Monkey Feet Review: The Perfect Home Gym Accessory for Leg Workouts
Finding effective ways to train your legs in a home gym setting can be challenging, especially when space and equipment are limited. The Monkey Feet from Animal House Fitness offers a simple solution to this common problem, allowing you to perform targeted leg exercises with just a pair of dumbbells.
What Are Monkey Feet?
Monkey Feet are wearable dumbbell attachments that secure weights to your feet, enabling you to perform exercises that normally require cable machines or specialized gym equipment. This innovative piece transforms your standard dumbbells into versatile tools for leg training.
Setup and Design
The Monkey Feet feature a straightforward design with these key components:
- A dumbbell holder that securely clamps around your weight
- A comfortable foot compartment with front padding
- A top strap system that cinches down to keep everything secure
The setup process is simple: insert your dumbbell, clamp it shut, place your foot in the padded compartment, then secure the top padding by cinching it down until it fits snugly on your foot.
Exercise Applications
During our testing, we found the Monkey Feet effective for several lower body exercises:
Hamstring Curls
Using a small elevation (like a weight plate) under the knee, the hamstring curls provided excellent activation in both the hamstrings and calves. The movement was smooth and targeted, even with just a 10-pound dumbbell.
Quad Extensions
The quad extension exercise was equally effective, though we noted that using a slightly heavier dumbbell (15-20 pounds) might be optimal for this particular movement.
Performance and Value
The most impressive aspect of the Monkey Feet is their ability to deliver significant muscle activation with minimal weight. Even with just a 10-pound dumbbell, the exercises provided excellent hamstring engagement. This makes them particularly valuable for home gym users who may not have access to heavy weights or specialized leg machines.
Ease of Use
Removing the Monkey Feet is as simple as putting them on. Just press the button used to secure the strap, remove the top pad, take your foot out, and then remove the dumbbell once the back opens.
Final Verdict
The Monkey Feet from Animal House Fitness represent an excellent addition to any home gym setup. Their compact size makes them perfect for limited spaces, while their versatility allows for effective leg training without investing in larger, more expensive equipment.
For anyone looking to enhance their leg workout options at home, particularly those with minimal equipment, the Monkey Feet offer a practical and effective solution that delivers real results with minimal weight requirements.