That depends on what your specific goals are. Without a doubt, wrist and ankle weights provide resistance for many forms of exercise. Given that they’re at the edge of your body (at the end of a pendulum), a small weight can have a large impact, especially over many repetitions. This essentially increases the intensity of movements you are already doing, and thus gives you more impact with less time spent. If comfort is what you seek, Gaiam will deliver. After all, when you’re adding resistance to your regular routine, you want to hardly feel anything there. These bands feature a comfy anti-chafe neoprene on the skin-facing side. Because these bands are multi-use for both wrists and ankles, they don’t come in some of the lower-weight increments. This may be a no-go for some users, like those recovering from injury or maintaining bone density as they age. Otherwise, these weights are a quality and comfortable option. What We Like

A longtime staple in rehab clinics, The Cuff’s ankle and wrist weights are built to last. They offer fine-tuned weight increments for precise needs and workouts. Starting at just 0.25 pounds, these are well-suited to seniors, rehabbers, and beginners alike. It’s their vinyl outer that makes these super durable, easy to clean, and not odor-absorbing. What We LikeWhile they may not be as stylish as the Bala, the ProsourceFit weights are solid and do exactly what they promise. The soft and comfortable neoprene outer wraps around your wrists for a snug fit. This material allows for sweat absorption and keeps it from chafing. The durable Velcro straps and metal loop closure adjusts easily and stay secure through the most powerful of movements. Weights (Individually): Available in 1 lb., 1.5 lbs., 2 lbs., 2.5 lbs., 3 lbs., 4 lbs., 5 lbs., 7.5-lb. adjustable, 10 lbs. While many ankle weights claim they can double as wrist weights, not every design works in practice, especially for smaller wrists. BONA Fitness wrist and ankle weights, however, offer a compact, comfy, and secure build that works well for both. Their colors and reflective edging make these safe and fun—great for a night workout. The soft, stretchy lycra should absorb moisture and give a bit of stretch while the Velcro and metal closure will keep these from falling down or off. What We Like P.volve’s comfy neoprene ankle weights are just the right size to double as wrist weights and they come bundled as a set of 1.5- and 3-pound bands, which should be perfect for regular light use as well as a moderate workout to tone your biceps, triceps, and lats. These stretchy, sand-filled weights are easily adjustable to provide a snug fit. What We Like

Whether you’re looking to tone your arms, burn more calories, or recondition after an injury, wrist weights add flexibility to your routine. They free up your hands and add just enough resistance. They’re relatively light, safe, and portable, unlike traditional weights. Another perk of wrist weights over dumbbells is that you can even ditch the cross-training shoes and go barefoot. However, some medical professionals urge caution when using them for running and even walking—they can change your gait and cause an imbalance in certain muscle groups. And while they help tone muscle—great for recovery or maintaining bone mass as you age—they won’t build a lot of muscle, which brings us to our next question. Can you build muscle with wrist weights? If we define toning as increased strength plus decreased fat, then yes wrist weights can help—to a degree. As they’re better at increasing your heart rate rather than gaining pure strength, they can help with the cardio and calorie-burn component. Your muscles will grow strong enough to accommodate the small weight, but you may not see a visible difference. Wrist weights can effectively tone muscle if incorporated into a greater fitness regimen that includes strength training two to three times per week and at least 150 minutes of cardio, in addition to a healthy diet. What is the best weight for wrist weights? The best wrist or ankle weights are snug and secure so that you hardly feel them—all you should notice is their weight. You’ll probably want them slightly elastic and easy to adjust. Materials The main benefit of wrist weights is shown via cardio and calories burned. According to the American Council on Exercise ( ACE), weights worn with cardio movements can increase heart rate by five to 10 beats per minute and oxygen consumption, as well as caloric expenditure, by about 5 to 15 percent compared to performing the same activity without weights. They’re also hands-free, which makes them versatile: For example, you can still grab a pullup bar while wearing them.While most wrist weights can double as ankle weights and vice versa, it’s not always the case. This comes down mostly to size and chosen weight. If you want a set that does both, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your ankles while compact enough not to slip around on your wrist like bangles. And be conservative when choosing the weight—less weight is a safer choice.