Everyone is using weighted wristbands again. But do they actually work?

Everyone with hair knows that blow-drying is a workout in itself. But someone, somewhere, decided we must make it harder, and we'd kindly like to have a word with them.

Because in case you haven't noticed, those weighted wristbands that became a thing again during COVID (after we hadn't seen them since the '80s) are having a major moment on the arms of influencers. And they're not just wearing them while they're working out — they're wearing them while they just go about their daily routine. You know, to do things.

Yes! Little sandbags of weight attached to the end of their arms while they make their coffee. Do their makeup. Blow dry their hair. Scan their Opal card, probably. The influencers are on the pursuit of toned arms and wrist weights are their new best friend. 

Watch: Speaking of exercise and the likes, have you heard of MOVE by Mamamia? Check it out below.

And look, I'm not one to blindly follow trends (I am) but now I'm sitting here writing an article and wondering if I should pop a pair on. 

So, is this something that's actually good for you? Do wrist weights actually work?

Here's a closer look at why this trend is a thing and what experts are saying about it.

What are weighted wristbands?

Weighted wristbands, or wrist weights, are wearable fitness accessories designed to add resistance to workouts. They typically consist of a wide, adjustable strap that wraps around the wrist and fastens securely, often using Velcro. 

These wristbands can range in weight and are usually used to enhance the intensity of workouts.

Why people are using wrist weights while blow drying their hair.

ICYMI, people on TikTok are now using wrist weights while blow-drying their hair to showcase their multitasking abilities, combining everyday activities with light exercise. 

Take, for example, this TikTok by content creator Abigail Lin, who wrote, "Day 1 of toning my arms with wrist weights while doing my hair."

@abigaillinnn I am genuinely curious to see if this will work or not 😂 #hair #hairtok #hairhack #hairtips #hairtipsandtricks ♬ motherfucker - sar ꨄ︎

Or this TikTok:

@lvblackwell My arms were shaking by the end of it 😂🔥 #armworkout ♬ 365 - Charli xcx

According to the internet, wearing wrist weights while performing mundane tasks like blow-drying your hair allows them to add a light workout to their day without requiring extra time or effort.

The trend has surged in popularity, with users (just look up 'wrist weights hair') sharing their experiences and results, encouraging others to adopt the trend.

The good thing about the trend is that it's pretty accessible and easy to use, making them an appealing option for those looking to enhance their fitness routine without investing in bulky equipment. They are also portable, meaning you can wear them as you go about your daily activities — from household chores to grocery shopping.

When it comes to benefits, many tout that incorporating wrist weights into their day-to-say routine has helped tone their arms and improve their overall muscular endurance.

So, do they actually work? And what are the experts saying?  

Do weighted wristbands work?

When it comes to the experts, there are fairly mixed views on the effectiveness and safety of using wrist weights as you go about your daily routine.

Pilates instructor Chloe de Winter, founder of Go Chlo Pilates, said wrist weight "definitely could" build muscle strength. 

"Increasing muscle strength and tone involves strength training and this can be achieved with weighted wrist bands in everyday activities. Building muscle strength is incredibly important for our general health and wellbeing, so if this is an easier way to achieve that, then I say go for it," she said. 

However, while wrist weights can add resistance and intensity to workouts, there's also concerns over joint health. While wrist weights can be beneficial when incorporated into traditional forms of resistance training, overloading the wrists with too much weight can lead to strain and potential injury, particularly for those with pre-existing joint issues.

"The only potential problem with this could be the increase in load on your joints without proper technique," said Chloe.

"It could lead to a potential overload injury if your body isn't used to it, and you haven’t gradually built up to this increased load. To avoid this, I recommend starting with very light weights, and making sure your body responds to this well before adding any additional weight."

Celebrity trainer, fitness and nutrition specialist by the name of Harley Pasternak said, "For all of you out there who are walking through your days with ankle weights and wrist weights, stop. Please stop."

"Number one, you are not getting leaner while doing it. Number two, you're actually increasing your chance of injury because you're changing the mechanics of how your upper body and lower body move naturally. You're having distal resistance at the end of a joint and in doing so, there's a dislocating effect on your joints," he added. 

Yikes.

Meaning? While this creative approach to integrating your fitness can have its benefits, it's important to take note of the limitations and potential risks when it comes to wearing wrist weights everywhere. 

After all, blow drying your hair is hard enough, no?

Have you tried weighted wristbands before? What's your thoughts on the trend? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: TikTok/@abigaillinnn; @lvblackwell.