Ankle strap

Softly padded and secured around your ankle, an ankle strap has a small metal loop that clips to a cable machine or resistance band. It feels close-fitting rather than bulky, leaving your hands free while resistance pulls from one side.

You use it mainly for controlled leg movements, attaching it low on a cable machine or to an anchored band. It lets you move one leg forwards, backwards or out to the side against steady resistance, building strength around your hips, thighs and bottom. It can also add resistance to bent-knee movements done standing or on the floor.

It suits you if you want to train your legs without holding equipment, and it works for beginners once the attachment is secure. You can scale the resistance easily, or practice the same movements without equipment first.