I, like many of you, have had to rethink how I do my workouts during the pandemic. After months of trying any and all fitness options, I was tired of working out in the small nook between my dresser and my bed or on my rooftop, trying to softly land my jump squats so I wouldn't bother my neighbors. I started to feel home gym fatigue, but then I went home to my parents' in the suburbs and made an unexpected discovery: the Bala Bangles.
Why I like Bala Bangles
I fell in love with these wearables — hard. And I don't use the L-word lightly when it comes to fitness.
After being cooped up for so long, I was restless for any sort of distraction. And then I found Melissa Wood Health. Sure, I was lured in by her low-impact yoga-pilates-style videos and the fact that she had workouts as quick as 10 minutes that still burned my muscles. But I was completely seduced by the minimal, geometric weights she had strapped to her palms. What were these? They were so chic, so attractive — so not at all like the clunky, hypermasculine workout equipment I was used to seeing. And she sometimes strapped them to her ankles, too? Versatile and cute? Magic.
So I did what all journalists do, and I investigated. I Googled "chic ankle weights," and there they were, in all their glorious colors.
What are Bala Bangles?
Bala was founded in 2018 by wife-husband duo Natalie Holloway and Max Kislevitz, who wanted to offer wearables that upped any fitness routine with not just function but style, too. It wasn't until they turned heads on "Shark Tank" in February 2020 (on the cusp of a pandemic, no less) that the brand really took off.
Since then, they've continually sold out and been reviewed and featured across social media. They also offer the Bala Power Ring — a hoop that mixes the functions of a kettlebell and dumbbell — and the Bala Bars — a sleek, ergonomic dumbbell that looks more like an eclair than weights.
For those who want to embrace being a total Bala babe, Bala has even expanded into apparel, accessories, and collaborations with other major names (like Spanx and Summer Fridays).
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The Bala Bangle sets are available in three weight levels and multiple colors, such as blush, sea and sand. I spent more than a week debating which color to snag. By the time I was ready to commit, my favorite was sold out everywhere. A sucker for any good neutral, I settled for sand.
When it arrived, it had a more pink, flesh-like tone than the dark beige shown in the online photos, which didn't bother me. But I suggest looking for customer photos so you can be confident in your color choice.
The brand says the Bala Bangles are made from recycled stainless steel wrapped in silicone. It has a texture that's soft, smooth and soothing to the touch. The elastic Velcro band allows you to strap it to your wrists, palms, or ankles as loose or as tight as you'd like. It even comes in a rectangular mesh bag with a zipper so that you can always have them on the go.
How I use Bala Bangles
While the brand boasts the product's versatility and that "they can be worn on wrists or ankles for training and recreational activities alike," be sure to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have back, joint or balance problems. According to Harvard Health Publishing, they're a good supplement to targeted workouts but can cause muscle imbalance or injury if used while walking or during aerobic exercises.
I switch off using only body weight or adding my one-pound weights to my wrists or ankles during my yoga and pilates flows, and I find it adds just enough resistance to feel like my arms or booty are burning just a bit more intensely. Because my legs are a little stronger, I wouldn't mind going up in weight and trying the two-pound Bangles, too.
In short, they're fashionable and they're functional. I don't even have to worry about holding dumbbells like I normally would during a pilates class. I can focus less on grip and more on form and getting that sweat in. I've never been more excited to light a candle, roll out my mat and get some physical activity in.
More fitness essentials to shop
Elevate your workout routine with this full-body resistance tool. "It’s sturdy, lightweight, and offers just the right amount of resistance for toning thighs and arms," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
"It’s great because it is on the heavier end and fits under a jacket, so I can wear it during the winter too. I wear it at home as well if I am doing chores and don’t have the energy to really work out, but want a little added resistance," says commerce editor Vivien Moon.
Reviewers say these weights are efficient, affordable and easy to incorporate into any workout routine.
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, look through hundreds of customer reviews, and use our own experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Alicia Tan is a former commerce editor for Shop TODAY.