Why train with ankle straps?
Many athletes underestimate ankle straps. But if you are serious about working on your leg and glute muscles, this accessory is indispensable. Below you will find the main reasons why you should use them:
More strength and stability
Thanks to a firm attachment to the cable machine, you can train heavier.
Better muscle activation
Targeted work on your glute muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
Comfort & safety
Prevent cutting bands or chafing straps. Ankle straps distribute the pressure evenly.
Ankle straps are ideal to combine with other strength training tools, such as grips for extra grip during deadlifts and gloves to protect your hands during heavy sets.
Buying ankle straps: what to look for?
Not all ankle straps for strength training are the same. The most important factors to consider when purchasing a quality set are:
1. Material
Cheap ankle straps wear out quickly and offer little support. Choose sturdy, durable materials like neoprene and reinforced nylon.
2. Attachment system
A strong Velcro closure ensures quick and firm attachment, while a stainless steel D-ring optimally distributes the load.
3. Comfort
A good ankle strap should fit snugly without pinching. Extra padding prevents irritation and makes longer workouts more comfortable.
4. Maximum load
Do you train heavy? Then make sure your ankle straps can withstand high tensile forces.
5. Versatility
Can you use them for different exercises? Think of cable kickbacks, abductors, leg raises, and other exercises.
For extra wrist stability and grip during heavy lifts, you can also supplement your training with wristbands. This way you not only maximize the strength in your legs but also your overall performance in the gym.
The best exercises with ankle straps
Do you really want to make progress with ankle straps? Then these are the top exercises you should definitely try:
✔ Cable Kickbacks
✔ Cable Side Leg Raises
✔ Lying Cable Leg Curls
✔ Standing Hip Abductions
✔ Cable Knee Raises
Want to make your training even more challenging? Then combine ankle straps with a set of resistance bands or experiment with different weights for progressive overload.