A fitness instructor has issued a stark warning about using ankle weights when working out – and why they could actually do more harm than good.

The information was shared in a new TikTok video posted this week by user Brightyn Sletten, who is a group fitness instructor.

She explained the damage that can be done if you wear ankle weights to take a walk, an activity that has become quite popular and glamorized on TikTok.

The weights, which are sold by multiple brands, including TikTok shop, are made with a velcro strap to fit comfortably around your ankles – but there might be a bigger price to pay.

‘Just a PSA to everybody that has been wearing ankle weights on your walks, it can be really damaging for your tendons and ligaments,’ Brightyn warned.

‘You’re not supposed to wear them for long periods of time, or on walks, some people are still gonna do it, but I just wanted to put it out there,’ she continued.

According to Harvard Health, wearing ankle weights while walking, or even during an aerobics-style workout can cause them to ‘pull on the ankle joint.’

If the weights pull on your ankle joints too much, it can cause tendon and ligament injuries in the knees, hips and back area.

A common tendon injury is tendonitis, which is when your tendon becomes inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain.

However, Harvard Health noted that it’s fine to wear ankle weights while doing exercises like leg lifts. 

But, as an alternative to wearing the weights on your ankles, Brightyn recommended strapping them around your wrists, or holding weights in your hand.

She also suggested using a weighted vest as an alternative to wearable weights. 

‘That’s gonna be better for you, so you don’t get tendonitis and ligament damage,’ she said.

‘I know we all want our hot girl walks, and love our Bala Bangles and all that, but just don’t injure yourself,’ the workout instructor concluded.

In the comments section of her post, some people even shared their own experiences they’ve had when it comes to wearing the weights.

‘I have permanent nerve damage in my foot from them!!!’ one person claimed.

According to Harvard Health, wearing ankle weights while walking, or even during an aerobics-style workout can cause them to ‘pull on the ankle joint’ (stock image)

Another agreed, ‘Thank you! 

‘I have been wearing them on my hour walk every day and wondering why my Achilles has been hurting.’

‘I definitely messed up one of my knees from this,’ someone else shared.

‘Yess!!! Weighted vest was such a game changer for me!! And some 2lb hand weights. Arms have never been more sculpted!’ a user commented.