10 Best Weighted Vest for Running, Cross-fit, and Strength Training
A weighted vest can level up your fitness routine. It is apparel usually worn at the upper part of the body to hold various weight options in the pockets which are located on the back, chest, and the torso.
Weighted vests are customizable: you can add or remove weights according to your level of physical fitness.
This apparel can improve the overall strength and endurance of an athlete. Furthermore, it enhances resistance especially during walking, jogging, cross-fit, and other workouts.
In this article, we will discuss how do weighted vests start, how does it work, and what are some of its benefits. We’ll also cover some of the tips to get the most out of your weighted vests.
Moreover, we will tackle the 10 Best Weighted Vests that are available on the market today that you can use for running, cross-fit, and other workouts.
Brief History of the Use of Weighted Vest
One of the people who started using weighted clothes for training was Lieutenant Michael Murphy. Lt. Murphy was a Navy Seal, and he was killed in action.
Apart from his leadership and bravery in the Navy, he was also known to perform workouts such as squats, push-ups, and pull-ups while wearing a 25-pound flak jacket.
He believes that the jacket can help him develop his body.
Meanwhile, weighted vests are also used as therapy for children with autism because it has a calming effect on the body as well.
Nowadays, the weighted vests come with straps, and it fits in your body snugly. You can adjust it depending on your resistance level.
While the weighted vests or clothes are not a primary means of building muscles, they are now considered as a potent way of increasing the difficulty of workouts and accelerating gains.
Benefits of the Weighted Vest
There are various benefits of using a loaded vest. First, you can build muscles and grow bones because you carry extra weight on your torso and your chest.
The vest can activate the various muscle groups in your body such as the abdominals and add stability while you workout. With this, the muscles will also grow to accommodate the extra weight that you are carrying.
Second, studies show that using this type of vest can help improve the neuromuscular performance of adults.
In the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, it shows that when young men wear this vest, their agility improves while in training. This is because the muscle fibers think that there’s extra resistance on the body than there actually is. As soon as there is the removal of the weights, the body still thinks that there is still extra weight. With this, there is an increase in power output.
Lastly, with the added resistance and intensity of your workout, you’ll work harder, burn more calories, and lose weight. Thus, both men and women use weighted vest nowadays because it has been proven effective to lose weight.
Now, let’s discuss the 10 Best Weighted Vests that are available on the market today.
CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
The CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest is a must-have product for those who perform aerobic activities and other sports.
This product is available in various weights which are 40 lbs, 50 lbs, 60 lbs, 70lbs, 80lbs, 100 lbs, 120 lbs, and 150 lbs. Thus, you can adjust the weight of your vest with its steel shot packet that weighs about 0.75 lbs.
The vest is made of breathable mesh that includes adjustable clips to fit your body. Meanwhile, the padding of the vest is built with neoprene to add comfort to the user.
Other features of the CAP Barbell includes reflective safety strips to make you safe even at night and a pocket for MP3s or other gadgets that will enable you to listen to music while working out.
As with the specifications, its width measures 14″, height is 1′, and depth is 44″.
Check out the latest Price of the CAP Barbell on Amazon
Empower Weighted Vest for Women
If you are looking for a weighted vest for women, then go ahead and try this Empower Weighted Vest now!
This product features a contoured X-shape silhouette that is specifically designed to fit any women’s figure. The design can evenly distribute the weight of the vest in the body.
It is also available in 8 pounds of weight only which is the ideal weight for average sized women.
It has clips to secure the vest, pocket for small sized valuables, and reflective strips on the front and the back.
In addition, the product is made of soft and stretchy lycra or spandex. It can be cleaned easily right after use.
Check out the latest Price of the Empower Vest on Amazon
MIR Women Adjustable Weighted Vest
Another product for women is the MIR Women Adjustable Weighted Vest. This product is available in various weights which are 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 40 lbs, and 50 lbs.
The MIR is one of the awesome brands on the market today. Athletes and sports enthusiasts avail of this product because of its efficiency and quality.
Its design can distribute the weight evenly on the body of the women. It is also breathable and comfortable for running, walking, cross-fit, and other workouts.
The product has 1,200-D Nylon, and it has adjustable shoulder straps to let the user adjust it to fit snugly on the body.
Check out the latest Price of MIR Women on Amazon
Perfect Fitness Weight Vest
Next product is the Perfect Fitness Weight Vest. The inspiration for this product is from the military body armor thus it has a slim and fit design to maximize mobility.
It has flexible weights and breathable shell with shoulder pads that can add comfort to the users. It also features a pocket for the MP3 player to help users play music while working out plus reflective strips for visibility at night time.
The Perfect Witness Weight Vest also includes a Dual Belly Band enclosure that will make the vest fit snugly on the user’s body.
Furthermore, the product can accommodate 1 to 40 pounds of weight in 1 pound increment.
Check out the latest Price of the Perfect Fitness on Amazon
Pure Champ 10-Pound Weighted Exercise Vest
This vest is available in various sizes from small to extra large.
The Pure Champ 10-Pound Weighted Exercise Vest includes resistance bands with handles, 4 sets of ‘D’ rings, velcro closure, front and back reflective safety strips, and a media pocket to enable to listen to music while working out.
It is available in black and blue colors, and both men and women can use this weighted vest.
Check out the latest Price of Pure Champ on Amazon
Pure Fitness Adjustable Weighted Exercise/ Training Vest
The Pure Fitness product is a trusted name in the fitness industry!
The Pure Fitness Training Vest features an adjustable sand filled weights, unlike other brands. It has 16 sand-filled weights which are .88 lbs each that you can easily remove or insert to fit the contours of your body.
It is available in 20 or 40 pounds. Meanwhile, the vest is available in grey/ lime and grey/ blue colors only.
The product also has reflective strips on it to make one safe even when exercising at night.
Check out the latest Price of the Pure Fitness on Amazon
RUNFast/RUNMax Pro Weighted Vest
The RUNFast or RUNMax Pro is the perfect product for those who would like to add some excitement to their routine workout.
This product is available in various weights which are 12 pounds, 20 pounds, 40 pounds, 50 pounds, and 60 pounds. The weights are from one of the heaviest grain type weight which is the iron ore, and it is removable in the pockets of the vests.
Meanwhile, the vest is available in one size (one size fits most), and it is in black only.
The material is breathable and fits the body. It is of ballistic nylon, and the stitches at the seams are invisible.
It also includes dual straps under your armpits plus Velcro straps on the waist to keep the product secure in its position.
Overall, the product is tight on your body yet it is comfortable, and it will not limit your activities.
Check out the latest Price of the RUNFast/ RUNMax Pro on Amazon
Tone Fitness Weighted Vest
Another vest for walking, running, cross-fit, weightlifting and other activities are from the Tone Fitness!
This product will help add strength to your workout and woman can also use this one.
It is from soft neoprene material which adds comfort to the user. It also features a pocket to hold your MP3, smartphones, or other gadgets that will enable you to listen to music while working out.
In addition, it also includes reflective strips to make users safe when using it even at night.
The product is available in two colors which are black and blue, however, the weight available in 12 pounds only. The weight may not be enough for those athletes who would like to use a heavier vest for their workouts.
The size available is also universal, and it cannot fit larger or smaller body sizes.
Overall, this is a good product to use for all your workout plans, thus check this one now!
Check out the latest Price of the Tone Fitness on Amazon
Valeo WV40
The Valeo WV40 is a must-have weighted vest too!
The product features removable weights from 1 pound to 40 pounds. Men and women can use this in their sports at any time of the day.
In addition, the vest is durable, and it has a breathable mesh with four adjustable front clip belts. There is also a shoulder pad for extra comfort of the user.
The product is available in black color only, and it is in universal size or one size that fits all, just like the other brands.
Check out the latest Price of Valeo WV40 on Amazon
ZFO Sports Adjustable Weighted Vest
If you are looking for a vest that can accommodate almost all of your workout needs, then the ZFO Sports Adjustable Weighted Vest must be on top of your list!
This product features a pocket for your MP3, smartphones, and other gadgets to enable you to listen to music while working out.
Aside from this, it also includes a water bottle holder that measures 16 ounces or smaller. With this, you will always stay hydrated wherever you go.
Unlike other brands, this weighted vest includes a belt for easy set-up of the product in the body.
In addition, the product is also available in one size only that can fit medium sized bodies. Larger or smaller body built can have difficulty using this product.
Finally, the product features 40 pounds of weight, and both men and women can use this product during any sports or workout activities.
Check out the latest Price of the ZFO Sports on Amazon
Tips on How to Get the Most out of Your Weighted Vest
In sum, you don’t need to be a superstar athlete to get the most out of your weighted vest. It is a multi-purpose tool that everybody can use, and one just need to remember the tips such as below to gain effective results in the end.
Perform Cardio Exercises using a Weighted Vest
You can jump-start your workout by a 2 minute to 10-minute run or light jogging on the treadmill with the weighted vest on.
Once you built up enough time of running or light jogging on the treadmill with the vest on, your body will now adjust to the weight, and you can now move forward to your next cardio exercises in your mind.
You can do a workout circuit with the vest on. For example, you can do 25 push-ups, 25 lunges, 25 squats, 5 pull-ups, and 25 sit-ups.
When just starting, you can have a long break before continuing on the circuit a second time. As your endurance and strength increase, you can now do the circuit training from 3 to 5 times.
Use the Vest when Hiking or Going Outdoors
If you are planning to go outdoors, you can also use your weighted vest. You can try heavier vest such as 25 pounds to 50 pounds when walking in the wild, depending on your fitness level.
Meanwhile, in intense hikes, try using lighter vests only so it won’t hinder you from climbing or walking the route.
Lift Weights and Use the Weighted Vests
Your weightlifting experience will surely be amplified if you use a weighted vest along the workout.
You can try doing the bench press, rows, deadlifts, and squats with the vest on. With this, you can exercise all of the major muscle groups and burn more calories.
Finally, with this challenge, your muscle and body will remain and grow stronger.
Do Chores and Use Vests
Lastly, you can do household chores with your weighted vests on!
Chores are inevitable and you can workout too by doing the laundry, yard, dishes, and others! You are hitting two birds in one stone with this activity!
Thus, wear your vests and burn calories as you work inside your home now!