One of the Best Ways To Strengthen Muscles While You Walk Is Adding Weights—Pros Love the Kind You Can Wear

Gone are the days of the clunky, vintage, not-so-chic ankle or wrist weights weighing you down while you try to work some strength training into your walk (looking at you, ’80s Jazzercise-style clunkers!). Adding weights to your daily walk is a simple way to add resistance for a little extra toning, while also getting your steps in. But not all are created equal: Cue Bala Bangles, the safe and convenient way to wear your weights while you do cardio.

Having the right fit and resistance for your arm or ankle weights is important for maintaining a safe workout. Some studies have found that gripping traditional hand weights on a walk can have negative effects like an exaggerated blood pressure response, while too heavy weights can cause muscle imbalance from swinging your limbs back and forth. (Read more about the pros and cons here.) But playful and modern fitness brand Bala has perfected the form, function, and fashion game when it comes to adding weights to any activity.

Celebrated for their sleek appearance and comfortable and versatile usage, the Bala Bangles aren’t your average bulky weights. Founders and husband and wife duo Max and Natalie created Bala fitness equipment with playfulness and inclusion in mind, topped off with a simple, modern design. The bangles, a wrist or ankle weight, are for all levels of fitness enthusiast looking to add a little extra weight. And if you’re a regular walker, the bangles are an especially great way to add some challenge, if you’re looking for it.

Bala Bangles — $50.00

Bala Bangles add a “constant but comfortable resistance” in either a 1- or 2-pound option. Made with recycled steel wrapped in soft silicone, the elastic band and hook and loop fasteners allow for comfortable use whether walking miles and miles, doing chores around the apartment with a little extra resistance, or adding to your Pilates routine. They’re available in a wide variety of colors.

What do the pros think of adding weights to your cardio practice—and Bala Bangles in general?

Safely adding weights, like Balas, to your walks, can really elevate your cardio and activate muscles you may not otherwise. Plus, this added weight helps strengthen muscles and joints, keeping those knees, hips, and ankles in tip-top shape. Longterm effects include decreasing recovery time, and fortifying balance and posture.

Millie Hanson, Pure Barre XPRO for Xponential+, says the Bala Bangles are all about adding a little extra strength training. “The weights will contribute to increased muscle activation/fatigue, which leads to a strong, toned body,” she says. “Not to mention, [when wearing around your ankle], it’s extremely beneficial to work the muscles—thighs, calves, seat, etc.—that surround our knee, hip, and ankle joints! Strengthening these muscles can help reduce injury, support your balance and posture, and help with everyday tasks.”

Plus, if you’re looking for ways to get your heart rate going while you do your cardio, adding weights can help with that. We previously reported that just by adding one point can increase your heart rate by “5 to 10 beats per minute,” as well as “your oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure,” which means you’re burning more calories (5 to 15 percent, to be more exact).

Where to start with adding weights to your walk

Mille recommends starting with a weight amount that meets your fitness needs. “Pick a set of weights that is best for you and your fitness goals,” she says. “When it comes to using Bala Weights for walking, pick a pair that will challenge you but that is also doable for the length of your walk. You can always strengthen with a certain weight then increase it with time to avoid plateauing.” Use Bala Bangles during your walks and/or workouts, or even around the house.

With nearly a 5-star average of rave reviews, Bala seems to have found the sweet spot of fitness, fun, and fashion-forward. One reviewer raves about how low profile they are, “making them easy to wear while doing other things around the house as well as during my regular workout.” Leslie calls them a fabulous addition to her Peleton workouts. “I’ve been using them for Barre workouts on my Peloton app, and they work perfectly!” she says. “I love the added challenge and they are comfortable.” Pro tip? When using on your ankles, wear leggings or tights for extra comfort.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.