"Ankle weights can place unnecessary stress onto the joints of the lower legs, and can cause imbalances (and/or muscle strains), if used while walking and/or running," warns Daughterty. "This is due to the fact that the added weight can change your gait, which can throw off normal movements, and cause pain and injury."

So what's a person to do? "Alternating exercises, and using ankle weights sporadically, can help you avoid these issues, while still strengthening your lower body at the same time," she adds.

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