks for reading and thanks to openroad for adding my many requests.
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Jo
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