Wrist and Ankle Weights

Every time I start weight training I get distracted. Okay, I admit it, I'm lazy. I can see the benefits of weight training in other people but lean muscles are just something that is not a priority for me. The only reason I want to increase my muscle mass, especially in my arms, is that I sit and work at the computer all day.

A friend encouraged me to get started by lending me an old pair of wrist weights with half the black sand missing. After about a week I saw how they might help but I needed a better pair where the sand would not leak out. I tried to repair them but finally gave up and started from scratch.

Here then is an easy way to make your own wrist and ankle weights. After you have the materials it only takes a few minutes to put them together.

They are super comfortable too, unlike the fabric, sand filled weights. They are so comfortable in fact, I can wear them when I go to sleep and even when I take a shower.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

The materials are straight forward.

First you'll need an old bicycle tube.

Second you'll need two 1 lb packages of 2oz sinker weights.

Third you'll need a package of heavy duty snaps.

Forth, some synthetic (nylon) diamond braid twine

So are the tools

First , a pair of shears.

Second, a small tack hammer.

Step 2: Cut the Tube

Cut the tube long enough to wrap around your ankle or wrist one and one half times.

Step 3: Tie the Weights Together

I used a regular knot with three turns instead of two so it would span the distance between the holes.

Step 4: Insert Weights and Add Snaps

Slide the weights inside the tube and add the snaps according to the directions on the package so the snaps line up around your wrist or ankle but the tubing is not tight. Be sure the male and the female halves of the snap are facing in the opposite direction from each other when the tube is laid out straight with the button back of the female snap on the outside curve and short end of the tube. Also be sure that the inside of the curve of the tube is what touches your wrist, otherwise the weights may be bound in lumps that are uncomfortable.

Step 5: Super Comfortable

Make one for the other wrist and you are done, unless you want to go for more weight to induce fatigue, in which case make as many as you need.