Weighted Vest

[Anonymous]

Women who wear weighted vests-what lbs should I start with? I’m fairly fit, work out 4-5 times a week and now want to wear this for tread and walks with the dog. I’ve read no more than 10% of your body weight so I’m think 12-15lbs. What did most people start out with?

[Anonymous]

Get one that you can keep adding weight to it. Figure it out by using it.

[Anonymous]

I started with 15 but I probably should have gone with 20lbs. 5'2" 120 lbs and have worked out and lifted for decades.

[Anonymous]

I weigh 104 so I bought a 12 lb vest and found it too light. I’d start with 15 if you’re in shape already.

[Anonymous]

I’m 5’9” and 155 and started with a 12lb and I’m glad I didn’t go heavier. I work out 3x per week with strength training, but it feels like a lot of weight on my shoulders. I will take a while for me to work up to a higher weight.

[Anonymous]

I am fit and lift weights. However the way the first vest lay on me it put too much pressure on my vertebrae in my back where I have issues. I changed vest style and reduced weights and it’s better. I’m still on the fence whether it’s net positive if you are already fit and lift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am fit and lift weights. However the way the first vest lay on me it put too much pressure on my vertebrae in my back where I have issues. I changed vest style and reduced weights and it’s better. I’m still on the fence whether it’s net positive if you are already fit and lift.

I only wear mine when I can’t run (injuries). I lift heavy and run and don’t feel the need to wear it daily.

[Anonymous]

I can't remember what I started out with, but I can tell you that I bough a vest that had lots of little weights that you could add and take away so that you could adjust the weight. I thought it was a great idea and my trainer loved it. I got it at Dick's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am fit and lift weights. However the way the first vest lay on me it put too much pressure on my vertebrae in my back where I have issues. I changed vest style and reduced weights and it’s better. I’m still on the fence whether it’s net positive if you are already fit and lift.

What style did you find that worked? I also have lower back issues that a weighted vest made worse. I liked wearing one, but then my back started hurting after.

[Anonymous]

I work with a trainer who said if you work out regularly and are in shape, there's no need to add a weighted vest.

[Anonymous]

How much do you weigh? I’m 135 and use a 12lb which is plenty for my 45 minute walks. Any more and my traps would be sore.

[Anonymous]

For those who have one, when do you use it? While walking? Running? HIIT/cardio? Or do you use while weight/strength training?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with a trainer who said if you work out regularly and are in shape, there's no need to add a weighted vest.

Counterpoint: I had an OT recommend an 8-10 lb weighted vest while I was rehabbing a broken ankle and wanted to resume my daily 2.5-3 mile walks. I’m 55 with osteoporosis and considered “fit” by my doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with a trainer who said if you work out regularly and are in shape, there's no need to add a weighted vest.

There is a purpose for it. It's to utilize more calories while walking, etc. That's the only purpose it serves, but that's still a purpose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with a trainer who said if you work out regularly and are in shape, there's no need to add a weighted vest.

Keep in mind, trainers are mostly concerned with aesthetics and muscle growth. They just take a pretty basic test to be a certified trainer, they’re not health practitioners. The benefits of a weighted vest, especially for women, are to help build up bone strength and density which are helpful in combatting osteoporosis as you age.