Weighted Vests: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices

Thinking about adding a weighted vest to your workouts? It can boost calories burned, strength, and endurance—but it also comes with risks if used incorrectly. Here’s a quick, balanced guide you can share.

Exercising with a weighted vest can boost calorie burn, strength, and endurance, and even support bone density and heart health. But improper use can strain joints, spine, and muscles. Start light (5–10% of your body weight), ensure a snug fit, and focus on form. Gradually increase weight and duration as you adapt. Not for everyone, check with a healthcare professional if you have injuries, arthritis, heart/lung conditions, or balance concerns. Hydrate, monitor heat, and listen to your body.

Best-practices at a glance:

  • Start light: 5–10% of body weight
  • Ensure snug fit to avoid shifting
  • Prioritize form over weight
  • Progress gradually
  • Use for a variety of activities: walking, hiking, squats, push-ups, pull-ups

Pros:

  • Higher calorie burn
  • Builds strength, endurance, and core stability
  • May improve bone density and VO2 max
  • Time-efficient, versatile

Cons/Risks:

  • Joint, knee, hip, ankle strain
  • Spinal stress and potential back/neck pain
  • Poor fit can cause bad biomechanics
  • Discomfort, overheating, chafing
  • Not suitable for everyone (consult if injuries or chronic conditions)

Best practices (quick): light start, snug fit, proper form, gradual progression.

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