wearable weights

[3hitKO]

any opinions using wearable weights in training?

 

I think they are useful because you can run or throw punches

 

without having to hold weights in your hands

 

personally I have two 2.5 lbs weights for my wrists and two 5 lbs weights for my ankles

[swdw]

I don't like wrist and ankle weights because of the strain that can be caused on joints performing fast kicks and punches.

 

I've used and had others use a diving belt that allows you to slide the weights around. The idea is to keep the belt loose enough it rides on the top of the hips and to move the weights so the belt doesn't pull on your lower back.

 

Try doing kata for 15 minutes with 12+ pounds on the belt and you'll see how effective this is.

 

It also helps keep your center of gravity close to where it belongs when wearing the belt.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I agree one hundred percent. Practicing fast motions with weights on your ankles and wrists (especially considering how most people punch) is only asking for joint injury. I suppose it may be a bit easier to prevent the injury in your arms, but with the legs, it is a bit more difficult. Use the search command (probably in the Health and Fitness Board) and you'll find most people agree that the weights on the ankles and wrists are dangerous.

[3hitKO]

I see...

 

guess I should stick to wearing them only when I excercise

 

probably be safer that way

[cathal]

I definitely use them; they are great.

[SevenStar]

if you wear them on your legs, do aerobics style stuff - leg lifts, for example, not kicks. Also, practice your foot work while wearing them. Boxers do this.

As far as weights on the hands, I dunno...this is another thing that's been done in the boxing world for ages. they wear them while shadow boxing - shadow boxing is not full power punching, so I assume there is much less risk of hyper extension or joint injury.

If you are really concerned about injury with weights, then you can take surgical tubing or exercise cables, wrap them around you and grab one end in each hand. use the resistance to punch. ringside boxing sells the basic cables and also a more advanced version. I'll post a link.

Also, you may want to look into getting a weighted vest. you can also practice footwork and movement with these.

[SevenStar]

aerobic:

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=ZASWB&variation=&aitem=16&mitem=33

professional:

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=ZPSWB&variation=&aitem=17&mitem=33

[aefibird]

I wear wrist and ankle weights to practice kata with - but I only practice slowly with them on.

Otherwise, I use my weights for more aerobics-type moves.

[cathal]

They've definitely helped me to develop a little better fine muscle control.