so... this is sort of me joking... but kinda not. Whats the concenses of wearing ankle weights, those velcro strap style, throughout the day. If you were to add 2 or 3 pounds per foot and just forget about them, going through the day... im sure you could burn an extra few calories, and build leg muscle a little more. Not a ton, but if its not too bad on the joints... why not right? haha any thoughts?

Whats the concenses of wearing ankle weights

It's a bad idea.

-- bad for your joints
-- virtually no effect on leg strength or muscle "tone"
-- the extra calories you might burn are completely negligible, i.e. think on the scale of a couple M&M's

A few sets of squats twice per week will give you all the benefits that ankle weights could possibly yield and then a lot more.

I tried wearing ankle weights for about 4-5 weeks as a preperation 'training' exercise for winter sports. Bad idea. I developed problems in my knees and the hip flexor tendon which hindered my performance the entire winter. It took all spring/summer to recover. I gained nothing from wearing them.

thanks for the replies guys. nice name fortysix&2, tool rock.

I have heard that wearing ankle weight for a while put a strain on joints and can negatively affect your gait.

Many years ago I tried wearing a pair of ankle weights at work all day. I was on my feet most of the time and figured another 40+ hours per week of the extra load would be like getting in a "free" workout.

It wasn't free, though. I paid for it with some serious lower back pain. :cry:

A better alternative might be to try a weighted vest. With the extra weight balanced over your core and not tugging at your legs all day it might work. I'd recommend getting a vest which allows you to adjust the weight used and I would keep the weight pretty low if you're going to wear it all day long. You might sweat like crazy, though. :whistle:

That being said, they might be useful for leg raises though.

That being said, they might be useful for leg raises though.
Good point. :tu:

For leg raises, dip, pullups, etc, they would be quite beneficial for anyone who finds those exercises a little too easy at their bodyweight alone. :)

That being said, they might be useful for leg raises though.
That's exactly what I was going to buy them for.

That's exactly what I was going to buy them for.

You can use dumbells or cable resistance for that. Ankle weights usually aren't heavy enough.

You can use dumbells or cable resistance for that. Ankle weights usually aren't heavy enough.
Not for hanging leg raises. If I used a dumbbell, I'd end up hurling it through my dad's car.

On elitefts, if you buy a pair, they can weigh up to forty-pounds when used together. They also go up in one-pound increments so you can work your way up.