FORGET WALKING WITH HAND OR ANKLE WEIGHTS

Light weights offer no real benefit, and heavier ones can increase your risk of injury. Though it may feel like you’re working harder, strapping on hand or ankle weights while you walk won’t give you the extra burn you’re looking for. And it may just increase your risk of joint problems or injuries. Wearing one-pound weights will not boost your calorie expenditure or get you in shape faster. To torch extra calories, you would need to carry at least three- to five-pound weights — and that is a definite no-no. When you swing the weights, it exponentially increases the force on your shoulder and elbow joints if using hand weights, or knee and hip joints if using them on your ankles. For people with heart disease or high blood pressure, using weights can also cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. Leave the weights at home and boost your burn by walking up hills instead.