Is it safe to run with weights in your hands?

Question

Is it okay to do a four mile run with 2 to 4lb weights in your hands? Will there be any damage to the ligaments in the arms or extra stress on the tendons that would promote injury in the area? I'm just worried about the extra jarring on the upper body.

Answer 1

If you're trying to build the strength in your arms and you want to run with weights, go ahead, but you'll be surprised how heavy 2-4 pounds is after 1/2 a mile. I wouldn't suggest running iwth weights that you have to carry in your hands. It will tense you up and make it harder for you to complete your run. If anything, I'd start with a 1 pound weight, no more- and they should be the wrap around weights that stay on your wrist, not that you have to carry. Try just jogging on a track with weights so you don't find yourself a cfew miles from home and wanting to ditch your weights. Honestly- it will feel lighter and easier to push through a hard run once you get used to running with weights but I have run for 15 years and have never run with weights. I think that weight lifting after running is a better idea; you won't ruin your run by becoming too tired. Run a good run- 4 miles as you said, and afterward lift. Trying to combine the two can leave you dissapointed because neither your running or your strength will come very fast.

Answer 2

It won't necessarily cause injury, no. But you might want to wear wrist weights as opposed to carrying the weights in your hands. The grip may cramp your arm and without actually HOLDING the weights your arms aill have more freedom of movement. Also, if you trip and fall you will have your hands to catch you without any flying weights hitting you in the face on the way down. I know a lot of people at the gym who walk and jog with weights, there's no harm in it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you want to build upper body strength, you should lift weights, not run with them in your hands.
If you want to burn fat, run for 30 minutes or more. The extra weight wont help any.

i would be worried about the extra stress on your hands and fingers.

Answer 4

I have ran with weights,I was soooo tired!But it is good for weight loss.I think a person could injure themselves if they do not do it correctly...I have done 2 and 5 lbs.Are you doing this ,,,to add weight to lose weight faster?Or add upper body strength? if its strength..set aside 1/2 hour for "extra" stuff every other day,for weights,situps ect.....if your doing it for weight loss.just increase your time in running[slowly] instead of 45 min..mabey do 50 ect..it really depends on your "reason" for the weights..remember.."Running is really flying,with your feet on the ground!"

Answer 5

Reduce your current stress. Your stress hormone cortisol might be activated by extremely low-calorie diets, intense training, lack of sleeping and day-to-day worries, which ends up with a spike in glucose levels as part of your blood. More worryingly, it can promote blocked arteries and fat build up around your internal organs, putting you prone to diabetes and heart disease. The one prescription for this is to… hang out.

Answer 6

Eat in front of a person rather than a screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and making you more accountable for each chew.

Answer 7

Wear comfy shoes so that you can take meetings for a walk rather then sitting at a desk.

Answer 8

This won't hurt your upper body, but it could be damaging to your knees,

Answer 9

Choose menu items that are grilled, baked, blackened, steamed, or broiled as opposed to fried or breaded.

Answer 10

umm that would be fine as long as you were very carefull when your holding them in your hands