Honest Review: Bala Bangles
Like you, I spend a lot of my time trolling social media, always looking for the next it thing. Partially as market research for my fitness company, but also because I really, truly love experimenting with new ways to move my body. When I first saw the Bala bangles I was intrigued. They looked like a chic way to add some extra “umpf” (or swear word of your choice) to any workout.
Whenever I’d teach classes in real life I’d start out with the same monologue “I’m not sure if you noticed, but I’m missing half of my left arm… but someone told me that’s not super common. So, I plan class for you, and not for me. When in doubt pay attention to what I say, and not what I do. Follow my right arm with both of your arms, unless I specifically say so, and know that sometimes my funky arm is just gonna do it’s own thing and that’s okay. I’ve planned for that and I’ve got you.” The biggest differences in my arm workouts aren’t actually the movements that I can do, but the amount of weight I’m able to grip at varying angles. I’m always looking for anything I can use to help strengthen my upper body. Missing half of my left arm means that upper body workouts are the portion of classes where I need to get most creative.
Growing up my mom had sand filled ankle weights she’d often use for her walks and I tried using them as wrist weights, but they’d always slide around. I read through the reviews of people saying how well they stayed in place and mumbled “for $50 they fucking better!” as I entered my card information to see for myself.
After over a month of using my Balas I have to say, I love them. They stay in place and allow me to add a bit of extra spice to my upper body workouts without worrying about being able to grip the weight. My upper body has never been stronger. Are there other weights out there that could do the trick? Perhaps, but I haven’t found them. I’d recommend Bala weights to anyone who is looking to level up their cardio, barre or yoga workouts - you know, the ones that typically don’t have tons of resistance. I’d also recommend Bala bands for anyone who has a disability or is recovering from injury. The main things that I love about my Bala that are applicable to all bodies are:
adds spice to cardio or traditionally non-resistance focused workouts where holding weights would be annoying
easily transportable, would be great for travel workouts (also pairs well with all Shape Society Collective workouts)
they don’t move and are comfortable. They hold their place just tight enough where you’re not risking injury, but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable
they’re not ugly
Some things that might make balas a miss for you would be:
price - $50 is a bit hefty unless you’re going to use them a ton (like me!)
you focus on just heavy lifting workouts
I’d love to hear your experiences if you have Bala weights of any other type of tools like this. Personally for me, the bala bands were a great investment but as always what works for one person doesn’t for the next.