How Do Weighted Vests Work?

15 minutes read

Weighted vests are designed to add extra weight to the body during physical activities such as walking, running, or exercising. The additional weight creates resistance, which increases the intensity of the workout. This added resistance forces the muscles to work harder, leading to an increase in muscle strength and tone.


The weighted vest distributes the extra weight evenly across the body, so the wearer can move freely without being imbalanced. This allows for a more natural range of motion and reduces the risk of injury.


Using a weighted vest can also help to increase cardiovascular endurance, improve bone density, and enhance calorie burn during workouts. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to challenge themselves and take their workouts to the next level.


Weighted vests come in various weights, ranging from a few pounds to over 50 pounds, allowing users to adjust the resistance level based on their fitness goals and abilities. They are commonly used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to boost their workout routine.

Best Weighted Vests of November 2024

1
RUNFast RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest, 40 lb, Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

RUNFast RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest, 40 lb, Black

  • Weights Are Adjustable In 4 Lbs. Increments, Max Weight Is 40 Lbs.
  • One Size Fits All Sizes
  • One Piece Design With Belt Attached Onto The Vest For Easy Setup
2
RUNmax rf20nop Run Fast 12lb-140lb Weighted Vest (without Shoulder Pads, 20lb),Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

RUNmax rf20nop Run Fast 12lb-140lb Weighted Vest (without Shoulder Pads, 20lb),Black

  • WEIGHTS COME INCLUDED - Weights can be added or removed at any time for any workouts
  • FEATURES - Phone Pocket and Water Bottle Holder included for your convenience.
  • DURABILITY- LIFETIME INCLUDED. We stand behind our products so you can workout worry free.
  • SHOULDER PADS OPTION: The option to add extra shoulder comfort if needed.
3
ZELUS Weighted Vest 12lb Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe for Workout, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Muscle Building, Weight Loss, Weightlifting

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

ZELUS Weighted Vest 12lb Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe for Workout, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Muscle Building, Weight Loss, Weightlifting

  • PREMIUM MATERIAL: This strength training weight vest is built to last with durable neoprene rubber fabric, double-stitching, and weighted with iron sand for extreme durability through hundreds of different workouts.
  • COMFORTABLE MATERIAL: Enjoy your workout in complete comfort with maximum mobility. With cushioned shoulder straps and gentle, non-chafing fabrics, you can go the extra mile in your personal fitness journey with ease and comfort!
  • EVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: Evenly filled with iron sand, this well-balanced vest decreases injury risk while working out.
4
APEXUP Weighted Vest Men 10lbs Weights with Reflective Stripe, Weighted vest for Women Workout Equipment for Strength Training Running (Black)

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

APEXUP Weighted Vest Men 10lbs Weights with Reflective Stripe, Weighted vest for Women Workout Equipment for Strength Training Running (Black)

  • [BOOST YOUR WORKOUT] APEXUP weighted vest is perfect for adding an extra challenge to your workout routine. The added resistance will help build strength, endurance, and improve overall fitness.
  • [VERSATILE USE] Whether you're training for a specific sport or looking to improve your overall fitness, our weighted vest for women and weighted vest for kids are perfect for all types of exercises, including running, hiking, strength training, and more.
  • [APEXUP COMMITMENT] We stand behind the quality of our products. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We provide 30-day money back and 12 months warranty. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for risk-free shopping!
5
Henkelion Weighted Vest Weight Vest for Men Women Kids Weights Included, Body Weight Vests Adjustable for Running, Training Workout, Jogging, Walking

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Henkelion Weighted Vest Weight Vest for Men Women Kids Weights Included, Body Weight Vests Adjustable for Running, Training Workout, Jogging, Walking

  • ATTENTION - The elastic of this vest should be at the waist. Please look carefully at the direction of wear on the pictures
  • IRON PELLETS & METAL ROCK - Henkelion weighted vest is filled with premium iron pellets and metal rock rather than using cheap river sand
  • COMFORT MATERIAL & CONVENIENT POCKET - Our weighted body vests is made of soft neoprene material and mesh pocket on the back to save room to add extra weight
6
ZELUS Weighted Vest for Men and Women | 4-10lb/11-20lb/20-32lb Vest with 6 Ironsand Weights for Home Workouts | Adjustable Body Weight Vest Exercise Set for Cardio and Strength Training (4-10 lb.)

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

ZELUS Weighted Vest for Men and Women | 4-10lb/11-20lb/20-32lb Vest with 6 Ironsand Weights for Home Workouts | Adjustable Body Weight Vest Exercise Set for Cardio and Strength Training (4-10 lb.)

  • ADJUSTABLE ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Our weighted vest evenly distributes its load even during intense workouts, with its hook-and-loop fasteners offering a snug fit for teens or adults
  • DURABLE & COMFORTABLE: Our soft neoprene material gives you long-lasting comfort combined with long-lasting use, able to handle everything from yoga positions to kickboxing, light jogging to intense cycling
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Zelus's adjustable weighted vest comes with our usual strong warranty and friendly 24/7 customer service; try it at no risk and blow through any plateau with ease!
7
Gymnastics Power - Weighted Vest 6lb, 10lb, 12lb, 25lb, 35lb, 45lb Removable Iron Weights for Men and Women Workout for Calisthenics and Fitness Sport Training (60 LB - Black)

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Gymnastics Power - Weighted Vest 6lb, 10lb, 12lb, 25lb, 35lb, 45lb Removable Iron Weights for Men and Women Workout for Calisthenics and Fitness Sport Training (60 LB - Black)

  • NEXT-LEVEL WORKOUTS - calisthenics, running, military preparation, fireman training or any fitness activity becomes more effective and efficient.
  • MINIMALIST ELITE DESIGN - This vest is designed to sit snug, hugging you naturally even during inverted exercises, static holds, and sprints while still providing the ultimate range of motion.
  • SCALE YOUR WORKOUTS - With your weighted vest you'll gain strength and seamlessly progress from beginner to advanced.
8
Cross101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest with Shoulder Pads, 20 lb

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Cross101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest with Shoulder Pads, 20 lb

  • Weights Included
9
Prodigen Running Weight Vest for Men Women Kids 16 Lbs, Body Weight Vests for Training Workout, Jogging, Cardio, Walking Elite Adjustable Weighted Vest Workout Equipment-Blue,16lbs

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Prodigen Running Weight Vest for Men Women Kids 16 Lbs, Body Weight Vests for Training Workout, Jogging, Cardio, Walking Elite Adjustable Weighted Vest Workout Equipment-Blue,16lbs

  • ATTENTION - The elastic of this vest should be at the waist. Please look carefully at the direction of wear on the pictures.
  • MADE TO LAST - Made of premium chloroprene rubber for comfort, this weighted vest stays super rigid, breathable, soft and elastic even under extreme conditions, ideal for all sports lovers.
  • FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP - Double stitches craftsmanship prevent sand leakage; thickened & widened shoulder delivers weight evenly and avoid shoulder fatigue, delighting your workout with ultimate convenience.
10
CAP Barbell (HHWV-CB020C) Adjustable Weighted Vest, 20-Pound,20 Pound, Black

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

CAP Barbell (HHWV-CB020C) Adjustable Weighted Vest, 20-Pound,20 Pound, Black

  • Adjustable conditioning vest with steel-shot weight packets, weighing approximately 1 lb
  • Helps you gain strength and burn additional calories
  • Adds up to 20 pounds of resistance
  • Neoprene padding for comfort; Integrated pocket for cell phone
  • The vest is made with breathable mesh with adjustable clips to match your body type


How do weighted vests help with agility and speed training?

Weighted vests are commonly used in agility and speed training to help improve overall performance. They provide resistance during training, which helps to increase the intensity of a workout and challenge the muscles in a different way.


Here are some ways weighted vests can help with agility and speed training:

  1. Increased resistance: The added weight from the vest creates extra resistance during agility drills and speed training exercises. This forces the muscles to work harder and adapt to the increased workload, leading to improved strength and power.
  2. Improved muscle strength: The resistance provided by the weighted vest helps to strengthen the muscles used in agility and speed movements. Over time, this can lead to improved muscle endurance, power, and speed.
  3. Enhanced proprioception: Wearing a weighted vest can help improve body awareness and proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. This can lead to better coordination and balance during agility drills and speed training exercises.
  4. Increased cardiovascular endurance: The added weight from the vest can also help increase cardiovascular endurance during workouts. This can help athletes improve their overall fitness levels and performance.


Overall, weighted vests can be a valuable tool for athletes looking to enhance their agility and speed training. By adding resistance to workouts, these vests can help improve strength, power, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance, leading to better overall performance on the field or in competition.


What are the benefits of using a weighted vest for bodyweight exercises?

  1. Increased intensity: A weighted vest adds resistance to bodyweight exercises, making them more challenging and effective. This can help increase muscle strength and endurance.
  2. Functional strength: Using a weighted vest can help improve functional strength, as it mimics real-life activities that require the use of multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
  3. Bone density: Weighted vests can help increase bone density by adding resistance to exercises, which can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
  4. Cardiovascular benefits: Incorporating a weighted vest into bodyweight exercises can help elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness.
  5. Versatility: Weighted vests can be used for a wide variety of exercises, including push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, and more, making them a versatile tool for strength training.
  6. Weight loss: Using a weighted vest can help increase calorie burn during workouts, potentially contributing to weight loss and improved body composition.
  7. Balance and stability: Wearing a weighted vest can help improve balance and stability, as the added resistance challenges core muscles and enhances proprioception.


How can weighted vests help increase the intensity of a workout?

Weighted vests can help increase the intensity of a workout by adding extra resistance to bodyweight exercises. By wearing a weighted vest during exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and lunges, you are forcing your muscles to work harder than they would with just your bodyweight. This added resistance can help build strength and muscle mass more effectively. Additionally, weighted vests can also increase the intensity of cardiovascular exercises such as running or walking by requiring your body to work harder to carry the additional weight, ultimately increasing the calorie burn and improving your overall fitness level.

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