Do weighted vests really work? Here's what to know before using one
After doing the same type of exercise for a while, you typically hit a plateau — your body might not be working hard enough for you to continue seeing results. If it's time to advance your fitness regime, try wearing a weighted vest. 'It's versatile and adds intensity to basic, functional movements,' says Joe Rodonis, a Tonal coach. 'A weighted vest is a great way to increase muscle activation and the challenge of a conditioning session without having to actually carry more weight with plates or dumbbells.'
Below, I talked to fitness experts about their benefits and how to safely incorporate them into your workouts.
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How I picked the best weighted vests
Weighted vests usually look like tactical vests you secure with straps, and they equally distribute weight across your torso, says Rodonis. While deciding which model to buy, experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind, all of which I took into consideration while curating the best options.
Style: Weighted vests come in two styles: tactical plate carriers and compact vests. Tactical plate carriers have compartments that hold weighted plates on the front and back of your body. Compact vests have weight embedded into their fabric and fit tighter to your body, so they're better for HIIT and CrossFit-style training, says Rodonis.
Weight: To start, choose a vest that's about 5% to 10% of your bodyweight, says McKay Romney, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your ideal vest would be about 7.5 to 15 pounds.
Weight adjustability: Prioritize buying a vest that lets you add or remove weights as needed. 'You can gradually increase the vest's weight by 5 to 10 pounds at a time as your strength and stamina improve,' says Romney. Tactical plate carriers are almost always adjustable, while compact vests typically aren't.
Size adjustability: 'Your vest should be snug on the body and around the shoulders, making it comfortable and secure so it doesn't move around as you run and jump,' says Rodonis. He recommends looking for adjustable straps around the shoulders and torso, which let you customize the vest's size. Your vest should never restrict your movement while exercising, says Romney.
Material: Look for durable materials like nylon and strong stitching that can withstand repetitive use, moisture from sweat and tough workouts. Experts also recommend buying a vest with a layer of breathable padding that prevents it from chafing against your skin, but won't make you overheat.
The best weighted vests for workouts
To recommend the best weighted vests, I rounded up options that align with expert guidance and are highly rated at major retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart. The vests from Mir, Go Ruck, Hyperwear and TRX are Romney's favorite models.
This weighted vest is one of the most simple and budget-friendly options that meets experts' guidance, making it ideal for beginners who need to get used to wearing one during workouts. The vest gets its weight from iron sand, which is evenly distributed throughout. It has two detachable zipper pockets to store your phone, keys and other belongings. Plus, the elastic straps are cushioned and adjustable, and they have reflective strips on them to help people see you in low light.
Most weighted vests aren't machine-washable, but this one is, making it convenient to deep clean as needed. There's 3-pound iron weights in pockets across the front and back of the vest, each of which are removable — you can add or subtract individual weights as needed to increase or decrease the load. The vest, which is made from a cooling material, is also size adjustable with straps around the bottom near your ribs, according to the brand. In addition to this pull-over style, Mir sells a similar zip-up weighted vest.
The founders of Go Ruck were in the Special Forces and CIA, so they design all their products based on their personal experiences and test them at events they host across the world. The brand's vest has pockets on its front and back to hold plates up to 30 pounds each (it can carry 60 pounds total), and you don't just have to use Go Ruck's weighted plates — the vest is compatible with plates from any brand. Its shoulder straps are wide and cushioned with a thick layer of padding, and its waistband is adjustable. The interior of the vest also has a lining that doesn't chafe against your skin, making it comfortable to wear shirtless, according to Go Ruck. Once you remove the plates, the vest is machine-washable.
Weighted vests are typically on the bulkier side, but Hyperwear's hugs your body and is made from a stretchy, thin material. Since it's not likely to move around much while you're working out, it's ideal for cardio sessions. It has small removable steel weights across the front and back, and there's room to add additional weights if needed. The vest zips up the front, so it's easy to put on and take off, and its sides are size adjustable. You can buy the vest in small, medium, large, extra large and extra extra large sizes.
If you have experience exercising in a weighted vest, you may eventually want to upgrade to a heavier option, like this one from TRX. It has adjustable Velcro shoulder straps, as well as waist straps you can tighten around your lower body for extra support. There's weighted blocks evenly distributed across the front and back of the vest. Its fabric is scuff- and dirt-resistant, according to the brand, and it has a textured interior, which gives the vest grip so it doesn't shift while you're moving.
Editor's pick: Omorpho G-Vest
I wear Omorpho's weighted vest on walks and on the elliptical machine, as well as during HIIT classes. (The brand sent me a courtesy sample to try.) It's covered in weighted stainless steel spheres encased in fabric and has a front zipper closure, as well as adjustable shoulder straps and side-cinch pulls. Since it's 5 pounds, the vest doesn't immediately make my training sessions feel more challenging, but a few minutes in, I definitely have to work harder than I would if I didn't have it on. The vest stays tight to my body and is very easy to move in, so wearing it doesn't restrict my ability to do exercises. There's also perforated fabric on the back that adds ventilation, which I appreciate since I always wear it when I'm doing cardio outside. You can buy the vest in small/medium and large/extra large sizes and it fits true-to-size, in my experience.
How to properly wear a weighted vest
Easing into workouts that incorporate a weighted vest is the best and safest way to get started.
Before you put on a weighted vest, you need to make sure you can fully master the workout alone sans any additional weight. 'You can't progress until you have the basics under control,' he says. Learn a few exercises (fitness apps are a great resource) and do them frequently without additional weights, or practice how long you plan to walk or hike for.
When you're ready to start using your weighted vest, put it on and go for a leisurely walk around your neighborhood or on a treadmill, says Romney. 'Walking is low impact, so your risk for injury is small,' he says. 'This short walk gives you a good opportunity to see how you feel while wearing the weighted vest, while remaining close to home if you need to take it off.'
Incorporate the weighted vest into your regular workouts slowly. You can gradually increase its weight and how long you wear it for, but everyone's timeline is different, so don't rush.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a reporter at NBC Select who has written about fitness products for five years, including ankle weights, yoga mats, running sneakers and sports bras. To write this article, I interviewed two fitness experts about how to shop for and use weighted vests. Using their guidance, I rounded up highly rated weighted vests.
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ALT TEXT: Man applying foundation on face using a Beautyblender makeup sponge Courtesy Cory Fernandez Best splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint What we like: Lightweight coverage; Hydrating; Easy to blend Something to note: Minimal coverage; Not many shade ranges; Not for moderate/severe acne If you're looking for a super lightweight, 'skin-like' tint for the hotter months, consider this one from Chanel. At $70 a piece, this is definitely a splurge, but it's well worth the price tag if you want a tint that's hydrating, long-lasting and looks like your actual skin. 'This is my hands-down favorite foundation for my historically acne-prone, now post-Accutane skin,' says NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson. 'It's very sheer and not full coverage, so if you're looking for that, this isn't it. But it's gloriously hydrating — if you're using super-drying spot treatments or have parched skin after Accutane like me, it'll keep your skin looking glowy throughout the day.' UGC CAPTION: The foundation has a watery texture at first, but blends in beautifully using the included applicator brush. ALT TEXT: Swatch of the Chanel foundation on back of woman's hand Courtesy Mili Godio I wore this one in 90-degree weather, and it didn't budge at all after 10+ hours. The formula is 75% water, according to the brand, which is great for those with very dry skin. I was initially put off by the watery texture, but it ended up turning into a lightweight tint that blended beautifully into my skin using the included applicator brush (however, due to the water-like texture, my usual makeup sponge doesn't blend it well). It didn't cling to any of my dry patches like most foundations do and instead of accentuating my pores and texture, this tint basically blurred it all away. The packaging is also one of my favorite parts; both the container and brush are sleek and luxurious. Keep in mind the shades are extremely limited, and even the darkest shade is extremely light compared to the other options on this list. Also, make note that you'll get very minimal coverage with this foundation, so you'll want to look at other options if you have moderate to severe acne. UGC Before & After CAPTION: This is more of a 'skin-like' tint rather than a foundation, so it's best for those with mild acne or occasional breakouts. ALT TEXT: Before of woman not wearing makeup and after of woman wearing Chanel foundation Courtesy Mili Godio Sephora | Ulta What we like: Good for everyday use; Hydrating; Lightweight Something to note: Not for severe acne; Dewy finish This Milk Makeup skin tint is great for those with the occasional breakout or mild acne. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are key acne-safe ingredients that help reduce inflammation, according to the experts I spoke to. Malin doesn't typically wear a lot of makeup on a day-to-day basis, but when she's going out to dinner or knows she'll be filming social videos at work, she wears this skin tint. 'It's very hydrating; I feel like my skin drinks up the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in it. I love the dewy glow it gives me, and it effectively evens out my skin tone and makes my face super smooth,' says Malin. 'I've gotten so many compliments on my skin when I wear this.' UGC BEFORE & AFTER CAPTION: This skin tint provides a great amount of coverage while still having expert-recommended skin care ingredients that benefit acne-prone skin. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Milk Makeup skin tint. Courtesy Jem Alabi The gel consistency is lighter than any other foundation on this list, and our reviewers note that they can barely feel this on your skin. Keep in mind this does have a dewy finish, which my experts say can emphasize breakouts. However, because the skin tint is lightweight and has much more subtle coverage than most foundations on this list, it's not likely that it'll cling to dry patches or create more texture. UGC BEFORE & AFTER CAPTION: The gel consistency of this skin tint is extremely light, which makes it feel like a second skin, according to our editors. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Milk Makeup skin tint. Courtesy Zoe Malin What we like: Great amount of coverage; Sweat and water-resistant; Natural finish Something to note: Can cling to dry patches This Make Up For Ever foundation labels itself as waterproof, and it definitely meets expectations: This is another one I used for 10+ hours in the Florida heat, and it held up great to my constant sweating (for context, my face sweats more than my body, so it's a huge surprise when any makeup product actually lasts). It has a very natural, matte finish that gives me a 'your skin but better' look, which isn't common with medium to full coverage foundations, in my experience. Cusack felt the same way: 'I'm usually not a fan of matte foundations, but this one is basically a second skin for me,' she says. 'It evens out my skin tone, covers up my redness and makes my very large pores less noticeable — all without looking cakey or unnatural.' Cusack says it takes less than a minute to blend in with her makeup sponge, which is a similar experience I had. Plus, the foundation feels so light on her skin that Cusack says she forgets she's even wearing it. However, the foundation doesn't have as much coverage as others on this list, so you might want to look elsewhere if you have more severe acne. 'The strength of this foundation is its ability to even out skin tone. It does that really well with just a small amount. But does it cover up spots? Not really,' says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. UGC CAPTION: This foundation has a very lightweight consistency, which means it won't get cakey throughout the day, according to our editors. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Make Up For Ever foundation. Courtesy Caitlin Cusack Can foundation cause breakouts? Yes, your foundation can be the culprit of breakouts, experts say. That's especially true if the formula is oil-based or has ingredients that generally clog pores, including coconut oil or cocoa butter (more on pore-clogging ingredients below). Heavy, thick foundations can also trap oil and trigger acne, says Gmyrek. Microbial contamination of products and applicators (like makeup sponges and brushes), as well as the frequent application and removal of makeup with harsh cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier, can all contribute to acne, says Dobos. How to shop for acne-safe foundations When shopping for the best foundation for your acne-prone skin, the ingredients list and on-package labels are key. Here's what experts agree to keep in mind: Ingredients and labels Look for foundations labeled noncomedogenic, which means they're less likely to clog pores and aggravate inflammation, and oil-free, which won't cause excess oil. Some ingredients that won't make pimples worse and may even benefit acne-prone skin include salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores), niacinamide (anti-inflammatory and helps controls oil production), zinc oxide (mineral SPF ingredient that's calming and antimicrobial), and aloe vera (soothes irritation), says Gmyrek. Oils that score low on the comedogenicity scale, like argan and jojoba oils, are also safe for acne-prone skin, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. (You can look into the comedogenicity of skin care ingredients here.) Foundations that help treat acne are considered drugs in the U.S. and have specific labeling that indicates the active ingredient and percentage of that active, says Dobos. 'There are only a handful of permitted actives for acne, and salicylic acid is a popular choice because of its ability to penetrate the pores,' she says. However, avoid putting makeup with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide near your delicate eye area, which can cause irritation and premature aging, says clinical esthetician Danielle Gronich. If you have oily skin, look for ingredients that help absorb and reduce oil in your T-zone (your forehead, nose and chin). These include silica, kaolin, magnesium carbonate and starches, says Dobos. Avoid foundations with heavy, occlusive or oil-based ingredients, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. These include coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, sodium lauryl sulfate and heavy silicones, says Gmyrek. Keep in mind that fragrances can also irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin, so stay away if you can. Formulation and finish Mineral or powder foundations help control excess oil, which helps those who are oily and acne-prone. Light-to-medium coverage liquids with calming ingredients like centella asiatica or aloe vera give a good amount of coverage without suffocating your skin, says Boakye. Avoid heavy cream or stick foundations, which are more likely to clog pores and accentuate acne, says Boakye. Additionally, look for foundations labeled as matte or natural finishes, both of which help control shine and reduce the appearance of texture or bumps, says Soliz. 'Avoid overly dewy formulas, which may emphasize breakouts,' he says. Also, don't reach for foundations with mica (a mineral commonly found in foundations) or shimmer because they can emphasize texture, says Suzy Gerstein, a New York City-based makeup artist. What does noncomedogenic actually mean? Noncomedogenic means a product is formulated not to block pores, which reduces the risk of acne. However, the term is not regulated and is commonly used as a marketing term, so make sure to check the ingredient list for pore blockers, says Gmyrek. 'What most people don't know is that products labeled as noncomedogenic can still contain pore-clogging ingredients because brands often reformulate but don't communicate that to their customers, or they are using the term illegitimately, not having gone through proper testing,' says Gronich. 'For acne-prone skin, I've seen even trace amounts of pore cloggers causing breakouts, which is why it's critical to check ingredient labels to make sure the products you're using do not contain any of these ingredients.' (See above for common pore-clogging ingredients.) Can you use other actives with foundation? Yes, you can combine foundation with active acne-fighting ingredients, but with caution. Apply your acne medication first, allowing it to penetrate your skin for a few minutes, and then apply your foundation. 'If you are using a foundation that already includes acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid in its formulation, there's no need to layer,' says Gmyrek. 'Avoid layering with strong topicals like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide unless guided by a professional — this can cause dryness or irritation,' says Boakye. How should you prep your acne-prone skin before foundation? When prepping your skin, 'it's all about balancing hydration, protecting the skin barrier and creating a clean, even canvas,' says Soliz. First, make sure your skin is exfoliated. 'People with acne should regularly exfoliate [two to three times per week] to prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores and causing new breakouts,' says Gronich. 'Makeup can also cling to dead skin cells, so exfoliating them away before applying makeup will help your makeup glow.' (Just make sure to exfoliate only a few times per week to avoid damaging your skin barrier, experts say.) Before applying your foundation, start with a gentle cleanser, then follow with a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer, a mineral sunscreen (if it's daytime) and an oil-free, noncomedogenic primer. If needed, use a targeted acne treatment before applying your foundation. Wait between layers so everything is fully dry, which helps prevent cakiness and flaking, experts say. How can people with acne best apply foundation on their skin? When it comes to applying foundation, here are some makeup artist-approved tips for those with acne-prone skin: Always prioritize skin care. Make sure to use gentle, noncomedogenic skin care beforehand to prevent irritation, says King. Use clean and gentle application tools, such as a damp makeup sponge or synthetic foundation brush. Apply your foundation lightly and in thin layers to avoid caking. 'Applying too many layers of products over your [pimples] can clog pores and worsen acne,' says Gmyrek. Conceal specific areas strategically to avoid layering too many products. 'If you're touching up your makeup, removing your foundation and re-apply as opposed to putting another layer on top of your existing makeup that you have been wearing all day,' says Gmyrek. Thorough removal of makeup at night to prevent overnight breakouts and irritation. Respect the skin you're working with. 'When in doubt, less is more and skin with texture is still beautiful. Foundation should enhance your confidence, not hide who you are,' says Soliz. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City. Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist with expertise in skin care and personal care product formulation. Gilbert Soliz is a Los Angeles-based celebrity and fashion makeup artist. Dr. Naana Boakye is a board-certified dermatologist based in Hackensack, New Jersey. Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City. Suzy Gerstein is a professional makeup artist based in New York City. Danielle Gronich is a clinical esthetician, acne specialist and CEO of Clearstem Skincare. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered beauty and personal care for over five years. For this article, I spoke to board-certified dermatologists, makeup artists, a cosmetic chemist and a clinical esthetician about what to look for in foundations for acne-prone skin. NBC Select editors also tested over 50 foundations for a month to find the best ones to recommend. BareMinerals Original Loose Talc-Free Powder Mineral Foundation $39.00 Amazon $39.00 Sephora $39.00 Ulta What to Consider LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation $24.00 Sephora What to Consider Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush $37.00 Sephora What to Consider Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint $36.00 Sephora $36.00 Ulta What to Consider Make Up For Ever HD Skin Waterproof Natural Matte Foundation $47.00 Sephora What to Consider
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Amazon's face serum with salmon DNA praised for improving skin 'fast'
The ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Serum has been branded a 'wonder product' by Amazon shoppers, Amazon is now stocking a new face serum made with one unusual ingredient —salmon DNA—and customers are praising it for its remarkable effects. The skincare product is formulated with PDRN, which stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, a compound derived from salmon sperm renowned for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The key ingredient is generally extracted from salmon sperm and promotes cell growth. This is particularly beneficial for fibroblasts, which play a significant part in collagen production. PDRN also triggers angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, speeding up the body's natural repair mechanisms. For those keen to experience PDRN's benefits, numerous retailers offer products containing this compound, including Superdrug's Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum priced at £26. You can find this serum at Tesco, too. Amazon lists ANUA's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum in a 30ml bottle for £20. Boots stocks the identical item at an equivalent price. Packed with 100ppm PDRN and containing 'Smart Capsule Technology ', this daily-use facial serum promises heightened hydration, leaving skin feeling 'smooth and refreshed', reports the Manchester Evening News. Amazon adds: " Combining PDRN, Hyaluronic Acid, and Collagen for this formula helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier for hydration and a luminous appearance." Not only does the serum promise to improve the skin's natural glow, but its 'emerald-toned smoothing formula' is also touted as suitable for use all year round. Amazon says: "Multi-use for perfect skincare. Use after toner as a lightweight serum, layer 2-3 times at night for a skin feel smooth and refreshed after use, or blend into foundation for a glass skin. It is ideal for your at-home Korean self-care routine." It's critical to mention that ANUA's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Serum isn't suitable for vegans since it contains salmon. The product boasts an impressive consumer score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. In their feedback, a customer wrote: "An easy 5 stars. This is the first product that made me realise what people mean when they talk about 'glass skin'! It takes a few minutes to sink in but it absorbs beautifully into the skin, I'd say it gives a lovely boost and healthy glow once it's settled." They added: "There's a really nice plumping impression around my cheeks since I started using it. This hasn't caused me any breakouts and it works well in tandem with my other skincare products and it doesn't cause piling under makeup. It's definitely an addition to my routine that's here to stay!" But, another said: "After a few uses, I'm not entirely sure it's doing a huge amount other than the usual hyaluronic acid hydration. It's nice enough. There is nothing wrong with it, and I've had no negative effects. It just seems okay, really, nothing amazing." One more praised: "I love the bottle and the premium appearance. Reading through the ingredients, there are lots of beneficial anti-ageing and plant extracts included. It's a great quality product and I'm really pleased with the results and how well it's helped to restore the balance to my skin." Another put: "The product sank into my skin beautifully and I found no irritation. I am very happy to recommend!" A different user, expressing some uncertainty, said: "I have tried it a few times now and while finding it works well underneath a moisturiser, I didn't notice any visible difference. However, I have been feeling pretty run down since yesterday, and expected to see this reflected in my face, but surprisingly, I don't think it was. So it seems to be doing something if not necessarily plumping the skin." Someone else added: "This is a great product for skin plumping and firming. It feels more watery than serum-like when it goes on, which initially made me question how rich and effective it is, but I was wrong, too! It is now part of my morning staple, and I apply it after the shower before moisturiser, and have noticed immediate effects and improved results with every use. Cannot recommend highly enough." Another wrote: "It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed, with a soft glow. I haven't used it long enough to speak to long-term results, but so far I'm impressed with how gentle and effective it feels." But, someone said: "There is a slight tacky residue but this doesn't last long. It's hard to pinpoint any results especially if you use a product in combination with other new products." We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here.
