Question about hand/wrist weights for kickboxing

[WRITER]

I recently purchased a pair of wrist weights that I might use for kickboxing -- they have a thumb hold for stabiility. For those of you who have read up on it, which is more stressful on the shoulder: to have weight on your hands or your wrists? I've been using velcro hand weights at 1.5 lbs on my hands, and these wrist weights are 2 lbs. Thanks!

 

[Mckmain]

I'm really not sure there would be much difference between the weights on your hands or wrists. I use 1.5 lb weighted gloves myself and really would not go over 2 lbs for kickboxing. Just my opinion......Carole

 

[kathryn]

I've always used the hand weights (gloves). I've never tried wrist weights for kickboxing, but I just think that they would throw off your punch some (maybe not, you'll have to try them).

I think either hand or wrist weights would have the same effect on the elbow and shoulder (but maybe not the wrist, and maybe not if the wrist weight throws off your allignment somehow, which would cause more stress).

Like Carole, I don't recommend going over 2# on hand weights while kickboxing (after building up to that weight, and using it only during the main part of a workout, not during warm-ups or cooldowns).

Rather than increase weight, try to put more power into your punch, especially on the recoil (faster and stronger). And make sure to never lock out the elbows. I have been using hand weights for about 5 years now, and usually still use my 1# pair. I've just gotten more powerful in my punching without upping the weights (with a few exceptions, on occasion).