Customer Reviews

AquaBells Ankle Weights - Pair

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The concept of water-fillable ankle weights that weigh virtually nothing for travel and then rely on the weight of water for exercise was an appealing one. I'm recovering from a serious knee injury, & need to do daily physical therapy exercises that call for ankle weights. Packing standard metal filled 10-lb (for the pair) ankle weights in my suitcase for travel was not an option - especially in our current travel environment...

But the design execution of these water-fillable ankle weights is lacking. With just a few design tweaks they could have been great. The problems as I see them (& my suggested solutions) are:

- It's hard to fill the small nozzle on the ankle weight from a faucet (the weights should come bundled with an appropriately-sized funnel - perhaps a flat hard plastic one that pops out for use - but one that stores flat)

- As others have noted, if the ankle weights are filled sufficiently to get at least 3 lbs. of water each in them, the weights become so bulky. And, the velcro closure is too short to wrap around even the thinnest ankles; and my ankles are very thin (the design should include 2 chambers for water rather than one big one, to make it easier to fill and to fit around an ankle. plus the velcro attachment strap should be longer).

The good points:

- Having some weight on the ankle, when leg exercises are a must, is better than no weight at all

- It is a non-bulky solution

- The weight empties very quickly - so it's easy to pack up & go without hours of draining time (but I will carry mine in a plastic ziploc baggie to avoid in-suitcase water leaks...).

I'm going to keep this because it is functional. But it's not great due to its design flaws. If the corrections I suggested above were made and made well this would be an absolutely fabulous travel exercise device. For all the hotel fitness centers I've checked out & used I've very very rarely seen a machine that would serve the same purpose as ankle weights. So that would make a well-designed option a must buy.

The more you fill them, the thicker they are, so to reach the max weight they will probably not fit on most people. I have thin ankles, and without even filling them fully the velcro barely meets.

I need to work out with weights every day to fight osteoporosis. I used to carry regular ankle weights in my (or my husband's) carry-on luggage. We always got stopped at security. I decided to try these aquabelles and ordered them to be shipped to my destination because I was afraid they wouldn't get to my house in time. They arrived before I did! They were great. I had no trouble filling or emptying them and they fit fine. I used them on my ankles and held them to do my arm exercises too (rather than spend the money for separate hand weights). My only suggestion is that they make them capable of holding more weight.

I bought these for travel, but ended up only using once or twice. They are bulky and awkward to use, and a wet mess to fill. If you are desperate to have weights along when you travel, I guess these do the job, but I don't like them myself.

I got a pair of these and later on got a pair of the dumbbells as well and I have to say both are great. They easily fit in any luggage or back pack as they are small and lightweight. Easy to use and fill up to reach its capacity which I think is around 15 lbs which isn't a heavy work out but it definitely helps you exercise while your traveling especially if you can't get a gym. Convenient and easy way to stay in shape.