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Pre-pandemic, I was on a roll with taking workout classes in New York City. Pilates, boxing, hot yoga, surf-inspired interval training -- you name it, I was probably trying it. So, when COVID-19 brought me (and the rest of the world) into my little apartment, calling it an adjustment was an understatement. I was so used to the accoutrements of the city’s best boutique fitness studios that home workouts, with little space and little equipment, felt pretty uninspired.
In search of motivation, I tried new online fitness classes, stocked up on matching workout sets, and tried to buy a pair of Bala Bangles. Emphasis on the tried, because yes, these weights are so popular they were sold out pretty much everywhere for months. I gave up on the search and instead bought a cheap pair of handheld dumbbells. While they did the trick, I was yearning for something more portable -- an accessory that could add some spice to my workouts while leaving me hands free.
Eventually, I got my own pair of Bala Bangles and let me tell you... they are worth the hype.
The Ankle Weight Upgrade
Simply put, Bala Bangles ($49-$65) are wearable weights, but they’re unlike any you’ve seen before. They come in both one-pound and two-pound weights in a variety of fun colors. Forget the clunky ankle and wrist weights you’ve seen before. Bala’s iteration is sleek and chic, with soft, silicone-covered stainless steel weights attached to an elastic strap finished with a velcro band for easy adjustability.
Credit: @bala
This fresh take on ankle weights was dreamed up by husband and wife duo Max Kislevitz and Natalie Holloway. The two originally created Bala Bangles as an innovative way to up the ante on any sweat sesh. But, since appearing on Shark Tank, getting interest from every investor, and growing a pretty insane fanbase, Bala has evolved into much more than the weighted band brand. Bala has a host of products (sliders, bands, and all sorts of different weights) that infuse beauty and functionality into your everyday life with fun, stylish fitness accessories.
This Season’s Hottest Accessory
I can’t even begin to count the pairs of Bala Bangles I’ve seen adorning wrists and ankles alike over the past year. From New York’s West Side Highway to LA’s Runyon Canyon, these things are everywhere. And for good reason.
There are plenty of ankle and wrist weights out there, and many that cost less than Bala’s do, but there’s a few reasons I think Bala Bangles are the preferred choice for so many fitness aficionados.
First is aesthetics, because let’s be real, we’re wired to like pretty things. Bala Bangles just look good. The modern design and fun colorways actually get me excited about working out, and you can’t put a price on that.
First is aesthetics, because let’s be real, we’re wired to like pretty things. Bala Bangles just look good. The modern design and fun colorways actually get me excited about working out, and you can’t put a price on that.
Of course, it’s not looks alone. These bangles were designed very thoughtfully. You can tell Holloway and Kislevitz took into account the many different ways in which Bala Bangles would be used. Not only can you easily adjust the velcro strap to fit your wrists and ankles just right, but you can also move the individual weights so they’re distributed evenly.
Credit: @bala
The velcro strap is stretchy, but doesn’t stretch out, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting during your workout. As a whole, the bangle is really breathable. I’ve used ankle weights wrapped in thick cotton before, and found those to be very stuffy and itchy. Bala Bangles, on the other hand, barely even feel like they’re there. If your skin is particularly sensitive to new materials, you can easily secure the bangles over leggings or a long-sleeve shirt for an extra layer of comfort.
When you’re done using, the bangles are super easy to clean. Just use a damp towel to wipe any sweat and grime off the silicone. Then, put the bangles back in their black case for convenient storage and portability.
Working Out, Bala Style
After all, these weights are a workout accessory so it’s time to get into the nitty gritty: how do they actually work during workouts?
Bala Bangles add resistance to everything you do. I was a bit skeptical that one pound of extra weight would really make a difference, but you can certainly feel the burn. You may not notice it at first, but after just five minutes of leg lifts, hydrants, or any low-impact move, you will feel the difference.
My favorite ways to use the bangles are during low-impact workouts, particularly pilates and barre, and on long walks. For walks, I like to wrap the balas around my wrists. Having weights on my wrists makes me much more cognizant of my movement; instead of just letting my arms dangle by my side I pump them back and forth for maximum effect. Imagine a mom in a 90’s sitcom walking through the neighborhood and you’re there with me.
Credit: @bala
For low-impact workouts, Bala Bangles make every little movement that much more effective. Not only does the weight create resistance, but it also ensures I really focus on my form. My movement feels slower and more intentional, ultimately making for a better workout overall.
There are a few exercises I would not recommend wearing the bangles for. High intensity cardio is a no for me. I’ve worn Bala Bangles during a few workouts that involved a lot of jumping. For the most part they stayed put, but a few times they did fly off.
Beyond the bangles flying off, wearing ankle weights during HIIT exercise puts unnecessary pressure on your joints and poses a risk of injury. So, I would stick to using the bangles for any low-impact movement -- it doesn’t even need to be a “workout” in the traditional sense. Throw them on for pilates, a walk, or even when you’re just vacuuming around the house to give your muscles a little challenge. As always, if you have any questions or concerns it’s a good idea to consult your physician before using any new workout equipment.
To Bala Or Not To Bala?
Bala Bangles have become so prolific in my life, they’ve been given their own space in my vocabulary. My friends and I don’t just go on walks, we go on Bala Walks™️. And, yes, it’s different. Bottom line, if you’re looking to amp up your next sweat sesh, you won’t regret adding a pair of Bala Bangles to the mix. While they may be pricey upfront, they’ve helped me maximize my workouts and bring joy to a sometimes mundane routine, and for that they’re well-worth the cost.
Bala Bangles have become so prolific in my life, they’ve been given their own space in my vocabulary. My friends and I don’t just go on walks, we go on Bala Walks™️. And, yes, it’s different. Bottom line, if you’re looking to amp up your next sweat sesh, you won’t regret adding a pair of Bala Bangles to the mix.
Credit: @bala
5 More Reasons To Love Bala:
- Workout Inspo: Not sure how to incorporate the bangles into your routine? Bala has a whole library of free on-demand workouts that make a great starting point.
- For Every Body: The athletic elastic band helps everyone get a custom fit that feels great.
- Special Edition Alert: Is there anything more fun, and more tempting, than limited-edition colorways? Bala is always releasing fresh, fun colors and patterns that just keep getting better.
- Referral Rewards: When you refer a friend to buy anything from Bala, they get $5 off their purchase. Even better, when they make a purchase you get $5 off your next purchase too. Double whammy.
- Getting Heavy: Bala has expanded to have a whole suite of products, like the Bala Bars, Sliders, Bala Beam, Bala Bands, and The Power Ring.
