Ankle weights for kicks

[Spartacus Maximus]

I have been looking for a new way to improve strength and endurance of my legs for kicks. After watching my instructor use ankle weights I am considering doing the same thing. I would like to inquire about the use of these weights and get some insight from whoever uses them.

What type of exercise do you use them for?: slow motion techniques or near full speed/power?

I saw the weights available from 0.5kg to 3.5kg. What weight do you recommend starting with?

Please share your opinion and experiences

[mazzybear]

I use ankle weights when working out in the house. I think they're 1.5kg, I always do slow motion kicks though, less risk of injury that way. If you kick full power, especially with heavier weight it's easy to pull muscles/tendons.

Mo.

[Wastelander]

Kicking fast with weights is bad for your joints and connective tissues, so you should only do slow motion kicks. If you want to do fast kicks, get some resistance bands and use those, instead. Normally, I always recommend starting with the lightest weight available and working up. In this case, your instructor has some, so you can try his/hers and see how they feel.

[yamesu]

I agree with the above posters.

They have benefits, but as with all weights, can be detrimental to joints (ligaments/tendons and cartilage) if not practiced with proper form.

I would be careful not to lock out any joints with weight on while practising techniques at full speed.

I used to use the 1.5kg ankle weights, but have now found resistance bands and just belting the heavy bag to be as effective.

[Spartacus Maximus]

So far I have tried using the lightest weight available about 0.5kg. I decided I would use them in a similar fashion as one would use tetsugeta(iron weighted Japanese style sandals). Mostly practising each kick and holding each step for a few seconds. I will also practise just raising my knees up and holding the start posiont for kicking.

[mal103]

....After watching my instructor use ankle weights I am considering doing the same thing......

One of the bad side effects of MA.... Just because you see someone else doing something you don't have to copy. If you need to build strength then see a professional Gym trainer type person, or just keep training hard.

You can get good enough injuries from Uraken and kicks without strapping weights on your limbs.

[sensei8]

Kicking fast with weights is bad for your joints and connective tissues, so you should only do slow motion kicks. If you want to do fast kicks, get some resistance bands and use those, instead. Normally, I always recommend starting with the lightest weight available and working up. In this case, your instructor has some, so you can try his/hers and see how they feel.

Solid post!!

I've used them for as long as I can remember. Do your kicks completely...up...out...back...down, however, at the out part, hold the kick before going back. After you use them, take them off and do those same kicks; in time, you'll notice the difference.