Question:
I do a lot of cross-training and always look for ways to increase the intensity. I jog every other day and want to ask what you think about me wearing ankle weights while I run? (Jamie, Babylon)
Answer:
Wearing ankle weights while you run would provide an overload to the limbs, good muscle and bone stimulus and increase your exercise intensity.
The downside is the increase in joint stress. Also, upon impact a lot of compression occurs. Wearing a weight on your ankle could cause pulling at the knee and hip which is not a good thing. Many find that ankle weights don’t adhere well to the ankle, loosen and slide around. In addition, carrying or wearing weighted objects could cause an increase in blood pressure, something to keep in mind as well.
Assess your goals and weigh the benefit versus risk factor.
