Best Ankle Weights

(Image credit: Sportneer)

Whether you're a beginner in the gym or a professional Pilates instructor, ankle weights are a great way to tone and sculpt your body, starting with your legs and glutes. Available in varying levels of heaviness, ankle weights allow you to stay active and work muscles that are normally kept dormant. Strap a pair of ankle weights on while you engage in normal activities such as walking to increase the level of intensity, or participate in a high-intensity workout geared around this pair of equipment. When it comes to the best ankle weights, here are our top picks.

(Image credit: Sportneer)

Sportneer Ankle Weights

Reasons to buy

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Staff pick

This pair of one-size-fits-all ankle weights are great for beginners and experts in the gym. Each ankle weight comes equipped with five removable sand pockets so you can decrease or increase the intensity as you tone your body. Each sand pocket weighs 0.97 pounds, allowing each ankle weight to range in weight from 1 pound to 5 pounds. These weights are comfortable against your ankles as they are made from neoprene materials and feature a double-stitched and soft trim.

(Image credit: CAP Barbell)

CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights

Reasons to buy

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10 pounds each

If you're searching for a pair of ankle weights that weigh slightly heavier than the standard, the CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights is a great choice. These one-size-fits-all ankle weights weigh in at 10 pounds each, making them great for building muscle and sculpting your legs and glutes. You can adjust the weight by adding or removing sandbags from the built-in pockets. These weights are easy to wear as they feature a hook and loop closure with velcro. You won't have to worry about needing to readjust these weights in the middle of your workout as they stay put. 

(Image credit: Fitness Maniac)

Pro Weight Adjustable Strap Heavy Ankle Weights

Reasons to buy

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8 pounds each

The Pro Weight Adjustable Strap Heavy Ankle Weights weigh in at 8 pounds each, making them great for rehabilitation and weight training. The adjustable velcro strap makes them the perfect size for everyone. Simply wrap them around your ankles and secure them with the hefty velcro strap to keep them in place. If you find that they slip while engaging in actions like the donkey kick, you can wear socks under them to keep them more secure. Use these ankle weights on a walk or while you jog to increase the intensity and change up your every-day routine. 

Tone Fitness HHA-TN002 Ankle Weights

Reasons to buy

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1 pound each

The bottom line

Adding a pair of ankle weights to your workout routine is an excellent way to build muscle, increase balance, and rehabilitate your body after an injury. With varying levels of heaviness and removable weighted sandbags, ankle weights like the Sportneer Ankle Weights are a great choice. These one-size-fits-all ankle weights are comfortable and effective in engaging your muscles during a workout.

If you're looking for a heavier ankle weight to immensely increase the intensity of your workout routine, the CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights weigh in at 10 pounds each. Strap these weights to your ankles for a leg routine that will make you feel the burn.