What are wrist weights and why is everyone using them?

Going to the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Some of us just don’t have the time to travel to and from. Some of us don’t know where to start. And some of us just like to work out at home.

So if you are looking for workouts that you can do at home you may have spotted that all the fitness influencers are sporting wrist weights.

But what are they? And how can they help?

@shelbysacco5 Will be doing this little arm circuit on my daily walk from now on. I did a 1 mile run + 5 mile walk today with them and LOVED it. #wristweights #dailywalk ♬ My Love in the Sun – Chaddamane

What are wrist weights?

Well, they are exactly what they sound like.

They are weights that you wear around your wrist like bracelets and help tone your arms.

You can also pop them onto your ankles to tone your legs and your bum. Apparently this is what JLo does to tone her iconic posterior!

What are the benefits of wrist weights?

Using wrist weights while exercising improves upper body strength – which we could all do with!

Surprisingly it also improves your cardiovascular health. Studies have shown walking with handheld weights or wrist weights increases your oxygen uptake (how much oxygen you’re able to take in) and heart rate, compared to walking without weights.

Oh and you burn more calories while wearing them. So, it’s a win win!

When do you use them?

People usually put them on when they’re walking. It just adds another level to your workout. And with the weather getting warm, we all want to get out in nature.

You can add them into shadowboxing, pilates, yoga or any other exercise where you are using your arms – as long as it’s low impact.

@ali_velas im here for the wrist weights 💪 my arms seriously felt so much stronger after adding!! #wristweights #weddingtiktok #bride #2024bride #cortisol #cortisollevels #cortisolimbalance #weddingworkout ♬ original sound – Snapchat_sounds

Where should you start as a beginner?

You don’t want to over do it and hurt yourself.

It’s recommended to start with one pound weights on each wrist. You can get adjustable weights so you can add or take away the weight as you progress through your relationship with your weights!

And just like with the weight of them, you don’t want to over do it with how many times you use them. Start by incorporating them into two to three workouts per week.

It’s recommended that you add them into workouts you already do – so if you go for a daily walk add them in. Or if you do yoga or pilates, pop them on for half the class.