Bala Bangles Review: Are These Trendy Wearable Weights Worth the Price?

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Bala Bangles Key Features

• Weight: One and two pound options
• Material: Steel wrapped in silicone
• Design: Elastic, hook and loop fasteners
• How to clean: Bala recommends cleaning the loop and hook fastener regularly with a toothbrush, fine toothed comb, strong tape or tweezers. Hand wash the band with an all natural cleaner using a cloth with water or mild soap. Let it air dry completely, avoid anything containing essential oils
• Price: $55 for a set of 1-pound bangles, $65 for a set of 2-pound bangles

Bringing together fashion, function and fitness, Bala Bangles, wearable ankle and wrist weights, have taken the health and wellness world by storm as a fashion-first fitness accessory. We are not talking about the bulky ankle weights we saw in the 1980’s (like the ones you might remember seeing on Richard Simmons or Jane Fonda). Rather, Bala Bangles have given this traditional design a makeover turning it into something that looks less bulky and more stylish. As such, they attract a wide-range of fashion-forward fitness enthusiasts. But what are they exactly? In short, Bala Bangles are weighted bracelets that can be worn on the ankles or wrists and adjusted to fit as loose or tight as you’d like. Sold in pairs, the Bala Bangles are lightweight but add a level of intensity to any activity by increasing the load. These sleek and modern fitness accessories are available in a vast array of different colors to match any taste.

In this article, we will explore all you need and want to know about Bala Bangles so you can determine if these trendy wearable weights are worth the hype. Whether you are looking to strengthen your lower body by adding some light resistance to your typical exercise or simply want to know more about these accessories that seem to have gone viral overnight, you are in the right place.

Pros:

• Fashionable
• Lots of color options
• Versatile
• Comfortable
• Portable and easily stored
• Convenient

Cons:

• More expensive than other weights
• Often sell out

What Are Bala Bangles?

Although the Bala Bangles were launched in 2018, they really made their debut in 2020 when people across the globe were looking for ways to maintain their fitness and health during the pandemic. These wearable weights fit the bill as their convenience and versatility made staying fit at home easier. Since then, Bala Bangles continue to be more than just a fad—they have become a bit of a fashion icon even identified in Vogue as one of “The 17 Items That Defined 2020.” In fact, you don’t have to head to a fitness manufacturer or Amazon to find these bad boys. They can be found in fashion retailers across the country including stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie.

Made from recycled stainless steel and wrapped in a smooth and soft silicone, Bala Bangles feature an elastic Velcro strap that enables a customized fit so you can wear them comfortably and securely. Plus, they’re especially well-suited for Pilates, yoga and sculpting exercises.

Bala Bangles can be purchased in one-pound or two-pound sets and although they’re lightweight, they still provide enough resistance to make your go-to workouts a little tougher. Some studies have actually shown that using lighter dumbbells or weights at higher repetitions can be as efficient as lifting heavier weights at a lower number of reps. Before we dive into how to use the Bala Bangles, let’s take a look at the brand as a whole.

Bala Brand Overview

Bala was born in 2018, the brainchild of a Los Angeles-based husband and wife duo, Natalie Holloway and Maximilian Kislevitz. While on sabbatical in Asia, they brainstormed ways to challenge themselves even further during Yoga classes when they were struck with the idea to add resistance to their sessions with ankle and wrist weights. What started as some sketches on a napkin eventually evolved and turned into Bala Bangles. For the first two years, Holloway and Kislevitz shipped each and every order by hand but in 2020, this on-trend workout product became all the rage. Used by celebrities, various influencers and featured on Shark Tank, Bala’s popularity skyrocketed and the company took off.

At its core, Bala has identified four fundamental values: playful, design-led, inclusive and boundaryless. Seeking to empower everyone while keeping fashion and function at the forefront, Bala has grown out their product line with a variety of Bala products including jump ropes, the Bala Bar and the Power Ring.

How to Use Your Bala Bangles

Bala Bangles work just as the old-school model of ankle weights do. Simply strap them on to your ankle or wrist to add load to your workout and increase your heart rate. Whether you are heading to the yoga studio, a sculpt class or doing your own at-home workout, Bala Bangles add resistance to any movement. According to Terry Downey, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, wearable weights work to target specific muscle groups in the arms, hips, or legs by increasing the load against gravity. The result? Increased strength in these specific muscle groups.

Bala Bangles are best suited for low-impact activities and targeted workouts such as Pilates. They enable you to add resistance without having to worry about grip as you would with dumbbells. Bala offers an array of workout types including Flow, Sweat and Unwind. You simply need to register for an account to access them.

Downey actually warns against using wrist or ankle weights during any cardio activity and when just out and about. He explains that in wearing them on your ankles when walking or running, it encourages more recruitment from your quadriceps rather than hamstrings which has the potential to create muscle imbalances. In addition, wearing weights around your ankle can lead to injuries of the ligaments in the knees, hips and back. For these reasons, it is recommended that you don’t wear these during HIIT or high-impact workouts, either. It is also probably a good idea to start with the one-pound weights if you are new to working out or have previously only performed bodyweight movements.

Working Out with Bala Bangles

Looking for some tips on how to incorporate Bala Bangles into your workout routine? Here are some pointers.

Pilates

Research suggests that adding extra weight to targeted movements, similar to the ones seen in Pilates, not only strengthens muscles but can contribute to changes in your body composition. Because of the slow flow in Pilates, adding Bala Bangles to certain movements—such as arm angels or knee folds—will increase the intensity and work to build muscle. But it is important to not overextend while wearing these weights as it could lead to injury.

Yoga

Bala Bangles are ideal for Hatha yoga, where movements are a bit slower and you can take your time moving from one pose into the next. The Bangles may not be ideal for Vinyasa, however, because of the rapid flow between poses typically seen in this practice.

Barre

Barre is another low-impact, slower moving and concentrated workout where adding Bala Bangles would effectively increase the intensity. Barre classes are designed to work the entire body, focusing on muscular endurance. Adding load to movements such as knee lifts or glute presses would tax those muscles just a bit more.

Bala Bangles Customer Reviews

Feedback for the Bala Bangles is overwhelmingly positive with many reviewers—notably, one with multiple sclerosis—sharing that they’re easy to put on and take off. One reviewer noted that the bangles are great for Pilates Reformer classes while another noted that they’re comfortable to wear even over socks.

Bala Bangles FAQs

Why are Bala Bangles so popular?

Bala Bangles are designed for individuals at every fitness level. The combination of fashion, function, comfort and convenience has contributed to the weights’ popularity.

Should I get 1- or 2-pound Bala Bangles?

Whether you should get 1 or 2-pound Bala Bangles really depends on your fitness level. If you are new to working out or strength training, it may be ideal to start with a 1-pound set. Alternatively, if you are experienced with weights and adding load to your typical exercise routine, the two pound set may be a better choice.

Can you wear an Apple Watch with Bala Bangles?

Yes you can wear your Apple Watch with Bala Bangles. Some people place the weights over their watch and report that it is comfortable and does not cause the Bangles to move around. For others, doing this felt awkward and clunky. You can also position the weights further up on your arm towards the elbow so there is no overlap between your watch and weight.

Do Bala Bangles build muscle?

Bala Bangles can contribute to muscle growth. Studies have shown that adding ankle weights to targeted movements increases strength and circumference of the leg on some individuals. That said, it all boils down to how you use them. Since they are lighter in weight you want to work on time under tension and higher repetitions to build muscle.

Are Bala Bangles good for walking?

While many people do wear Bala Bangles when walking, physical therapist Terry Downey warns against it. He asserts that wearable weights can lead to muscle imbalances when worn walking and potential injury.

Final Thoughts

Bala Bangles have carved out a unique niche in the fitness industry. Combining comfort, fashion and function, these wearable weights are not just for the die-hard workout junkies, but also a solid choice for beginners or those who prefer low impact activities such as yoga, Pilates and Barre. Users can up the intensity of their workouts by putting on Bala Bangles to help reach their fitness goals.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.