Bala Bangles Weights Review: Are These Trendy Wrist and Ankle Weights Worth It?

Hey there, fitness fashionistas! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for cute workout gear that‘s both functional and stylish. So when I first laid eyes on Bala Bangles, the chic wrist and ankle weights blowing up my Instagram feed, I knew I had to get my hands (and wrists) on a pair.

In this comprehensive Bala Bangles review, I‘m diving deep into the brand behind these buzzed-about weights, sharing my personal experience using them, and helping you decide if they‘re worth the investment for your workouts. We‘ll cover:

• What Bala Bangles are and how they work
• An overview of Bala‘s company and product line
• My experience trying Bala Bangles
• Customer reviews and feedback
• Pros and cons of Bala weights
• Where to buy Bala products
• Alternatives to consider
• Verdict: Are Bala weights worth it?

So grab your favorite leggings and let‘s get started!

What Are Bala Bangles?

Bala Bangles are a modern upgrade on those retro wrist and ankle weights you might remember from 80s workout videos. But instead of scratchy velcro and sad color options, Bala‘s weights are sleek, stylish, and downright cute.

The Bangles are made of recycled stainless steel wrapped in baby-soft silicone, with an adjustable elastic band to fit a variety of sizes. They come in three weight increments (1/2 lb, 1lb, and 2lb per weight) and twelve pretty colors from basic black to trendy tie-dye. Prices start at $55 for the 1/2 pound set.

How Do You Use Bala Bangles?

The beauty of Bala Bangles is how versatile they are. You can wear them on your wrists or ankles (or both!) to add resistance to virtually any activity – yoga, pilates, walking, strength training, you name it. The extra weight helps engage your muscles and burn more calories, without putting too much stress on your joints.

Bala also offers free workout videos on their website to give you ideas for incorporating the Bangles into your routine. From Bala Barre to Bala Pilates, there are endless ways to use these weights to intensify your sweat sessions.

About Bala

Bala is a Los Angeles-based fitness company founded in 2018 by wife and husband team Natalie Holloway and Max Kislevitz. The couple first got the idea for Bala on a yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali, when they noticed the clunky ankle weights other yogis were sporting and thought, "there has to be a better way."

Two years later, Bala launched their signature Bala Bangles: a fresh take on a classic fitness accessory. From there, the brand has steadily expanded to offer other weighted workout gear like the Bala Power Ring and Bala Bars, along with booty bands, yoga mats, and more.

In 2020, Bala got a big boost when the founders appeared on Shark Tank, landing a $900,000 deal with tennis pro Maria Sharapova and billionaire Marc Cuban. The investment helped Bala accelerate their growth and product development – the brand now has over 100,000 Instagram followers and 350 retail partners worldwide.

Here‘s a look at Bala‘s full product lineup today:

• Bala Bangles: Wrist and ankle weights available in 1/2 lb, 1lb, and 2lb increments ($55-$65 per pair)
• Bala Bars: 3lb weighted bars for upper body and core workouts ($75 per pair)
• Bala Power Ring: 10lb ergonomic resistance ring for total body toning ($85)
• Bala Beam: Weighted workout bar available in 15lb and 25lb options ($125-$145)
• Bala Resistance Bands: Booty bands in light, medium, and heavy resistances ($20-$25 each or $50 for a set)
• Bala Sliders: Dual-sided core sliders for carpet or hardwood ($25)
• Bala Yoga Mat: Oversized yoga mat with cushiony foam interior ($125)
• Bala Essentials Kit: Power Ring, two Bala Bars, and 1lb Bangles ($160)

Bala offers free US shipping and a 30 day return/exchange policy on all their products, plus a 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects. They also donate 1% of annual revenue to environmental nonprofits as a member of 1% for the Planet.

My Experience with Bala Bangles

I decided to try Bala Bangles for myself in January 2022 as part of my New Year‘s fitness resolutions. I‘m an avid at-home exerciser and love trying new tools to spice up my workouts. The 1lb Bala Bangles in Blush immediately caught my eye – the dusty rose color was too dreamy to resist!

When my Bangles arrived, the first thing I noticed was the luxe, matte silicone finish. They felt so expensive and high-quality compared to the cheap wrist weights I‘d tried before. I also loved how easy they were to put on and adjust. The stretchy band fit my wrists perfectly without digging in or moving around.

I first tested my Bangles with a ballet-inspired workout from the Bala YouTube channel. Within minutes, I could feel my arms, shoulders, and core working harder as I pulsed and lifted to the beat. The 1lb Bangles challenged me without feeling too heavy or awkward.

Over the next few weeks, I wore my Bala Bangles religiously for yoga sculpt classes, Pilates, strength training, and walks around my neighborhood. Not only did I feel the burn, but I also got a ton of compliments on how cute they were!

After 30 days of consistent use, I noticed improved definition in my shoulders and upper back. My arms looked leaner and I had an easier time holding planks and yoga poses. The Bangles were an easy way to boost the intensity of my low impact workouts.

Bala Bangles Customer Reviews

I‘m not the only one hooked on Bala Bangles. The product has over 2,600 5-star reviews on Bala‘s website, with happy customers gushing about the comfort, quality, and aesthetic. Here‘s what a few fans had to say:

"I was hesitant about the price but figured I‘d give them a shot after seeing my favorite Pilates YouTuber rave about them. I‘m so glad I did! The Bala Bangles are so much more comfortable than cheaper wrist weights I‘ve tried and the color options are adorable. I wear them almost every day!" – Jenna L.

"Bala Bangles are a game changer. I have the 1lb and 2lb weights and switch them out depending on the workout. They make a huge difference in sculpting lean muscles and add the perfect amount of resistance. Plus they ship fast and the customer service is great!" – Mark P.

"These weights are SO comfortable and extremely durable. I love how easy it is to put them on and adjust the tightness. I‘ve washed them several times and they still look brand new. Worth every penny in my opinion!" – Sarah K.

Bala Bangles also have an impressive 4.6 out of 5 star average rating on Amazon, with over 1,000 reviews. A few critical reviews mention issues with the weights feeling too tight or questions about long-term durability, but the vast majority of Amazon customers seem thrilled with their purchase.

Bala Bangles in the Media

Bala‘s stylish weights have caught the attention of celebrities and media outlets alike. The brand has been featured in Vogue, Women‘s Health, Refinery29, Glamour, and more. Hailey Bieber, Busy Phillips, and Martha Stewart are just a few of the A-list fans spotted sporting Bala Bangles.

Women‘s Health named Bala Bangles one of the "best ankle weights to amp up lower body and core workouts" in 2021, and Glamour called them "the most stylish wrist and ankle weights we‘ve ever seen."

Fitness pros are on board too. Jillian Michaels partnered with Bala in 2021 on a limited edition collection of neon Bangles and Power Rings, telling Shape, "I‘ve been wearing Bala Bangles on walks and it‘s a great way to increase the cardio burn and build lean muscle in your legs. They‘re awesome quality, too—the material is so soft you barely notice you‘re wearing them."

Should You Buy Bala Bangles?

Now for the question you‘re all here for: are Bala Bangles worth buying? As a fitness enthusiast and Bala customer myself, I give these trendy weights a resounding yes – with a few caveats. Let‘s break it down:

Pros

• Bala Bangles are hands down the most comfortable wrist and ankle weights I‘ve tried, thanks to the supersoft silicone finish and adjustable strap. They stay put without pinching or chafing.
• The color variety is unmatched – there‘s an option for every style and mood.
• At 1/2lb to 2lbs per weight, the Bangles are light enough for beginners but still impactful for boosting bodyweight workouts. You can really feel your muscles firing!
• Bala products are made with quality, eco-friendly materials like recycled steel and silicone. They feel durable and made to last.
• The brand‘s 1 year warranty and free 30 day return period offers peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
• Bala‘s website has a great library of free workout videos for inspiration and form tips.

Cons

• The biggest drawback of Bala Bangles is the price. At $55 for the lightest set, these are definitely a splurge compared to budget-friendly wrist weights on Amazon.
• A few customers with bigger wrists or ankles have had issues with the Bangles feeling too tight, even on the loosest setting. They may not work for everyone.
• While Bala offers an impressive range of colors, the actual product selection is fairly limited. The brand doesn‘t have many options if you want heavier weights or different styles.

The Verdict

If you‘re willing to invest in high-quality, comfortable workout gear you‘ll actually enjoy wearing, I think Bala Bangles are 100% worth a try. No, they‘re not the cheapest option out there, but in my experience, you get what you pay for when it comes to fitness equipment.

Cheaper wrist and ankle weights tend to be bulky, awkward, and downright uncomfortable after a few minutes. Bala Bangles are thoughtfully designed to feel as effortless as a wear-all-day bracelet, with a chic look that motivates me to move.

Of course, you can certainly get a good workout with any brand of light dumbbells or resistance bands. But if you struggle with consistency and want to treat yourself to a pretty set of weights that spark joy, Bala Bangles could be the perfect addition to your fitness collection.

Comparing Bala to Other Weighted Bangles

Bala may be the most hyped brand of wearable weights, but they‘re not the only player in the game. Here‘s a quick look at how Bala stacks up to some of their top competitors:

Brand	Price (1lb pair)	Color Options	Avg. Rating	Pros	Cons
Bala	$55	9 colors	5 stars	Comfortable fit, cute colors, great reviews	Expensive, only go up to 2lbs
P.volve	$32 (1lb total)	Light sage, cream, black	4 stars	Less expensive, longer velcro strap	Only go up to 1lb, fewer colors
The DB Method	$30	Neon pink, mint green, navy	4.5 stars	Affordable, fun colors	May feel bulky, fewer reviews
Sportneer	$26	Black, grey, pink	4.5 stars	Budget-friendly, adjustable weights	Not as trendy, some durability concerns

As you can see, Bala has the widest color range and highest ratings, but also the heftiest price tag. If your top priorities are comfort and aesthetics, Bala is the clear winner. But if you‘re looking for a basic set of ankle weights under $30, brands like Sportneer or The DB Method could offer similar benefits.

Where to Buy Bala Bangles

You can shop the full Bala collection directly from BalaBangles.com, with free US shipping and returns. Or, use their store locator to find Bala weights stocked at a retailer near you.

Bala is also available on Amazon with Prime 2-day shipping. Just be sure you‘re buying from the official Bala store to avoid counterfeits!

The Bottom Line

Investing in a set of Bala Bangles was an easy way to enhance my at-home workouts and actually get excited about exercising. The chic colors and buttery-soft finish make wearing wrist and ankle weights feel like less of a chore and more of an aesthetic choice.

At the end of the day, consistency is key for seeing fitness results. And if slipping on a pair of pretty Bala Bangles motivates you to move your body a few extra times a week? I‘d call that $55 well spent.

Of course, everyone‘s goals and budgets are different. Start with whatever equipment (or bodyweight alone!) gets you moving and gradually add resistance from there. Bala may not be the cheapest option, but if you want weights that marry form and function, they‘re one of the best in the game.

I hope this in-depth review of Bala Bangles has been helpful for your own fitness journey! Let me know in the comments if you‘ve tried these trendy weights, or what other products you‘d like me to review.

Until next time, keep sweating in style!