As a personal trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist, I've seen countless workout trends come and go. But Bala Bangles piqued my interest when I first saw their pitch on Shark Tank years ago. The brand landed a deal with Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova on an episode aired in 2020 and blew up on the fitness scene. You may have even seen them donned on the wrists of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and Reese Witherspoon. They were a viral at-home workout tool during the pandemic, but their popularity has stood the test of time. I've been actively using Bala Bangles for several years, and I share my honest thoughts about whether these trendy accessories are still worth the hype in this review. Let's dive in.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy to take on and off
- Secure fit and adjustable features
- Versatile across a wide range of exercise modalities
- Enhances workouts by adding light resistance
- Portable and easy to take on-the-go
- Carrying case is included with your purchase
- Available in a variety of different colors
Cons
- Pricier than other hand and ankle weights
- Difficult to use with a fitness tracker/smart watch
What are Bala Bangles?
Bala Bangles are a unique type of adjustable wearable weights co-founded by certified yoga instructor Natalie Holloway and her husband, Maximilian Kislevitz. They can be worn on the wrist or on the ankle, and unlike other wearable weights, they are not sand-filled. Instead, they are made with steel bars wrapped in a soft silicone coating and attached to an elastic band with Velcro for a secure fit that is adjustable to fit your size.
The weights are ideally designed for low-impact exercises like yoga, barre, Pilates and walking, but they can be worn during more high-intensity exercises and come in 1, 2 or 3 pounds each in various colors. The point of Bala Bangles is to allow for hands-free resistance so you can focus on functional exercise movements. They are available on Bala's website, as well as on Amazon and in retailers, including Target.
My experience using Bala Bangles
First impressions
If Maria Sharapova was impressed by Bala Bangles enough to invest in it, that was a good initial sign to me. And on the Shark Tank episode, I liked the overall pitch and the sleek, stylish product design. Compared to my old clunky ankle weights, which were always uncomfortable, these seemed much more sophisticated and compact (though definitely pricier). But given the cute design, I was skeptical as to whether or not they would stay in place, be easy to get on and off and provide comfort during different workout movements (especially as I start to sweat).
How I used them
I got my first pair soon after the product aired on Shark Tank, and initially used them about one to two times a week during virtual barre and Pilates workouts in my apartment. My workouts have changed over the years since the pandemic, but I still use Bala Bangles at least a few times a month, which is a testament to their functionality and usefulness. What's more, Good Housekeeping Institute's Executive Director of Strategy and Operations Lexie Sachs is a barre aficionado (she's completed over 320 classes at Pure Barre) and has been using Bala Bangles regularly for almost a year and a half. She says that the bangles have held up well, too.
Putting the bangles on was initially tricky, but I quickly got the hang of it. One of my favorite aspects of Bala Bangles is how even the weight distribution feels during movements like arm circles and pulses compared to other hand weights I have used. You can also move the bars around on the strap so the bangle sits comfortably on your wrist or ankle. I've also held them loosely around my fingers as an alternative to a light dumbbell.
I'm not a huge fan of hand or ankle weights for walking since I tend to find them very uncomfortable, but this is quite popular, so I did try several walks with the Bala Bangles on my ankles and then on my wrists. This is a great way to work on stamina and cardiovascular endurance, and I felt the challenge within minutes of my walks.
Comfort and fit
These are definitely some of the most comfortable wrist and ankle weights I have tried, which is one of the reasons why I keep using them. They securely stay in place, so you don't have to worry about them sliding around during different exercise movements like leg lifts. Surprisingly, they aren't bulky either, and since they contain steel and not sand, the weight distribution stays even. "I like them a lot better than the weights they have at the studio. More comfortable and less prone to trapping sweat," Sachs said. "They're also better looking!" And since they come with a carrying case, you can stash them in your bag for Pilates or your suitcase for your next work trip (I've brought them to both) without them getting damaged or scratched.
I do have two comfort-related challenges with them, though. One is that if you are wearing an Apple Watch or other fitness tracker, you have to reposition the bangle above your watch so the placement can feel a bit uneven and uncomfortable (however, this is applicable with any wrist weight and fitness tracker). My other issue is walking with them — although they stay in place, my ankles or wrists get sweaty. The friction between the band and my bare skin is uncomfortable, especially on longer distances and in hot weather. This could probably be solved by wearing tall socks or a long-sleeve shirt, but that may not be feasible in warmer months. They are, however, more comfortable for walking than other wrist and ankle weights I have tried.
Effectiveness and quality
Bala Bangles are beginner-friendly but suitable for more advanced athletes, as the weight can add up, especially in certain high-repetition movements. They were best for me once I felt strong enough with bodyweight Barre movements and wanted a bit more of a challenge. And since you aren't focusing on holding (and not dropping) a dumbbell, wearable weights like these allow you to stay present on the mind-muscle connection and get the most out of the exercise. I don't think they should replace strength-training sessions and workouts with heavier weights, but they can be a great way to add resistance to various low-impact workouts. Since Sachs and I have both been using Bala Bangles consistently for several years, we can attest to their durable build and high-quality materials. My sets are a bit worn after such an extended period, but still in great condition, and the Velcro has held up pretty well, too.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy to take on and off
- Secure fit and adjustable features
- Versatile across a wide range of exercise modalities
- Enhances workouts by adding light resistance
- Portable and easy to take on-the-go
- Carrying case is included with your purchase
- Available in a variety of different colors
Cons
- Pricier than other hand and ankle weights
- Difficult to use with a fitness tracker/smart watch
Tips for using Bala Bangles
Incorporating wearable weights into your exercise routine can enhance your workout's intensity and challenge. Here are some tips for getting the most out of Bala Bangles specifically:
- Start light: If you're new to using wrist or ankle weights, I'd recommend starting with Bala's 1-pound Bangles — it doesn't sound like much but can add up quickly, and you don't want the added weight to compromise your form.
- Gradually increase usage: Those little weights can get heavy — and fast! Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time you keep them on as your body gets stronger and used to the resistance.
- Dress properly for walks: For longer walks, it may be a good idea to wear crew socks or a long-sleeve shirt with the weights on top instead of on your bare skin so it doesn't cause any irritation or friction.
- Clean them regularly: As with any exercise equipment, you should keep the weights as clean as possible, especially after particularly sweaty workouts. Sachs uses a gym wipe after barre class to wipe them down. Bala says you can hand wash the band and bars with an all-natural cleaner and let them air dry, but recommends not submerging them in water as this can compromise the integrity of the elastic and Velcro.
Other Bala products
Since Bala's surge in popularity after its Shark Tank appearance, the brand has expanded into multiple product lines. Some of my favorites are their Bala Bands, which are thick and durable resistance bands and performed best of all the brands we tried in our tests. I also love their Pilates ball, which I use several times a week, and I've only had to reinflate twice. The Power Ring is a weighted Pilates ring that is hardcore and a great strength-training addition to your Pilates workout, and the Bala Bars are the brand's take on a dumbbell, which aren't my favorites (I'm more partial to a traditional dumbbell) but still well made and durable.
Recently, the brand introduced a new line for expecting mothers called Bala Mama. This includes a belly band, balance ball, big band and peanut birthing ball. While I haven't yet tested these products, I appreciate that the brand is curating products to support a healthy, active pregnancy and postpartum period. And I used many of Bala's other products, like the resistance bands and Bala Bangles, during both my pregnancies.
Final verdict
Although they come at a higher price point than other wearable weights, Bala Bangles have stood the test of time for me through years of repeated use in barre and Pilates workouts. Their fit and function are top notch and can elevate any exercise movement. Their sleek, aesthetically pleasing design makes them something that I actually want to reach for during my workout sessions. Those who prefer to walk with wearable weights will appreciate that Bala Bangles are more comfortable than most but also offer a secure fit. If you want to amp up the intensity for low-impact exercises or add some resistance to your power walks, they are a great choice.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Stefani Sassos, a NASM-certified personal trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist, has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she leverages her expertise to create informed fitness content, from testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans. Stefani is an avid CrossFitter and also enjoys barre, Pilates and HIIT workouts.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
