Has anyone ever tried running with hand weights?

[tglasco4]

I got the idea that it may add to the overall toning of my body as well as strengthen my legs. So I bought a pair of one pound weights and a pair of two pound weights. I ran 4 miles with the one pound pair today. I really felt it in my legs! I got a good overall workout. My plan is to do this once a week and gradually do it 3 times per week. Then seek to move up to 2lbs and do the same. Has anyone else ever tried this? I want to know the pitfalls and the results. I figured if I use weights that are too heavy it could put a strain on my joints, so I am aware to be careful there. But I just want to know if anyone else has tried it.

Peace.

Todd

[twinee1]

I have. In fact a have a pair of weighted gloves that were hiding, I found them yesterday and I put them one while on the rebounder to get a better upper body work out.

The downside is just as you state...too heavy joint injury. Also they say it is risky walking running for "balabce" reasons and my throw off the natural balance as you run, cause injury. But if you start with 1 pd I would think the body will adjust !

Happy running.

[squidly]

Hi there

I work part time teaching Les Mills classes at the local gym and 'my opinion' is running with weights is not something I recommend. The stress / strain on your joints / liagments is not worth the benefit you receive. The extra jarring can be very dangerous. If you want a better workout I recommend you run faster / hill climbs / sprints / longer but not with weights.

Enjoy your day

[HydroRaw]

Is a weighted vest a better option for those needing extra weight while walking or running? Unlike a backpack full of books or the like, weights are evenly distributed front, sides and back of the individual's torso to reduce risk of injury. Based on what I have seen, each weight is removeable. There is one product that I am seriously considering and it is called SmartVest. Here is the link:

http://www.smartvest.net/index.asp

Please check it out.

Thanks!

[tglasco4]

Thanks for your reponses. The joint thing is noted. As Twinee concurred, I don't see (or feel at this point) a problem with 1lb weights. If I ever do, of course, I will take appropriate action. I will start with the 1 pounders and gradually move up to 2lbs. I figure to "max out" at 3lbs (lol). Even though, that seems funny to me, with regard to running with weights though, I figure that is "heavy". I will keep posting the progress because real life is better then theory.

Peace.

Todd

[mbf]

Hi, they make a weighted vest (reebok) and gloves as mentioned above but they also have weighted sneakers out on the market now ! I have only seen one pair in the gym but they apperently come with light and heavy weights and the weight looks be evenly distrubuted around the sneaker.

I'm sorry I don't have a name or link for you.

MBF

[Jackie1995]

I recently heard about "Heavyhands" which is walking while holding light weights and pumping your arms as you walk. I tried this without weights for a few of my 3.5 mile walks and here's what I found:
1) it really increases my heartrate, which is a good thing
2) I really got a great upper body workout
3) it got rid of my stiff neck (which I think was stress related)
4) its super easy to control my heartrate: just stop pumping my hands up so high, pump lower, or stop completely and then start again when I feel like it.

Look here for more info:

http://www.cbass.com/DESKOF.HTM

Anyway, I don't do well running or jogging (shin splints from years ago that flare up when I pound my additional weight on the pavement... ;-) ) but walking is just great for me. With this upper body addition, I've found an exercise that I enjoy that also offers almost immediate benefits!

Have fun!

[tglasco4]

I have done weights on the legs or feet and vests in the past. Way too stressful on the joints. I use the vest for other exercises but very rarely. When I do its with a jumprope which I haven't done in a long time, but when I did the results were good. So far, from the responses it appears nobody has done 1lb or 2lb hand weights with running. So, I guess I will have to be the guinea pig!

Peace.

Todd

[twinee1]

Keep me posted on your progress. I may try it as it is great on the rebounder.

[tglasco4]

Keep me posted on your progress. I may try it as it is great on the rebounder.

Well today was my second day running with weights. I ran 4 miles on Thursday and 7.5 miles today with 1lbs weights. Both days I noted that my leg muscles were burning (especially my hammys). I felt a serious spring in my legs afterwards. I felt no joint pains or hints of pains to come whatsoever. But I decided to stay with these 1pounders for at least a month. I usually run 3 days per week so I will run with the weights 2 of those days. Overall it was an excellent workout. I think the key is not to use weights that are too heavy and to err on the side of lightness. At this point, I think it will take 4-6 weeks before I will increase to the 2lb weights. I may max out there but I definitely don't forsee going heavier than 3lbs. For ladies I would recommend no heavier than 2lbs.


Peace.

Todd

[mbf]

Hi, as I was working with a client yesterday I thought of this post ! How about running holding a 3-5 lb weighted medicine ball ! You can hold it close to your body or extend it out to work the shoulders as well ;) ...just a thought for a short run as this is very intense !

Nike has the best medicine balls with an assortment of sizes and textures as well.

MBF

[tglasco4]

I think the medicine ball may work for very short runs (sprints actually), probably no more than a quarter mile, possibly half a mile I would say. The 1lb and 2lbs weights I think would work well for longer runs of more than a mile. The 7.5 miles I did yesterday was an absolutely fantastic workout with the 1lb weights.

Speaking of medicine balls.........I have always wanted one and today I finally bought one. It weighs 8lbs. I am going to toss it back and forth with my 14 yr old son. I think it will be a great addition to my routine 3 days per week on my running/cardio days.

Peace.

Todd

[Over40]

I used to run with ankle weights in high school. I'd wear them all day long. Young and dumb I guess. It wasn't until later that I started reading that they weren't good for the joints, etc.

I'd like to get a weighted vest, but will need to wait for the financial situation to be correct.

Jon

[jaurequi]

I read those vests are helpful in bone building to prevent osteoporosis. I was thinking of ordering one, but really couldn't wear one during the day.
Are they okay for running or would they be a strain on the body?

I would probably run with very light weights only.

[mbf]

Hi,

There is a great book called The little medicine ball handbook. Carefull throwing it. You might also want to try holding in front of you at chest height for squats and lunges, also incredible for doing abs. On the floor a basic crunch holding the ball in front of you, do obliques as well . If you do ABs on an exercise ball try this, crunch up stay up with your shoulder blades
off the ball and pretend to toss it right then left then come back down slowly: so it goes : crunch, up toss toss & down.

For core strength: balance both hands on the ball while doing push ups.

Weighted Vests are good for adding intensity to step class workout ! That's the only way I have seen them used and producing results in our gym.

Have fun !

MBF