How to Choose Body Weights and Sandbags

In that case, try wrist or ankle weights. They’re ideal for brisk walking, light fitness exercises, aerobic training, or simple home strength training. The advantages include easy application, low cost, and simple use. At ACRAsport, you’ll find, for example:

• Fitness weights 2 × 0.5 kg
• Fitness weights 2 × 1 kg
• Fitness weights 2 × 1.5 kg
• Wrist/ankle weights 1.5 kg

Who it’s for:
Beginners, those looking for light fitness training, and anyone who doesn’t want to deal with complicated technical exercises.

A water resistance bag is a good choice. You fill it with water and can drain it again after your workout. Compared to traditional fixed weights, the movement is less stable, so you engage your core and coordination more. A water bag is an interesting option for those who want functional training without having to store heavy dumbbells. ACRAsport, for example, offers the XL Water Resistance Bag, which has a listed capacity of 35 liters. Studies and training articles show that unstable resistance can increase core activation compared to more stable forms of resistance.

Who it’s for:
For functional training at home, for those who want to exercise with variable resistance, and for users who appreciate its compact design.

Then choose a sandbag. It’s suitable for carrying, squats, lunges, deadlifts, transfers, presses, or circuit training. Compared to dumbbells, it’s less stable, so it challenges your grip, coordination, and core more. Expert sources emphasize that sandbags force the body to work on stability and are well-suited for both functional and cardiovascular training.

At ACRAsport, examples in this category include:

• RDX Fitness Sandbag for Exercise
• RDX Fitness Sandbag SANDBAG 11.3–34 kg
• RDX Fitness Sandbag SANDBAG 22.7–56.7 kg
• RDX Fitness Sandbag 56.7–90.7 kg
• 20 kg Weight Bag (3×6.5 bag)

Who it’s for:
For more advanced home workouts, circuit training, strength and conditioning exercises, and anyone who wants a single piece of equipment for multiple types of exercises.

That's the very first decision.

• Wrist/ankle weights: a slight increase in resistance during simpler movements
• Water bag: variable, less stable resistance
• Sandbag / training bag: the most versatile option for strength and functional training

For light weights for the arms or legs, it makes sense to start on the lighter end. With heavier bags, it’s important to choose based on what you want to do with them. For technical exercises, carrying, and circuit training, a manageable weight is usually better than an unnecessarily excessive one. For wearable weights and vests, expert sources often recommend starting at about 5–10% of your body weight and adding weight gradually; a similar principle generally makes sense here as well—master the technique first, then add the load.

A big advantage is that you don't have to buy a new bag every time you move.

• You change the water bag depending on how full it is
• Some sandbags use inner bags
• The 20 kg weight bag (3×6.5 bags) has removable inner bags, so you can customize your workout

When choosing sandbags, pay attention to how many handles they have and how comfortable they are to handle. More handles mean more exercise options. ACRAsport lists eight fixed handles, durable 1200D Cordura nylon, and a water-resistant design for its RDX models. These are exactly the kinds of features that make sense to look for in a sandbag.

Not everyone wants large dumbbells or a weight station at home. That’s where sandbags come in handy. A water bag is also great for travel or for smaller apartments, since you can fill it right where you are. A sandbag, on the other hand, can replace multiple pieces of equipment all in one.

Choose 0.5 to 1 kg per piece, up to a maximum of 1.5 kg if you’ve already done some training.
Recommended products:

• Fitness weights 2 × 0.5 kg
• Fitness weights 2 × 1 kg
• Wrist/ankle weights 1.5 kg

Choose a water bag or a lighter sandbag.
Recommended products:

• XL Water Weight Bag
• RDX Fitness Sandbag 11.3–34 kg

Choose a larger sandbag with a higher weight capacity and more handles.
Recommended products:

• RDX Fitness Sandbag SANDBAG 22.7–56.7 kg
• RDX Fitness Sandbag SANDBAG 56.7–90.7 kg

An adjustable bag with removable inner liners is a good choice.

Recommended product:

• 20 kg Weight Bag (3×6.5 bags)

✔ When walking, it’s generally better to have the weight closer to the torso than on the ankles
For longer walks or brisk movement, it’s generally more comfortable and easier on the body to distribute the weight closer to the center of the body. Ankle weights are better suited for shorter fitness workouts than for prolonged wear.

✔ Do not run with ankle weights
Ankle weights are not ideal for running. They are better suited for simpler home exercises, shorter fitness sessions, or targeted strength training. Running with ankle weights can alter your natural movement and increase the strain on your joints.

✔ When choosing sandbags, consider not only the extra weight but also the type of resistance
A water bag behaves differently than a classic sandbag. Water sloshes around, while sand is heavier and “livelier” than a solid dumbbell. It’s precisely this less stable resistance that allows sandbags to add variety to your workout and engage more stabilizing muscles.

✔ Don’t add weight to every workout right from the start
When walking, running, or doing more dynamic exercises, it makes sense to first incorporate weight into only part of your workout. Your body will adapt better, and you’ll reduce the risk of overloading your joints.

✔ With heavier bags, pay special attention to your grip and handling
With a sandbag, it’s not just the weight itself that matters, but also how the bag is handled. More handles mean more options for gripping, carrying, and exercises. In functional training, this is often more important than the number on the label. With RDX bags, we also mention this in the product descriptions.