Q: Your book states that walking with three-pound weights is not recommended. But what about one- or one-and-a-half-pound weights on your wrists? When I walk a 15-minute mile, I get my heart rate up to about 100 beats per minute. Wouldn't I be able to get it up higher without damaging shoulder joints using one-pound weights? What would be the maximum wrist weights that you would safely recommend?
A: Any weight is safe as long as you can always see your hand. If not, it means you're straining your shoulder (or scratching something you shouldn't be scratching in public). It's not the weight by itself that can be harmful, but the lack of care for your form that naturally happens as you get tired. A better option is to add more intensity: Walk faster on an incline. But if you decide to do it, then we suggest you do one thing right now: Make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who repairs rotator cuffs.
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