Buying a set of ankle weights was one of the best decisions I have ever made. With their help, it was easier for me to increase the strength, stamina, balance and muscle size of my lower body. [1]

The reason behind this is that when you are wearing ankle weights for gymnastics your legs have to adapt to the new resistance.

With the extra weight, everything you do becomes a lot harder and your body has no other choice than to grow, adapt and push forward.

That’s how you speed up a lot of your results.

And the feeling you get after you try to workout without any weight is insane!

You feel like you are superhuman and light as a feather.

Additionally, ankle weights are very affordable, compact and easy to use. 

If you read the entire post to the end you are going to learn:

• Which are the best ankle weights for gymnastics?
• What are the top 5 ankle weights you can get?
• What makes them such and which ones do you need?
• What are the 4 important things to look for when buying ankle weights?
• Which are my personal ankle weights and why I like them so much?
• And much more…

Hi there, my name is Bozhidar and it this article I will share with you all my experience and knowledge about adjustable ankle weights so you can get the best ones for your needs.

Don’t worry everything is pretty basic.

As a person who currently owns a pair of ankle weights (and has used many other weights before that) I really know some great tips I’m going to share with you in the upcoming lines.

Ready to get started?

Great! Let’s jump right in!

In a hurry?

If you don’t have enough time to read the entire article (which you should) and want to learn which ankle weights are the best I would highly recommend you to check out the ones I’m currently using – the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights.

Click Here to check my ankle weights’ latest price on Amazon

I really prefer them instead of all the other ones because these are the most comfortable ankle weights I have ever used.

In addition to that, they are highly adjustable (you can quickly add or remove little sandbags in order to change the weight), very compact (they are not bulky and irritating) and quite durable.

I’ve used mine for a while now and even after some washes and many workouts they still work fine and the strapping is secure.

So far I’ve used them with gymnastics, calisthenics, and bodybuilding mainly to increase my lower body’s strength, size, and stamina and they work fine.

That’s why I highly recommend them – they are affordable, well made and easy to use.

What more do you need?

Click here to check my ankle weights‘ latest price on Amazon

With that out of the way let’s see even more useful information…

Top 5 Best Ankle Weights for Gymnastics That Will Skyrocket Your Results

If you are looking for more good ankle weight for gymnastics you are going to love my top 5 list.

All of them are all made from good materials, offer enough weight and are recommended by a ton of happy customers. (including me)

Here’s a quick comparison table of all the products I’m going to review below.

Click the name, picture ot button if you want to learn more details on any of the products.

Now let’s check them out with even more details!

1. Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights – Best Adjustable Ankle Weights for Gymnastics

Click Here to check my ankle weights’ latest price on Amazon

Specifics:

• Adjustable: Yes
• Type of weights: Sand
• Total Weight per leg: 2 to 5 lbs

The first product on my list which I regularly use is a mixture of 2 very important features. 

It is fully adjustable and it uses little sandbags as weights.

I really like training with sand instead of metal because metal ankle weights tend to rip off the bottom part of the slots because of all the bouncing effect that is generated during movement. 

With sand weights (like mine), that problem is completely eliminated but a big downside of it is that sand is bulkier than metal and takes little more space but even so, I still find these weights very compact and portable.

When I wear them on my feet there isn’t any movement, friction or discomfort.

As a person who has tried many different brands and models, I can say that these Sportneer ankle weights are the most comfortable equipment I’ve used.

In my opinion they offer excellent value in return for the price and are worth every penny.

And let’s not forget that you can easily adjust the weight for only a couple of seconds and change it from 2 up to 5 lbs using 1 pound increments. 

When it comes to materials and overall quality these ankle weights are rock solid.

The are made from thick, soft on the inside and breathable material that won’t accumulate extra sweat, heat or rip off.

I’ve used mine for a lot of explosive movements and so far there aren’t any quality issues.

I also like the length and width of the velcro strap and it holds them tight. I haven’t seen any bouncing or shifting aroud.

The strap length is also good so I believe it’s going to fit on most ankles just fine.

Even if these weights are not 100% perfect (check the cons below) I still believe this are the best ankle weights for gymnastics worth buying.

Quick Summary:

If you prefer sand over metal and you are looking for high-quality and comfortable ankle weights then you would really like my Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights.

They use adjustable sand weights, have a very good price and snug but comfortable fit.

After using them for a while I can say that they are very safe and easy to use and are an overall good product worth checking. 

2. Gymenist Adjustable Ankle Weights – Best Adjustable Ankle Weights with Metal Bars

Click Here to check Gymenist ankle weights’ latest price on Amazon

Specifics:

• Adjustable: Yes
• Type of weights: Metal
• Total Weight per leg: 1 to 5.5 lbs

If you are looking to buy ankle weights that use metal and are still comfortable you should definitely check these.

The Gymenist Ankle Weights are fully adjustable and use small metal weights with 0.5 lbs increments. 

That means you can adjust them from 1 up to 5.5 lbs.

Speaking of adjustment the process is fairly simple and you can easily put them on and off without any hassle. 

In addition, their price is really good and you get plenty of value in return. 

They are also very comfortable to wear for a long period of time and because of the strong and long velcro strap, the whole thing isn’t going to move around or fall down unexpectedly.

When it comes to quality I have to say that the Gymenist Ankle Weights are pretty durable and well made. 

They use good high-quality, non-toxic materials that are going to last a decent amount of time. 

Combined with the strong and long velcro strap, you can be sure that the whole thing isn’t going to move around or fall down unexpectedly. 

The inside has enough padding so it’s not going to irritate your skin and there aren’t any sharp edges that may dig into your skin. 

The majority of people share that the product gives a nice and solid fit and all the additional weight you carry is distributed evenly around your ankles. 

And let’s not forget that using metal plates instead of sandbags is somewhat better because there isn’t leaking or spills. 

Quick Summary:

If you are a fan of adjustable metal ankle weights then you are going to like these.

The Gymenist Ankle Weights are durable, comfortable to wear and are going to stay in one place with the help of the strong velcro straps.

Everything is safe and easy to use and that’s why I highly recommend you to give them a closer look.

3. Nordic Lifting Ankle Weights – Best Fixed Ankle Weight for Gymnastics

Click Here to check Nordic Lifting weights’ latest price on Amazon

Specifics:

• Adjustable: No
• Type of weights: Sand
• Total Weight per leg: 1,2,3 or 5 lbs

The third ankle straps I’m going to review are what I find to be the best fixed ankle weight on the market. 

Because they use a fixed weight which you can’t change you have to be really careful when you order and pick the right size.

Speaking of which it’s good to know that you can pick one of 4 different variations – 1,2,3 or 5 pounds. 

Even if the design is fixed you can be sure that this model isn’t going to go anywhere because of the long and strong velcro straps and the thick padding.

Also, it’s a good thing to mention that this specific model isn’t bulky at all so you shouldn’t have any problems doing a lot of different exercises and movements. 

They are also very easy to pun on and take off and a lot of people find them comfortable to wear all day long. (which is really important)

When it comes to safety and convenience these weights do have reinforced stitching, round edges and thick neoprene padding on the inside so they won’t irritate your skin. 

As you may already know neoprene has very nice anti-sweat properties that are going to make sure your legs stay nice and dry even if you wear them for a long time. 

A few extra features worth mentioning are the reflective trimming on the outside (so you can use them during the dark), the ability to be cleaned in a washing machine (really handy) and the additional mesh bag for easy storage. 

The main problem with these weights are the sandbags because they may leak if the get accidentally open but with proper care that’s very unlikely to happen. 

Another small thing worth mentioning is the fact that Nordic Lifting (the company that makes these weights) has excellent customer service if you come in the need to use it and provide an additional 1-year warranty (something I haven’t seen many of the competitors do).

Quick Summary:

If you are looking for affordable, thin and comfortable ankle weights you may want to check the Nordic Lifting Ankle Weights.

They have a good price, stay in one place and provide enough resistance so you can do all your favorite gymnastic moves freely.

I believe they are an excellent addition to gymnastics and other physical activities and are definitely worth the time.

4. Prodigen Adjustable Ankle Weights Set for Gymnastics – Most Affordable Ankle Weights for Beginners

Click Here to check Prodigen ankle weights’ latest price on Amazon

Specifics:

• Adjustable: Yes
• Type of weights: Sand
• Total Weight per leg: 2 to 5 lbs

If you are on a tight budget and want to get the best value for your buck you should check out these Prodigen Adjustable Ankle Weights. 

With their excellent quality and a big number of options (many colors and sizes), these weights have what I find to be the best value money can buy.

With these bad boys, you can easily choose among 4 different colors and 4 different amounts of weights – 1,2, 3.5 or 5 lbs max per unit. (please note that some of them might be out of stock)

Similarly, like the previous model, these ankle weights use sand for the weights as well but this time you have the option to adjust them.

Even if some people complain that it takes longer to adjust the weight using the sandbags I still believe this product is worth buying because of all the great additional benefits you get. 

The inside of the weights set is made from soft and thick cotton which is the main reason why there are no complaints when it comes to comfort and skin irritation. 

In addition, it’s good to know that the product is made from breathable and elastic fabric that helps with the overall flexibility.

That way you won’t have any problems with moving your legs freely in any direction. 

The velcro strap on this product is very well made and has enough length so you can even place the weights on wider ankles and be completely sure that everything is going to stay where no matter what you do. 

One downside of the product is water.

Combining sand weights and water is not a good idea.

But even with its few downsides (more on the cons list), this is still one really good product I highly recommend.

Quick Summary:

If you don’t have a big budget but still want to have the complete freedom to pick a good product that offers everything you need go and check out the Prodigen Adjustable Ankle Weights.

I really like these ankle weights because they are adjustable, comfortable and easy to use.

The majority of customers are happy and there aren’t any serious drawbacks you will be sorry about.

It’s an overall good product with decent quality and price.

5. CAP Barbell 10-Pounds Adjustable Ankle Weights – Heaviest Sand Ankle Weights for Exercise

Click Here to check CAP Barbell weights’ latest price on Amazon

Specifics:

• Adjustable: Yes
• Type of weights: Sand
• Total Weight per leg: 2 to 10 lbs

If you are looking for something with a lot of resistance then you might like the final option in this list. 

This item has got one of the best value per the price you can get and it uses sand weights that can get up to 10 lbs per one leg. 

Yes, you read that right – per leg which is double compared to all 4 previous models (including mine)..

As you can see that’s a lot of weight and it won’t be the best option for explosive movements but it’s an excellent choice for static ones. 

So depending on what type of training you are going to use ankle weights for, this product might be something you might want to consider having.

What I find interesting about this product is that its design uses a zipper to help you change the total amount of weights.

From experience, I can tell that using a zipper than tiny pockets is a lot easier and makes the whole adjustment process a lot faster. 

Also, have in mind that if you decide to train with all 10 pounds at once wearing the ankle weight may not feel very comfortable on your skin and the whole thing could become bulky. (after all, that’s a lot of weight)

That’s why it’s highly recommended to wear these ankle weights on top of some type of clothing for extra protection- long socks, leggings or pants. 

Even with its bulkier design the whole thing still gives you plenty of flexibility if not used at it’s fullest capacity.

But the most important part is the quality.

From what I’ve seen (a friend of mine owns these) they are really well made even if you train like a maniac.

The reason behind this are the strong stitches, metal zippers, and a dual strap system. 

Some people do have a problem with the length of the straps so before you order make sure that this product is going to fit the size of your ankles. (my friend didn’t have such problem)

But even with the problems let’s not forget that this product provides you with 2x the amount of weight per leg compared to all of the similar products you can find. 

So if you need a lot of weight to train with this product might be exactly what you are looking for. 

Quick Summary:

In case you need a lot of resistance for your workouts and you want something made to last you may like to check the CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights.

Each ankle weight can provide you with up to 10 lbs of weight making them a great option for people looking for something to use in static moves.

In addition, the overall quality is good and for the amount of total weight you get, I have to say that the price is very reasonable.

So if you are looking for something really serious and challenging give them a try.

4 Things to Know Before you Buy the Best Ankle Weights for Gymnastics

Below I have prepared for you what I find to be the 4 most important things that make the difference between a good and a bad product. 

If you ignore them and go straight into buying mode you might regret that decision later. 

That’s why have a quick read and get a good understanding of all the things you should know when you are buying gymnastic ankle weights.

Here we go…

1. What is the type of the ankle weights?

When it comes to ankle weights there are 3 different types on the market. Let’s check them out and see what are their pros and cons and which one is going to be the best choice for you.

Type 1 – Metal Ankle Weights

These are the most common type you can get your hands on. They use little metal weights that are placed in small pockets all-around your ankles. 

Because of that, they are fully adjustable and you can place or remove different metal weights to increase or decrease the total resistance you want to get. 

They have a higher price compared to fixed weights but I believe they are really worth the difference. 

Metal is extremely durable and it can hold for decades. It’s a lot better option compared to sand and other fillings because they can tear leaving you a big mess to clean.

Another great thing about this type of weights is that they can be used in water which won’t affect their weight if that’s something you want to do.

Type 2 – Water Ankle Weights

They are the best weights to carry around with you because they have to be filled with water in order to provide you with the needed resistance. That way they can become very lightweight when they are empty. 

Because of their design and the way the function they are also adjustable and easy to use.

One downside of them is that if you accidentally damage one of them you might have some serious leakage problems you have to deal with. In many cases, the product becomes unusable after that.

Type 3 – Sand Ankle Weights

This type of weights come in 2 options – fixed or adjustable.

If you decide to go for a fixed option you have to be careful because if you don’t get the exact amount of resistance you need you might need to return them back. 

The adjustable type uses little sandbags as weights that similarly to the metal ones sit in slots around your ankles. A big plus to sand compared to metal is that the wraps do last longer because sand doesn’t bounce up and down as metal does.

All that bouncing can rip them off quite easily. Unfortunately, if you do manage to rip open a sandbag you are going to make a big mess and you are probably going to lose your weight.

Also, some models are having a tough time with the process of removing or adding the little bags to their slots but I do find this to be only a one-time thing being an issue for only a few specific brands. 

It is not a good idea to combine sand with water because sand does absorb liquids which is going to make your weights suddenly a lot heavier. That, on the other hand, could lead to an injury if you are not careful. 

After the soaked water evaporates then your ankle weights are going to become light again so you are not going to get equal resistance. I don’t know about you but I don’t have the time to wait for the drying process regularly.

A good thing about this type of ankle weights is that they are usually the cheapest option on the market but as I like to say it often in my posts – cheap doesn’t always mean good.

You have to see all the features and quality before you compare prices.

2. Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability there are 2 types of gymnastic ankle weights – adjustable and fixed. 

If I have to be completely honest with you I would recommend you go for an adjustable model instead of a fixed one because that way you are getting a lot more benefits. 

For starters, if this is the first time you wear such equipment you can’t really know how much weight are you going to need so having the ability to adapt it to your needs can be a really helpful thing to have.

That way you don’t need to worry if you are making a mistake by picking too much or too little weight.

In time your legs will become stronger and more durable and you are going to need more resistance to satisfy their progress. Having the choice to increase the weight is going to provide you with plenty of room to grow.

Of course, that is also going to have a positive impact on your performance.

It is also good to know that adjustable weights are a little more expensive than fixed ones but as you can see because of all the good things that come with them it’s really worth the investment.

If you decide to choose an adjustable weight it is good practice to check out what are it’s lightest and heaviest limits and how big are the weight increments.

Example: 0.5 lbs, 1 lbs, etc.

That way you can have an idea of what to expect from them.

3. Materials

Different ankle weights are going to be made from different materials. They are responsible for the comfort, durability, and flexibility of a certain product.

Some models are going to rely more on comfortability – thick and soft inner padding while others may be waterproofed and have longer wraps, etc.

Here are some important things about the materials.

Durability – Whatever type you choose make sure it’s well made and it is something that is going to last. In gymnastics, we all know that you have to do a lot of explosive movements so make sure they are not going to rip off just after a few workouts. 

In order to avoid that it is always a good sign if the materials used for a specific product have reinforced stitching. With the help of that feature, you are somewhat guaranteed that the weights are going to last longer. Another good way you can reassure this is to see what previous customers have to say.

Anti-Sweat – Two good materials that handle moisture and sweat very well are neoprene and nylon. Both do dry quickly and wick away easily sweat and moisture so your skin can stay nice and dry during your workouts. If you can make sure that you pick a product that uses at least one of them.

Thickness – In my opinion, the best ankle weight for gymnastics should be made to last, not be too bulky and have nice and thick padding on the inner side. If a product is too bulky than normal that may result in limiting your leg movement and that is something nobody wants. 

On the contrary, if a pair of ankle weights are too thin that may result in skin irritation and uncomfortable feeling. That’s why you should get a pair that have just the exact thickness so they don’t irritate your skin while allowing you to have pretty decent freedom of movement.

Waterproof – Depending on where and how you are going to use them you may want your ankle weights to have water-repelling abilities. Some of them do have this addition so if this is important for you to make sure to select a model that does that. 

Strong Velcro Straps – If you go for a model that uses velcro straps make sure they are of high quality because this is the area where most people have problems. Low-quality velcro can loosen after some usage or chafe your skin. If you do get such problems it’s best for you to return the product back and get a refund. Any materials causing problems are not worth wearing. You want your straps to last and do their job accordingly which is to hold tight the weights on your legs without causing discomfort.

Safety – Depending on if you are going to use them outside or not for different activities rather than gymnastics it’s good to know that some models do come with reflective lines that are going to make you easily noticeable in the dark. 

Quick Tip:

Even if you do find a specific model very visually appealing and cheap that doesn’t mean it’s going to be either comfortable or durable. When buying products always remember that quality and safety come first. After all the basic conditions have been met only then you should care about looks or even price.

4. Comfort

Wearing ankle weights during your gymnastic workouts shouldn’t result in uncomfortable or painful experience. 

Having that in mind make sure to select a model that can provide you with enough resistance so it helps you improve your physical performance without limiting your movement or making you feel uncomfortable.

A big factor determining how comfortable an ankle weight is going to be is the type and the thickness of the inside padding. Before you order check out some pictures and make sure that the selected product it’s going to provide you with enough cushion.

If not you may have to rely on wearing socks or leggings below the wraps to compensate for the lack of the padding.

Another thing that can help with comfort is having a long adjustable strap.

That way you can easily tighten or loosen the wrap around your ankles until you make them comfortable to wear. If the strap is long enough it could even allow many people with different sized ankles to wear the same pair of weights. 

Please know that even if the majority of companies sell ankle weights as “one size fits all” that’s not the actual case for some of them. 

In order to reassure that what you seek will fit nicely, it’s good practice to select weights that use long adjustable straps. Also, take the time and learn what’s their range of adjustability.

Before you do that it’s good to know your ankle size. Here’s a quick video showing you how to exactly measure it:

Make sure the design isn’t too bulky and it doesn’t limit your movement. It should be flexible, stay in one place and allow you to do everything without any issues.

One final thing that plays an important role in comfort is usage. Before you buy gymnastic ankle weights make sure to find out how easy it really is to put them on and off, how fast is the adjustment process (placing or removing weights) and if they are overall complicated to use. 

I know this probably sounds little too much but trust me – you won’t like the fact that it’s going to take you a couple of minutes to adjust them on a daily basis. You are going to thank me later.

The best way to learn something is by watching an example. Here’s a quick video showing you the correct way to put on and off ankle weights and how long it usually takes:

Please Note: It is not recommended to wear ankle weights if you have existing ankle or foot pains, injuries or strains. I highly recommend you to consult with a professional who is going to evaluate your situation and tell if you should wear them or not.

Final Thoughts

Finally, it’s almost over…

A lot of text right?

Even so, I really hope you read most of it because that’s the only way you can get a lot of great value and knowledge for your next purchase. 

Now you know what are the best ankle weights for gymnastics and what you should know before you order your first pair. 

So depending on your preferences, needs and wants, pick a product from the list above!

Doing so is going to save you a lot of time and money. 

If you still don’t know which product to pick and feel overwhelmed don’t worry.

If I had the option to recommend you only one pair of ankle weights then my suggestion is going to be to go with my personal ones I own and use regularly – the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights.

Click Here to check my ankle weights’ latest price on Amazon

I find them to be the perfect option for gymnastics and a ton of other sports and physical activities because they offer everything you want.

They are adjustable, comfortable, easy to use, affordable and durable.

After training with them for a while now I can say without a doubt that these ankle weights are really nice and are worth every penny.

And that’s exactly why I recommend them to anybody.

Click here to check their latest price on Amazon

With that being said it’s finally over! (yes, really).

But before I let you go I want to thank you for reading my post.

I really hope it was useful to you and helped you make the right decision.

If you are really into gymnastics and want to learn even more awesome stuff I would recommend you to also check my recent posts about best ankle braces, knee braces, chalk, gymnastic rings and even outdoor trampolines that can help you get on the next level. 

If you want to get even more actionable knowledge, have a quick look at the Useful Guides and Good Equipment categories. You may find something useful in there too.

If you like what you see and want me to write more similar posts please leave a comment below and share it with your friends.

Till next time,

– Bozhidar