We tried the Bala Bangle trend and here's what we thought
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Bala Bangles: part fitness tool, part fashion statement. These wearable weights have turned what was once clunky and unattractive gym equipment into something sleek, stylish, and even Instagram-worthy.
Since their debut in 2018, we’ve been strapping them onto wrists and ankles all over the world, promising that little extra burn with every move. It all started when TikTokers recorded themselves using the bangles while doing their hair. Their verdict? Well, mixed reviews.
Now it’s time for Healf to investigate how Bala Bangles hold up in the reality and chaos of our daily lives. Join us as we recount what happened as we took them for a spin, from morning strolls to bedtime routines — are they Healf or Hype?
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What are Bala Bangles?
Crafted from recycled stainless steel and soft silicone, these bangles come in an array of colours that could even rival your favourite accessories. Blush, sage, charcoal, they’ve got you covered.
But perhaps we shouldn’t be fooled by their good looks without concrete proof. They come with the promise of a functional upgrade to your mundane tasks, adding a bit of subtle resistance to every step, lift, or stretch — but our burning question is, do they deliver?
Mia: The Night-time Hustle
Verdict: YES, it’s a win!
"Bala Bangles allow you to get an extra burn throughout your daily life. The day I tried them was too busy for me to factor in a workout, so I put my Bala Bangles on while I got ready for bed.
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Mia may have discovered a great life hack here – slap on Bala Bangles while getting ready for bed, and voilà! No gym equals no problem. Even something as routine as brushing your teeth gets a little fitness upgrade. Wrapping up, the bangles added an easy, no-fuss layer of fitness to a chaotic day for Mia, sneaking in a little extra burn on the day she didn’t leave room for a gym workout.
Julia: The Work-From-Home Experiment
Verdict: NO, not this time.
"I tried working at home with my Bala Bangles on my wrist. They’re cute and easy to wear, but would I wear them while working again? No, not for me."
Julia found out that, while Bala Bangles may be the star of the workout world, they’re not exactly meant for desk duties. Sure, they might look good, but when hammering away on a keyboard with sore arms, they perhaps didn’t add much to her productivity efforts. For Julia, they might have hit the cute factor but not so much for office wear. Her main takeaway here? Keep them for your Pilates classes, not for your Zoom meetings.
Eleanor: The Morning Ritual
Verdict: YES, absolutely.
"Weight resistance is a firm yes for me, so I try to optimise daily tasks like walking to add that extra resistance when and where I can."
Meanwhile, Eleanor took a different approach. For her, strapping on Bala Bangles during her morning walk was super simple.
Turning regular, mindless tasks like walking or tidying up into opportunities for strength-building remains one of the main attractions of Bala Bangles for many fans. Likewise, in Eleanor’s experience, Bala Bangles brought a little more to the table, making each step just a bit more challenging. Ultimately she felt it was all about the "why not?" approach to fitness.
Karen: The Get-Ready Routine
Verdict: YES, all day.
"One of my favourite things about the Bala Bangles is how easy they are to wear, regardless of what you're doing."
Karen’s a fan of the multitasking magic that Bala Bangles bring. She’s got them on while she’s brushing her teeth, doing her skincare, and being an all-round wellbeing efficiency pro. The beauty of it is Bala Bangles don’t just fulfil a purpose as "fitness gear" — they are able to slip into her routine without a fuss. For Karen, the bangles were the perfect accessory to add a bit of a fitness boost to her day, without having to think too long and hard about it.
A bit of background on Bala
So, where did Bala Bangles come from? Bala didn’t just appear randomly onto the scene; they exploded into the fitness world, taking everything we took for granted about fitness and giving it all a good shake-up. Founded by Natalie Holloway and Maximilian Kislevitz, this husband-wife duo reimagined ankle and wrist weights for a new generation of fitness lovers who care just as much about aesthetics as they do about a good workout.
After an appearance on Shark Tank (complete with backing from Maria Sharapova and Mark Cuban), Bala Bangles became an overnight sensation, sold out everywhere and were well-admired by influencers and fitness instructors alike. And they didn’t stop at the Bangles. They went on to design the Bala Power Ring and Bala Bars , bringing sleek design to an industry that truly needed a makeover.
Making fitness simple
For many women and anyone who doesn’t identify with the ‘macho gym vibe’, Bala is a step up from traditional gym gear. Often bulky, hyper masculine, and frankly, a little intimidating, Bala Bangles flipped it, transforming clunky equipment into something way more approachable. All at once, fitness became an enjoyable extension of personal style and something to be proud of.
For the many who once felt sidelined by the intimidating world of gym culture, Bala offered an alternative. With their silicone design, array of welcoming colours, and versatility for use, these bangles are as much about function as they are about empowering people to take fitness into their own hands. Whether it's for a Pilates class or adding a little extra burn to the daily washing up, Bala makes movement practical, stylish, and most importantly a bit more appealing!
Putting Bala Bangles in your workout
You might be tempted to wear Bala Bangles as a regular accessory (and we wouldn’t blame you). But when it comes to actual workouts, please be warned — these are a product with a punch. Wear them during Pilates, Yoga class, or even just a casual stroll, and they’ll give you that extra bit of resistance, perhaps without feeling like you’re struggling too much.
Fitness pros love them for their versatility. Pilates or Barre work are named as great options by Barre coach Catie Miller . Even low-key strength training gets a lift. And since they come in different weight options, you can customise your resistance, making them just challenging enough.
TODAY editor Alicia Tan raved about how Bala Bangles upped the intensity of her Pilates sessions, adding just enough resistance to turn a regular workout into something more. She noted that after a year of use, her balance and core strength improved significantly. Their main bonus for her was that they didn’t interfere with her flow. They allowed her to do everything with a steady resistance.
However, we would advise maybe don’t use them for super high-intensity aerobics, as they might not be the best fit for that kind of workout (unless you can handle it of course).
The Verdict: Are Bala Bangles worth the hype?
Perhaps sore arms from typing away might not be the vibe for some. But for those looking to casually sneak some fitness into their day, Bala Bangles are an easy, and pretty stylish win.
Whether you're using them for Pilates or simply popping them on for a walk around on your lunch break, they add just enough resistance to feel the burn without breaking a big sweat.
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This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
