Running is my favorite form of therapy and self-care. For two hours each day, I put on a pair of comfortable shoes, grab my AirPods and a full bottle of water, and hit the floor to compress. And while daily movement has great health benefits, it was never my focus until recently. I was four weeks away from maternity leave in the Caribbean, and my beach body was still burning. I wanted to tone up, lose some weight, and feel confident when I wore a swimsuit, so I added a weighted vest to my daily routine.
Camille Ross, a group fitness instructor certified by the American Council on Exercise says that “[a]Adding a weighted vest to your workout routine [increases] Resistance and cardiovascular production, which can result in higher calorie burn. This forces your muscles to work harder, which can also build muscle strength.
I bought a Prodigin weighted vest for women and men. It’s available in weights of eight, 12, 16, 20, 25, and 30 pounds, but I chose the lightest vest to test the water. Eight pounds made me nervous at first, but it doesn’t weigh you down when it starts. The vest is made of chloroprene rubber, known for its durability and comfort. The packaging is adjustable to accommodate a range of packaging sizes.
I noticed a noticeable difference within the first week of wearing the vest. In addition to using it during my daily runs, I also incorporate it into my gym routine. It immediately improved my posture, encouraging me to sit up straighter and avoid slouching. Although I only shed a few pounds by the end of the four-week cycle, my body felt stronger, and I noticed that I had less back fat and a more toned core.
Ross cautions that there are some limitations to the types of exercises you can combine with these accessories. “You shouldn’t do any HIIT-related exercise while wearing a weighted vest. Instead, try walking around your neighborhood or walking uphill on a treadmill. Squats, pushups, and abdominal exercises are best while wearing a weighted vest,” she explains.
Over 70% of Amazon customers find this weighted vest comfortable, with no muscle aches due to extra pounds. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should include one in your next walk, see what other consumers are saying.
“When I first got my vest I only wore it for housework to get used to it. For the first two days I wondered if I had chosen the right weight, it seemed too heavy. I was recovering from an ankle injury, and was surprised that it was too much for my leg. Finally I started to feel more comfortable around the house, so I felt a little more inclined to move around a little more. I continued to wear it on long walks, as much as my leg could handle. I now walk 3-4 miles a day, and in general, I have a significant reduction in my leg pain. Once it became “normal” in my daily walk, when I forgot about it, I would turn around and put it on. Now it feels strange to walk without it on my feet. Fits well, weight feels balanced in front and back. There is no chafing. I haven’t worn a sleeveless top with it yet, so that may change. It fits under my down vest, I’m in Denver, we wear puff vests almost year round. 😂 Highly recommended. ”… – Kimberly A
“As someone new to weighted vests, this was the perfect starting point. I went with the 15lb version – to be honest, it felt a bit much at first – but after a few steps, my body adjusted and now it feels right. It’s a great way to add a bit of challenge to everyday movement. The vest is very functional, it’s adjustable with the right fit to secure it, it’s a comfortable stretchy support. Wear it under a jacket or sweatshirt, but the build quality isn’t great – not at all streaky, which I know can be an issue with some other vests. Overall, it’s well designed, durable, and easy to use. A fantastic choice for beginners or anyone looking for a compact, high quality vest to step up their fitness game. – Kate C
“I bought this weighted vest mainly to make my daily commute more difficult, and I couldn’t be happier. The fit is great – it feels comfortable without being restrictive, and it doesn’t move around when I’m moving. At 12 pounds, it adds just the right amount of resistance to help maximize my stride without feeling fatigued. The material is comfortable and breathable, so I don’t overheat, and it stays put even on long walks. I have already mentioned that I burn more calories and feel stronger after a few weeks. Definitely recommend this vest to anyone who wants to step up their walking or workout! – JJ
The original version of this story was previously published on HuffPost.
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