Hi there.

I could use some guidance. When I walk outdoors I use two pound hand weights. My walks are 3 - 4 miles long. Lately the two pounds haven't given me even the slightest bit of a challenge. It's as if I'm not carrying anything. I know I need to increase, but to what? Three pounders? Four? Five?

Please help!

My concern is always that I'm going to get out there and wish I had something lighter, so if you can go up a pound at a time, that's ideal, as you'll know soon enough if that works. Of course, if you learn right away that an increase of only one pound wasn't enough, then you're going up yet again (and buying new weights for each possible increment).

I've been looking into things like the Reebok Adjustable Hand Weights: http://www.target.com/Reebok-Adjusta.../dp/B000VT5C2G and Physio-Med Variable Weight Cuffs: http://www.gymworld.co.uk/prodpage.asp?ProdID=2546

Hope that's somewhat helpful!

I'm using 2.5 pound weights, presently.

Good luck! Have a great weekend!

HeavyHands is another brand that sells handles and then add-on weights in varying sizes, so you can adjust as you improve. You can go from 1 - 10 lbs per hand with that brand by buying different add-on weights.

I've never heard of those weights. Thanks you two.

I've always read that it's not good to walk with hand weights.

Here is an article explaining why and some alternatives...Alternatives For Walking With Hand Weights

Wow Ilene!

I'd never heard of those issues. Thanks for sharing the article with me.

Glad I could be of help

I wonder if there is another way to increase the workout intesity?

I tried using ankle weights a few times but it made my knees hurt so I would definitely not reccomend that!

Another way to increase intensity would be to do hill, walk faster, do intervals - walk fast/jog for a minute walk/recuperate for a minute - do this for 30 mins, you'll feel it .... Ankle weights are worse than hand weights IMHO, I had tried that a few years ago when I started working out and my hips got so sore, it was not a good thing...

Actually this is a good excuse to start the wogging (walk / jog intervals) that I've been needing to start. I started it in the spring, got sidelined by a wicked sinus infection and never restarted. This is probably just the push I need.