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Bala Bangles wearable wrist/ankle weights Review: Is It Worth It?
Soft, wearable 1-2 lb weights that strap on your wrists or ankles and add resistance to walks, Pilates, yoga and everyday movement.
Illustrative image — see Amazon for the actual product.
Our verdict
Bala Bangles are the rare fitness accessory that people actually use. Comfortable, wearable and just heavy enough to matter — perfect for walkers, Pilates lovers and anyone who wants to squeeze a bit more out of low-impact movement.
The short version
Bala Bangles are the wearable weights that made low-impact movement look like a lifestyle. Wrap them on your wrists or ankles, and every step, mat class and dog walk gets a little extra resistance without any effort on your part. They're soft, silicone-wrapped and comfortable enough to actually wear — which is why people who ignore other weights end up using these.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Soft, silicone-wrapped shell — no cold metal on skin
- Adjustable strap fits wrists or ankles securely
- Comes in 1 lb or 2 lb pairs
- Great for Pilates, yoga, walks and barre
- Small enough to travel with
- Actually fashionable — comes in fun colors
Cons
- Not enough resistance for serious strength training
- Wrist versions can feel heavy during upper-body Pilates
- One pair only, so mid-workout you can't scale up
Why people love it
Strap them on
Wrap around your wrists or ankles and secure with the hook-and-loop closure — a snug fit prevents shifting.
Move as usual
Walk, do Pilates, yoga, dance, or clean around the house — the added load quietly increases the challenge.
Level up gradually
Start with 1 lb, add a longer duration or move to 2 lb once movement feels easy again.
Who it's for
- Pilates, yoga and barre lovers
- Walkers who want more return on their steps
- People who dislike traditional weight workouts
- Recovery-focused training and low-impact cardio
Are Bala Bangles worth it, or a fitness gimmick?
Wearable weights aren't new — old ankle weights have been around for decades. What Bala did was make them wearable in the actual sense: silicone-wrapped so they don't chafe, aesthetically nice enough that people want to put them on, and adjustable enough to actually stay in place. That last part matters more than it sounds. The reason old ankle weights lived in a closet was that they slid, pinched, or looked ridiculous outside a gym. Balas solve all three, and that's the whole story of why they became popular.
On effectiveness: they genuinely add resistance to low-impact movement, and that resistance compounds over time. A 30-minute walk with 2 lbs on each ankle burns modestly more calories than the same walk without, and Pilates or barre with wrist weights turns simple arm circles into real muscular fatigue. What Balas won't do is replace strength training. If your goal is building visible muscle or serious strength, dumbbells and a proper program are the answer. If your goal is making the movement you already do slightly harder, more consistent, and more fun, they earn their spot in your closet.
How to use Bala Bangles for walking, Pilates, yoga and Pilates classes
For walking, the sweet spot is 2 lb on each ankle for 30-60 minutes. Wrist weights during walking feel awkward and don't add much benefit unless you're actively swinging your arms — save them for other workouts. Wear them for outdoor walks, incline treadmill or stair-climber sessions, and you'll notice the increased effort by minute 10-15. Don't wear them for running or high-impact cardio — the added load stresses joints on impact.
For Pilates and yoga, wrist weights transform bodyweight moves. Simple arm circles, lateral raises, plank taps and mat sequences become real strength work. Try 1 lb on the wrists first — you'll feel it faster than you expect. For ankle work in Pilates (leg circles, side-lying leg raises, glute bridges with leg extensions), 1 lb per ankle is plenty. In yoga, most people skip them during flow but wear them for optional restorative or slow-flow sequences. Barre and dance workouts are where wrist and ankle weights shine together — they add resistance to every isometric hold and pulse without breaking form.
Bala Bangles vs traditional dumbbells vs resistance bands: when to use which
The three tools solve different problems. Bala Bangles add passive resistance to movements you're doing anyway — walking, cleaning, Pilates, yoga. You don't 'work out' with them; they raise the difficulty of what you're already doing. That's their whole niche. Dumbbells are for active strength training with progressive overload — you pick up a heavier weight over time to build muscle and strength. Resistance bands sit in between, offering scalable resistance for both structured strength work and rehabilitation.
For a well-rounded routine, most people benefit from all three at different times. Bala Bangles for daily active life and low-impact classes. Dumbbells or kettlebells 2-3 times per week for structured strength training. Bands for travel workouts, warm-ups, and shoulder/hip stability. If you can only pick one, pick based on your goal: dumbbells for building muscle, bands for versatility and rehabilitation, Balas for making low-impact movement stick. Balas won't replace strength training, but they make the low-impact half of your fitness life more effective without adding a workout to your calendar.
See Bala Bangles on Amazon
Check the latest price, photos and buyer reviews on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Sold and shipped by AmazonFrequently asked questions
How much extra work do wearable weights really add?
They add meaningful resistance to low-impact movement — a walk with 1-2 lb on each ankle feels notably harder over 30 minutes. They won't build muscle like heavy strength training, but they increase the workload of the movements you already do.
Should I get 1 lb or 2 lb?
Start with 1 lb if you're new to Pilates or wearable weights, especially for the wrists. Go 2 lb if you're active and want a real challenge for ankles, walks and hikes.
Can I wear them running?
It's not recommended — added ankle load during high-impact activity can stress joints. Bala Bangles are designed for low-impact movement.
Are they safe for pregnancy or postpartum?
Many people wear them postpartum for low-impact strength, but talk to your doctor first — especially in the third trimester or immediately postpartum before diastasis recti has healed.
Bala Bangles vs traditional ankle weights vs Bala Bars: what's the difference?
Old-school ankle weights are bulky, uncomfortable and slide around. Bala Bangles are silicone-wrapped for skin comfort and stay put with a proper strap. Bala also makes 'Power Rings' and hand-held Bala Bars — those are meant for strength moves in your hands, not wearing. Bangles are the everyday wearable version.
Will Bala Bangles help me lose weight?
On their own, no — no accessory does. But by adding resistance to daily movement, they raise calorie burn slightly and increase the training stimulus of your walks or classes. Combined with consistent activity and reasonable eating, they can be a small helpful nudge.
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