Latest news with #weightedvest
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why is everyone wearing weighted vests? I tried one for two weeks
A few months ago, something changed. One minute, people were trudging along as usual; the next it seemed like every third person I passed on the street was wearing a weird, heavy little backpack. Initially, I mistook several of these bulky, menacing items for bulletproof vests. (Scary.) Eventually, I realized they were simply the latest fitness trend: weighted vests. Celebrities have been sporting them on walks, Peloton instructors are making videos explaining how to use them, and influencers are peddling them on TikTok. Publications have written about their growing popularity among 'the menopause set', as Allure put it, because of their supposed ability to help with muscle strength and bone density as one ages. 'It really has gotten so much attention lately,' says Dr Elaina Manolis, a physical therapist and clinical professor at Northeastern University. The practice used to be called 'rucking', she notes, because people would walk with heavy rucksacks. One reason for this spike is that the vests don't look so much like bulky backpacks anymore, Manolis suspects: 'They're sleek and cute,' she says. She also believes it's part of a bigger societal trend. 'Culture has shifted so much for the positive in women's health, and in understanding the importance of strength training and bone density,' she says. So are weighted vests the miracle workout upgrade some claim? I tried one for two weeks, and asked experts for advice. What is a weighted vest? They are vests that are weighed down with iron sand or small weights. 'They can be thought of as 'hyper-gravity',' says Dr Abbi Lane, assistant professor of applied exercise science at the University of Michigan. 'They add a little bit more weight and resistance.' Typically, they weigh anywhere from five to 30lbs (2.26 to 13.6kg), and are worn across the shoulders and upper torso. Some are small, with straps across the chest. Others are bigger, cover most of the torso and look disconcertingly like bulletproof vests. 'Start with a vest that's no more than five to 10% of your body weight, and build from there,' says Dr Mary Claire Haver, obstetrician-gynecologist and medical advisory board member of Let's Talk Menopause. I ordered a 16lb (7.25 kg) vest by a brand called Prodigen that seemed relatively comfortable and wouldn't make me look like I was on my way to a gun range. How do you use a weighted vest? Weighted vests are different to other equipment in that they can be worn pretty much anywhere and at any time. 'Whereas you might do resistance training in a gym for 30 minutes twice a week, you could put on the weighted vest during other activities,' says Lane. It's still best to limit one's use though, especially in the beginning. 'I don't recommend it for everyday use,' says Manolis. Most daily tasks involve a lot of bending and stretching, and adding weight raises the risk of injury. Manolis recommends wearing a vest when walking – which she calls 'a very underrated exercise as it is' – because you are in an upright posture and the potential for injury is much lower. If you are confident in the vest, you can also use it for 'light aerobics, strength training and even short bouts of running', says Haver. Make sure your joints can tolerate the load though. Start by wearing the vest for a short period of time, then build up. 'Aim for 20-30 minutes a day, and listen to your body,' says Haver. What does a weighted vest feel like? Twice a week, for two weeks, I wore my vest for my current favorite physical activity: walking on the treadmill in the air conditioned gym while watching Vera on my iPad. When I first strapped it on, the vest felt heavy but oddly comforting – like a thunder shirt for dogs. As I started walking, I was surprised by how off-balance I felt. It took me a few minutes to find my stride, and holding myself upright and centered required more core strength than I had expected. By the time my 30 minutes was up, DCI Vera Stanhope had realized that all was not as it seemed in her murder case, and I was breathing noticeably harder than usual. Why did it feel more challenging? I have previously weighed 16lbs more than I do now, and I don't recall feeling more tired when I walked. When you wear a vest, 'the weight is not distributed throughout the body,' explains Lane. 'When I was 16lbs heavier, my legs and arms were bigger too. When you have the vest, it's all in one place and you have to adjust your center of mass,' she says. This challenges your balance, but it's important that the vest not be so heavy that it requires you to significantly change your gait. 'That's how injuries can happen,' she says. Over time, I felt less off-kilter when I wore the vest. My walks felt more intense than usual, but not unpleasant. What are the benefits of wearing a weighted vest? Weighing down your body with a weighted vest has a number of benefits, says Manolis. When your body is heavier, moving requires more muscle, she explains. And over time, as more muscle develops, strength improves. The greater weight will also require more energy to move, and thus your body will burn more calories. Some research shows that long-term use of weighted vests can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, a population particularly at risk for low bone density and resulting conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Manolis suggests that this may be because the added top-down pressure that a vest places on one's skeletal system can improve how quickly bones repair themselves. Most studies on weighted vests and bone density have been small though, warns Lane – fewer than 20 people. The biggest study on the topic had 150 participants. The one-year, randomized control trial explored whether exercising with a weighted vest could offset bone loss in older adults who were trying to lose weight. It did not. 'The research here is not super fleshed out yet,' Lane says. The flexibility and affordability of weighted vests mean they can still be a useful piece of equipment. 'We're finally talking about muscle and bone loss in midlife women,' says Haver. 'And weighted vests are a simple, affordable way to help combat that.' Ideally though, they would be used in conjunction with other forms of cardio and strength training. 'I think of things like weighted vests as the cherry on top,' says Lane. 'Potentially beneficial, but nothing replaces aerobic and resistance exercise.' What are the risks of wearing a weighted vest? The greatest risks come from wearing a vest that is too heavy, or wearing one for too long. 'It can cause joint strain, poor posture, or even back or knee pain,' says Haver. Proper fit and gradual progression are key, she says. And if you ever feel discomfort, stop. 'Don't push through pain,' she warns. Verdict I've worn my weighted vest a few more times since my two-week trial. I don't love how sweaty it makes me. I'm also not sure about the best way to clean it as the manufacturer didn't provide any instructions. (I've been using cleaning wipes – please don't tell me if this is wrong.) But it is a nice way to add some difficulty and novelty to my Vera walks. Still, I don't think it's going to become a staple in my routine. I strength train several times a week, and a set of heavy squats feels like a more effective, challenging and satisfying way of strengthening my legs and bones than walking with 16lbs of extra weight. I did enjoy that it made me look like an action movie hero though. When I asked my partner how I looked in it, he responded: 'Tactical.' That's way cooler than my usual gym look: sweaty 30-something woman in a Rainforest Cafe T-shirt.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why is everyone wearing weighted vests? I tried one for two weeks
A few months ago, something changed. One minute, people were trudging along as usual; the next it seemed like every third person I passed on the street was wearing a weird, heavy little backpack. Initially, I mistook several of these bulky, menacing items for bulletproof vests. (Scary.) Eventually, I realized they were simply the latest fitness trend: weighted vests. Celebrities have been sporting them on walks, Peloton instructors are making videos explaining how to use them, and influencers are peddling them on TikTok. Publications have written about their growing popularity among 'the menopause set', as Allure put it, because of their supposed ability to help with muscle strength and bone density as one ages. 'It really has gotten so much attention lately,' says Dr Elaina Manolis, a physical therapist and clinical professor at Northeastern University. The practice used to be called 'rucking', she notes, because people would walk with heavy rucksacks. One reason for this spike is that the vests don't look so much like bulky backpacks anymore, Manolis suspects: 'They're sleek and cute,' she says. She also believes it's part of a bigger societal trend. 'Culture has shifted so much for the positive in women's health, and in understanding the importance of strength training and bone density,' she says. So are weighted vests the miracle workout upgrade some claim? I tried one for two weeks, and asked experts for advice. What is a weighted vest? They are vests that are weighed down with iron sand or small weights. 'They can be thought of as 'hyper-gravity',' says Dr Abbi Lane, assistant professor of applied exercise science at the University of Michigan. 'They add a little bit more weight and resistance.' Typically, they weigh anywhere from five to 30lbs (2.26 to 13.6kg), and are worn across the shoulders and upper torso. Some are small, with straps across the chest. Others are bigger, cover most of the torso and look disconcertingly like bulletproof vests. 'Start with a vest that's no more than five to 10% of your body weight, and build from there,' says Dr Mary Claire Haver, obstetrician-gynecologist and medical advisory board member of Let's Talk Menopause. I ordered a 16lb (7.25 kg) vest by a brand called Prodigen that seemed relatively comfortable and wouldn't make me look like I was on my way to a gun range. How do you use a weighted vest? Weighted vests are different to other equipment in that they can be worn pretty much anywhere and at any time. 'Whereas you might do resistance training in a gym for 30 minutes twice a week, you could put on the weighted vest during other activities,' says Lane. It's still best to limit one's use though, especially in the beginning. 'I don't recommend it for everyday use,' says Manolis. Most daily tasks involve a lot of bending and stretching, and adding weight raises the risk of injury. Manolis recommends wearing a vest when walking – which she calls 'a very underrated exercise as it is' – because you are in an upright posture and the potential for injury is much lower. If you are confident in the vest, you can also use it for 'light aerobics, strength training and even short bouts of running', says Haver. Make sure your joints can tolerate the load though. Start by wearing the vest for a short period of time, then build up. 'Aim for 20-30 minutes a day, and listen to your body,' says Haver. What does a weighted vest feel like? Twice a week, for two weeks, I wore my vest for my current favorite physical activity: walking on the treadmill in the air conditioned gym while watching Vera on my iPad. When I first strapped it on, the vest felt heavy but oddly comforting – like a thunder shirt for dogs. As I started walking, I was surprised by how off-balance I felt. It took me a few minutes to find my stride, and holding myself upright and centered required more core strength than I had expected. By the time my 30 minutes was up, DCI Vera Stanhope had realized that all was not as it seemed in her murder case, and I was breathing noticeably harder than usual. Why did it feel more challenging? I have previously weighed 16lbs more than I do now, and I don't recall feeling more tired when I walked. When you wear a vest, 'the weight is not distributed throughout the body,' explains Lane. 'When I was 16lbs heavier, my legs and arms were bigger too. When you have the vest, it's all in one place and you have to adjust your center of mass,' she says. This challenges your balance, but it's important that the vest not be so heavy that it requires you to significantly change your gait. 'That's how injuries can happen,' she says. Over time, I felt less off-kilter when I wore the vest. My walks felt more intense than usual, but not unpleasant. What are the benefits of wearing a weighted vest? Weighing down your body with a weighted vest has a number of benefits, says Manolis. When your body is heavier, moving requires more muscle, she explains. And over time, as more muscle develops, strength improves. The greater weight will also require more energy to move, and thus your body will burn more calories. Some research shows that long-term use of weighted vests can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, a population particularly at risk for low bone density and resulting conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Manolis suggests that this may be because the added top-down pressure that a vest places on one's skeletal system can improve how quickly bones repair themselves. Most studies on weighted vests and bone density have been small though, warns Lane – fewer than 20 people. The biggest study on the topic had 150 participants. The one-year, randomized control trial explored whether exercising with a weighted vest could offset bone loss in older adults who were trying to lose weight. It did not. 'The research here is not super fleshed out yet,' Lane says. The flexibility and affordability of weighted vests mean they can still be a useful piece of equipment. 'We're finally talking about muscle and bone loss in midlife women,' says Haver. 'And weighted vests are a simple, affordable way to help combat that.' Ideally though, they would be used in conjunction with other forms of cardio and strength training. 'I think of things like weighted vests as the cherry on top,' says Lane. 'Potentially beneficial, but nothing replaces aerobic and resistance exercise.' What are the risks of wearing a weighted vest? The greatest risks come from wearing a vest that is too heavy, or wearing one for too long. 'It can cause joint strain, poor posture, or even back or knee pain,' says Haver. Proper fit and gradual progression are key, she says. And if you ever feel discomfort, stop. 'Don't push through pain,' she warns. Verdict I've worn my weighted vest a few more times since my two-week trial. I don't love how sweaty it makes me. I'm also not sure about the best way to clean it as the manufacturer didn't provide any instructions. (I've been using cleaning wipes – please don't tell me if this is wrong.) But it is a nice way to add some difficulty and novelty to my Vera walks. Still, I don't think it's going to become a staple in my routine. I strength train several times a week, and a set of heavy squats feels like a more effective, challenging and satisfying way of strengthening my legs and bones than walking with 16lbs of extra weight. I did enjoy that it made me look like an action movie hero though. When I asked my partner how I looked in it, he responded: 'Tactical.' That's way cooler than my usual gym look: sweaty 30-something woman in a Rainforest Cafe T-shirt.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
Vogue
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Walking With A Weighted Vest Has Dramatically Improved My Cardio Fitness
The first weighted vest I owned looked like something Liam Neeson might wear to confront the people who had kidnapped his daughter. Blocky, heavy, and stuffed with weights, I managed to wear it for around a month's worth of workouts before ultimately shoving it on Facebook Marketplace. I couldn't have foreseen then that weighted vests—once reserved for CrossFitters—would shortly become key to the fit-girl content that floods my TikTok. That Facebook Marketplace shopper's gain. Now, a weighted vest is being touted as a ticket to better cardio ability, increased bone density, and increased muscle mass. Naturally, I wanted to try again. After picking up my much sleeker 5-pound weighted vest from Omorpho, my first challenge was to get it home. The very obvious solution of just wearing it eluded me at the time, so I transferred the cumbersome box from shoulder to shoulder, instead. Once home, I committed to walking in it at least three times a week, keen to see if it would change how I felt. At the very least, I suspected it would add a little spice to my standard walk—something Holly Haywood, lead instructor at Third Space Soho, confirmed. 'Walking in a weighted vest adds additional resistance and increases the intensity of your workout without needing to change the pace or length of your walk,' she tells Vogue. So more bang for the same buck? I'm listening. 'This can help improve cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular endurance,' she continues. 'It can also have positive effects on bone density (similar to resistance training), which is especially important as we get older.' TikTok content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. What does it feel like to walk in a weighted vest? Heavy, obviously. But fairly badass—like you're Lara Croft, if Lara Croft liked to get her steps in before heading to work. The fact that it's a vest means the weight is distributed evenly, and it leaves your hands free for, eg, Spotify-shuffling, firing off emails, or taking pictures of trees. It's sort of similar to carrying a heavy backpack, but less bulky, and with more comfortable padding. At 5 pounds, mine's heavy enough to stop me slacking off, but not so heavy I'd be tempted to consider abandoning it mid-walk. How to choose the right weight of a weighted vest This will come down to a few factors: your base level of fitness, how much you weigh, and what you're looking to get out of wearing one. 'The general recommendation, as with most resistance training, is to start lighter and gradually build up as your strength and comfort with the vest improves,' explains Haywood. 'A good starting point is around five per cent of your body weight.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What Wrist Weights Can—And Can't—Do For Your Walks
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's 2025 and the girls are obsessed with walking. At Women's Health, we're all-in on the trend too. Any walk is a good walk—but some boast more benefits than others. Here's why: in order to really get the most out of a walk (say, its cardiovascular, calorie-burning, or even muscle-building perks), you need to do it at the right intensity. One sure-fire way to up the intensity of a walk? Add weight. Some people swear by a weighted vest while others opt to wear wrist weights while walking. And, while weighted vests overwhelmingly get good reviews from experts, they're not as sold when it comes to wrist weights. Here's what you need to know about adding them to your routine. Meet the expert: Claudette Sariya, CPT, is the founding instructor at SOLE Fitness, a New York City-based trainer, and member of the Women's Health Strength In Diversity class of 2022. Benefits Of Wrist Weights The cult-fave Bala Bangles are a modern take, but wrist weights have been popular since the 1970s and 80s. They're versatile and can be used at any time, whether you want to strap them on while you're doing household chores, at a barre class, or on a walk or run, Claudette Sariya, CPT, a New York City-based trainer, says. They add resistance, and therefore up the intensity of any activity, and help build muscular endurance. One reason people are tempted to try them is that they think they might help build muscle on their arms. 'Using weights while walking won't help you build muscle,' Sariya says. Instead, by adding weights to your walking routine, you're making the activity slightly harder and increasing your caloric burn, even if just by a little bit. It might cause you to lose some fat mass around your arms, thus making them appear more muscular. We should note, though, that wrist weights won't substantially increase your calorie expenditure since they're so light. How To Use Wrist Weights While Walking The beauty of wrist weights is that they're easy to use. After you've strapped them to your wrists, you're ready to take them out for a spin. Before you get started, you can also do some wrist rolls to warm up your joints. In order to maximize their benefits, keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, similar to how you hold your arms while running, advises Sariya. And, 'if you feel comfortable and coordinated, you can add in bicep curls to get an extra boost,' she says. Overall, the more you move with intention, the more of a difference you'll see, says Sariya. You can also slowly increase your weights for an additional burn, as long as they're not too heavy. (The American Council on Exercise suggests one to three pounds max for joint safety.) Looking for a fun, expert-backed way to get the most out of your walks? Try the Women's Health+ 4-Week Walking Plan. As for how often you should use your wearable weights, incorporating them into your preferred form of cardio twice a week for about 40 minutes is a great place to start, says Sariya. Since wrist weights are not an effective way to build muscle, you should also do strength training if you're looking to really take your arms to the next level. When should you see results? There's not one timeframe for when you can expect to see results from walking with wrist weights because it varies based on things like starting fitness level and the intensity of your walks. (If you're a fitness newbie, the good news is results might appear quicker than for someone who is already hitting the gym multiple times a week.) While the added weight on a walk gives you a little boost by driving your heart rate up and working more muscles, the timeframe for results is actually still pretty similar to walking without them. But, if adding this accessory is the inspiration and excitement you need, wrist weights can be a great way to spice up a stale walking routine. Need a new pair of walking shoes? These are our 6 $140.00 at HOKAClifton 10 $155.00 at Foam X 1080v14 $159.99 at 41 $145.00 at You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Fast Company
17-07-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
TikTok thinks a weighted vest will change your body. Here's what the science says
If a regular hot girl walk is no longer cutting it, why not add a weighted vest to the mix? While not exactly new, weighted vests are making a strong comeback, especially on TikTok and Instagram, where wellness and fitness creators are touting the benefits of adding a 12-pound vest to your daily strolls. 'It's my weighted vest era,' menopause expert Dr. Mary Claire Haver posted to Instagram. 'Walk as much as you can in a weighted vest and you will be unrecognizable,' one TikTok creator wrote. 'This is my clubbing,' another creator posted. 'The strobe lights are the stars I see while walking 3 miles in 90 degrees with a 30lb weighted vest on.' From the $30 Zelus vest dominating your For You Page (often linked through influencers' Amazon storefronts) to a sleek 20-pound version from Equinox priced at $375, the concept is simple: Adding weight to your walks, runs, or workouts may help boost endurance and stamina. Now fitness and wellness creators are also promoting it as a weight-loss hack, with some claiming they've shed up to 30 pounds just by incorporating daily walks with the vest. But what does the science say? In one frequently cited study, participants wore weighted vests equal to 11% of their body weight for eight hours per day over three weeks and lost an average of 3.5 pounds. Another study had participants wear vests for 10 hours per day and found no significant weight-loss benefits—though many did report sore backs.
