Weighted Vests Are a Hot At-Home Piece of Workout Gear
Are you looking to expand your home gym with some new workout gear? Do you find yourself limited with space but need some more resistance to keep pushing your body to force change? Weighted vests could be the perfect solution.
Whether you have a full gym at your home or are only focusing on body weight exercises, weighted vests have quickly become one of the trendy pieces of workout gear.
Weighted vests are a popular and effective tool for adding resistance to your workouts. They can help you build strength, increase endurance, and challenge your muscles in new ways. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to choose the best vest for your needs.
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In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the benefits of using a weighted vest, how to choose the right one, and some workouts you can try with your new piece of workout gear.
Disclaimer: It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting an exercise program. You should also speak with your doctor or personal trainer about the use of various workout gear such as what’s mentioned in this article to ensure they are the right piece of workout gear according to your individual goals and abilities.
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What’s with Weighted Vests?
While you may be familiar with those in the CrossFit community using weighted vests for their workouts, the everyday exerciser can benefit as well. In fact, these types of vests are one of the best at-home pieces of workout gear you can invest in.
One of the main benefits of using weighted vests is that they allow you to add resistance to your body weight exercises, like push-ups and squats. This can help you build strength and muscle more quickly, as your muscles have to work harder to complete the exercise, rather than relying on just your body weight (which, if you’re losing weight, would mean you’re using less total weight to do the same exercise).
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Weighted vests are also great for adding intensity to your cardio workouts, like walking or hiking outdoors. The added weight will make your heart work harder to pump blood and oxygen to your muscles, which can help you improve your endurance and burn more calories.
Another reason many people are adding weighted vests as part of their workout gear is that they’re highly portable and convenient. You can easily take your vest with you to the gym, on a walk, or use it solely for at-home workouts. This allows you to add resistance to your workouts wherever you are without having to lug around a bunch of weights. After all, convenience is king, right?
Personally, I forked out the money and got myself the Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weight Vest Plate Carrier (in multicam black) along with two of their curved 14.5lb weight vest plates to use so that I could get a good grasp of weighted vests to help write this article. Full disclosure, I paid for all of my gear. Wolf Tactical wouldn’t even give me the time of day when I reached out to them and mentioned I was interested in reviewing their products to provide you with some key insight into their vests and plates.
Being that I train with different firearms and tactics instructors, I thought it would be awesome to go for walks and train in the Wolf Tactical weighted vest to get used to having more weight on my chest and back (like a true plate carrier). This has dramatically helped me train in my actual plate carrier and if you are into firearms tactics and such, I’d highly recommend you picking up this Wolf Tactical weight vest and plates that I have linked below (simply purchase the weighted plates you’d need based on your strength and style of training).
When Can You Use Weighted Vests?
Weighted vests can be used at any time during your fitness routine, whether you’re just starting out or you’re an elite athlete. Here are a few ideas for when you can use this type of workout gear:
1. During body weight exercises
You can use a weighted vest to add resistance to your body weight exercises, like push-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees. This will help you build strength and promote lean muscle growth.
2. During cardio workouts
You can wear a weighted vest during your cardio workouts, like running, hiking, walking, or cycling, to increase the intensity and help burn more calories.
3. During functional training
You can use a weighted vest to add resistance to functional training exercises, like jump squats, mountain climbers, and plank variations. These exercises challenge your body in multiple planes of motion and can improve your overall strength and conditioning.
4. During any exercise
You can use a weighted vest for almost any exercise you wish. Just be sure to start slow and gradually increase the weight in the vest as you get stronger.
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It’s important to note that you should always listen to your body and use caution when using any type of weighted vests. If you’re new to this type of training, start with a lower weight and gradually increase as you get stronger.
What Are the Benefits of Using Weighted Vests?
Weighted vests are a popular and effective piece of workout gear for adding resistance to your workouts. Here are a few benefits of using this type of workout gear. Some of them have already been mentioned above, but here is a list to break it down in a dedicated section.
1. Build strength and muscle
Weighted vests allow you to add additional resistance to your body weight exercises and workouts. This particular part of workout gear can help you build strength and muscle.
2. Increase endurance
Weighted vests are also a great way to add intensity to your cardio workouts. The added weight will make you work harder, which will also make your heart work harder. What this does is help you improve your cardiovascular endurance.
3. Increase the intensity of workouts
Adding a weighted vest to your workouts can increase the intensity, making them more challenging (as well as more fun) and helping you effectively burn more calories during your training session.
4. Highly portable
Weighted vests are highly portable and convenient. You can easily take your vest with you to the gym (if they don’t have any available), outdoors when engaging in your favorite form of cardio, or at home when doing an at-home workout.
5. Versatile
You can use these vests for almost any exercise, from body weight exercises to cardio to functional training. This makes them a versatile tool for any fitness routine and any fitness level.
What Brands Make Quality Weighted Vests?
Several brands make high-quality vests, including:
There are many other reputable brands out there as well if you do a Google search.
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It’s important to do some research and read reviews before purchasing a weighted vest or any workout gear, as not all brands are created equal, and some may be more suitable for your needs than others.
Consider factors such as the materials used, the weight options available, the size and fit, and the overall durability and quality of the product when looking for these vests, which we’ll touch on in more detail below.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Vests for You?
So how do you choose the right weighted vest for you? There are a few things to consider.
First, think about the weight you want to add to your workouts. Most weighted vests come in a range of weights, from 10 to 50 pounds (sometimes even much higher than that), so you can choose the one that best fits your goals.
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You should also consider the material the vest is made of. Some are made of neoprene, which is water-resistant and comfortable to wear, while others are made of nylon or other synthetic materials.
Another factor to consider is the fit of the vest. You want it to be snug and secure, but you don’t want workout gear so tight that it’s uncomfortable or restrictive. Look for vests with adjustable straps and a breathable material to help keep you cool and comfortable during your workouts.
Are There Risks to Using Weighted Vests?
As with any exercise program, there are potential risks to using weighted vests and workout gear in general. It’s important to use caution and listen to your body when using such workout gear. Here are a few things to consider:
· Overuse injuries
If you use a weighted vest too frequently or with too much weight, you may be at risk for overuse injuries like strains or sprains. It’s important to gradually increase the weight and frequency of your workouts to avoid these types of injuries.
· Poor form
If you use poor form when exercising with these vests, you may be at risk for injury. Be sure to maintain proper form and technique to avoid injury and get the most out of your workouts.
· Balance issues
Weighted vests may affect your balance, especially if you’re not used to wearing one. This can increase your risk of falls or accidents. Start with a lower weight and gradually increase as you get used to the vest to help improve your balance.
· Health conditions
If you have any underlying health conditions, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program. They can help you determine if weighted vests are appropriate for you and give you guidance on how to use them safely with your specific condition.
FAQ
Weighted vests are a specific type of wearable workout gear that involves adding weight to a certain type of vest that can be worn during resistance training and cardio workouts.
Weighted vests can be worn during resistance training, cardio workouts, functional training, body weight workouts, or anytime you want added resistance during workouts.
Weighted vests can help increase muscle strength, muscle size, cardiovascular endurance, workout intensity, versatility, and portability.
Some of the top brands that sell high-quality weighted vests include: Cap Barbell, Hyperwear, Wolf Tactical, MiR, RUNMax, and Zelus.
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