Wrist Weights And Fitness Go Hand In Hand

Wish to add intensity to workouts, add wrist weights. With more effort, more calories will burn. If you have always wanted an upper body workout with additional benefits, use wrist weights in your cardio sessions. Usually, most aerobic workouts tone the lower half of the body and the other half remains untoned. Wrist weights can turn your routine cardio into stealth workouts. However, you must know how to use them correctly so that any possibility of injuries can be avoided.

Choosing the right equipment

Wrist weights are available in two basic styles: the stretchable cuffs or wristbands that can be positioned with Velcro. In case of the wraparound wrist weights, the weighted material lies in the pockets. These weights also have a place for pulling out the thumb and this will prevent the weights from sliding either way. In fact, the weights of the right size will fit you like normal gloves.

Adding weights

Wrist weights have a variety of sizes ranging from 1 pound to 5 pounds. However, the stretchy cuff variety is not found in heavy weights. On the flip side, the wraparound variety can go up to 10 pounds but it should be kept in mind that heavier weight is kind of suitable for lighter wrists. If you think one pound weight improved your training session and 5 pounds will be even better, then you are wrong. You must learn to hold your horns.

It will be a mistake to add so much weight suddenly. Increasing the weight by one pound will increase your work with 20 percent and this will be stressful to the muscles. And it's not just the muscles of the wrist and arms that will bear the pressure, it goes all the way to the elbows and shoulders. This happens because there is some leverage involved as well.  When there is more weight on your arms, it will get proportionately transferred to the elbows and shoulders.

When not to add weights
 

Adding extra weights can be a recipe for disaster if your wrists cannot cope with it. They must be totally avoided in exercises where the elbow or shoulder experiences a jerky motion. For instance, it won't be good for the joints if you are wearing wrist weights and throwing a fastball. Repetitive and controlled moves like lifting weights can be performed with weights but jerky moves are not advised in such workouts.