The 10 Best Hand Walking Weights
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in April of 2016. You can add some resistance to your workout and burn more calories with a set of these hand walking weights. In addition to making your daily stroll tougher, some can also be used for cardio fitness training or arm toning even while you work. For safety, be sure to obtain your doctor’s approval before adding these to your routine, as they can place stress on the hips, knees, and ankle joints. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Gaiam Dumbbell Set
2. Crown Sporting Goods Body Sculpting
3. Cap Barbell
Editor's Notes
September 03, 2020:
Today the Gaiam Dumbbell Set joins the selection as a sand-filled choice with a soft, moldable exterior that’s comfortable in the hand. The secure neoprene straps provide a snug fit that keeps them attached securely, so you can concentrate fully on your workout without worrying about your gear. It’s available in one- and two-pound options, which are commonly sought poundages by those who want to add weights to their walking routine. The bright pink color makes them easy to spot in your gym bag or travel bag. This set replaces the Empower MP-3848R, which currently suffers from availability issues. For those who prefer a small barbell set that’s as suitable for isolation exercises and high intensity interval training as it is for walking, we added in the Cap Barbell, which feature a protective bright PVC coating that covers the heads and helps prevent damage to your floors or equipment if they make contact. The heads sport a hexagonal shape that helps keep them from rolling around should you drop them or set them down. The addition of these brings a chromed steel option to the selection and, in turn, we removed the neoprene-coated Valeo Fitness Training, which are highly similar in shape and design to the basic, simple Crown Sporting Goods Body Sculpting.
We also added in a couple of selections that can be strapped to the wrist. One of these is the 5Billion Fitness, which can also be worn as ankle weights. They incorporate large reflective strips that help ensure you’re seen on walks or runs after dark. The Tone-y-Bands Adjustable comes with stainless steel pegs that can be added or removed, as desired, for a total weight that ranges from a couple of ounces to a pound. It can stand up to the elements well, thanks to its waterproof construction, and you can choose one in either black or pink. These replace the Tone Fitness Dumbbells and the Valeo Fitness Training, both of which are unavailable at this time. As stated in the last update’s notes, it’s important to check with your doctor before you add hand weights to your walking regimen. All of the options on our list fall within the one- and three-pound range, which is generally considered the most appropriate for walking use. Always start out light, and you can add heavier weights as your fitness level progresses.
August 06, 2019:
Like dumbbells and kettlebells, hand walking weights are free weights that can be used for a variety of activities. In addition to wearing or carrying them for your daily stroll or jog, you can also use them on a treadmill or elliptical machine. Some people even wear a pair when doing some chores at home.
Joining the list in today’s update are the Empower MP-3848R, which feature comfortable hand straps that hold them in place when you’re working out so that you won’t need a super tight grip. They’re made of soft neoprene fabric filled with sand. They each have a handy, hidden pocket for your money, ID, keys, etc. and come in your choice of green, raspberry, teal, pink, or blue. They’re easy to spot clean as needed. Leaving the selection today is the Dynamis Weighted Gloves, due to availability issues.
No matter which set you go with, it’s very important to check with your doctor before starting to use hand walking weights, since they can put strain on one’s hip, knee, and ankle joints. Experts also recommend that if you use these when walking, stick to those in the one- to three-pound range. Light is better when starting out. In addition, be sure you are using correct form to avoid injuries like the aforementioned strains, as well as back or shoulder pain.
4. Meister Elite 1-lb
5. 5Billion Fitness
6. Spri 05-58697
7. Self Pair
8. Tone-y-Bands Adjustable
9. Swing Weights Dumbbells
10. Merrithew ST-06104
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.