What Is a Weighted Vest?
A weighted vest is an excellent addition to any physical fitness regimen. If you’ve been training hard, there is likely to come the point when your body hits that all dreaded plateau and refuses to give in to any more demands. That is when a weighted vest comes in.
The best-weighted vest on the market can help you gain the upper hand when it comes to weight loss or strength training. There are so many of them out there, though. How do you find out which is the best-weighted vest for you? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
How Can a Weighted Vest Help You?
In the beginning, when you start a strenuous workout routine, your body is responsive to the challenges you are undertaking. Your fat begins to turn to muscle. Your cardio strength improves. You watch your body takes on a new form, as your muscles start to take shape.
Here are a few ways that a weighted vest can help you:
It Can Help You Develop Strength
This might sound strange, but one of the best ways to develop strength is by expanding your body weight. Yes, expanding. This is because increasing mass impacts the way that your muscles stress and strain when you exercise. This heightens the energy you expend when you are working out, leading to quicker depletion.
It Can Switch Up Your Workout Routine.
After a while, your workout can become boring and predictable. Adding some different flavors to your exercises can make them feel challenging again. You can also focus the weights in certain areas, bringing attention to particular muscles you want to target.
It Can Enhance Your Endurance and Cardio.
When you get exerted, it alters your breathing pattern by speeding up. This forces you to inhale more oxygen with each physical activity you undertake. As a result, it speeds up your heart rate and has a powerful impact on your cardio.
The Best Weighted Vests for Men
There are a lot of vests out there on the market, including the popular MiR weighted vest. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find the one that’s right for you. Take a look at some of our picks, highlighting their pros and cons.
MiR Air Flow Adjustable Weighted Vest
Price: $95.36 – $164.99
Amazon Rating: 4
MiR vests are comfortable and usually come with a good selection of weights.
Pros
- The design allows for good airflow.
- You can choose weight from 20lbs – 60lbs.
- It has a comfortable fit.
Cons
- The straps can be difficult to work.
- Durability has been an issue for some reviewers.
- There is a great deal of bulk to it.
RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest
Price: $29.97 – $119.99
Amazon Rating: 4.5
This is one of the more versatile vests available on the market. You can choose a weight of 12lbs all the way up to 60lbs.
Pros
- There is a good range of weights, which results in a good range of prices, as well.
- A storage pocket makes it convenient to store small items while you work out.
- It has a very comfortable fit.
Cons
- As is the issue with other men’s vests, it can feel bulky.
- When you are exercising, it could cause chafing.
- The shoulder pads are an added cost.
Brute Force Weighted Vest 2.0
Price: $149.95
Amazon Rating: 4
If you are a fan of camouflage, then this is going to be a tempting vest choice. It has a rugged look to it, with some really cool features.
Pros
- The strap design makes it conform well to the person wearing it.
- It’s made with high-quality material, making it quite durable.
- Mesh-lined padding adds to comfort.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey for what you receive. You are likely paying a little extra for the color.
- The sand and pellets don’t come with the vest. You have to add them yourself.
- This one also has a bulky feel.
BOX Weighted Vest
Price: $193.99
Amazon Rating: 4.5
This is a great vest for those doing a Crossfit regimen. That’s not the only benefit, though.
Pros
- There is zero restriction in the movement.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It’s a quality Made in the USA product.
Cons
- It comes with a high price tag.
- Bounces around a bit when running.
- If you decide you want it for something other than Crossfit, it might not be ideal.
The Best Weighted Vests for Women
There are a lot of weighted vests on the market for women. It can be difficult to narrow down which one will work best for physical needs and your fitness goals. This list should help you make a decision for your lifestyle.
Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
Price: $29.99 – $79.99
Amazon Rating: 4.5
This vest has a sleek, fitted look to it. Plus, the 4.5 star Amazon rating shows that it is quite possibly the best-weighted vest available for women.
Pros
- This is one of the best-priced vests on the market.
- It’s comfortable to wear, with a slim design and a mesh pocket.
- It stays in place while exercising.
Cons
- Some reviewers claim it has a strong odor when it arrives.
- It’s possible for it to leak iron pellets.
- The weight options only go up to 30lbs.
- Smells a bit chemically when new!
Ironwear Women’s Vest WV21
Price: $229.99
Amazon Rating: 4
Boasting a 4-star rating, this vest is another excellent choice to help you shake up and improve your workout routine.
Pros
- It has an adjustable height.
- The design of the vest is comfortable.
- It’s durable for long-lasting use.
Cons
- It’s one of the pricier vests on the market.
- The weight only goes up to 21lbs.
- Some reviewers report issues with the velcro giving way.
Empower Weighted Vest
Price: $32.31
Amazon Rating: 4.5
This Amazon’s Choice weighted vest has a comfortable, convenient cross-strap fit. If you aren’t looking for a large amount of weight, this could be the vest for you.
Pros
- It has a contoured x-shaped design that makes it ideal for a woman’s body shape.
- The vest is especially sand sewn to distribute weight evenly.
- There are pockets that make it convenient to hold small items while you exercise.
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the pockets are too small to really hold anything.
- It could have durability issues that cause it to rip after moderate use.
- There are complaints about the fit being too loose, causing it to bounce around during workouts.
MiR Women’s Weighted Vest
Price: $79.99 – $169.99
Amazon Rating: 4
This MiR vest is specially designed to fit a woman’s body. It is made of quality material and sports adjustable weights.
Pros
- You can adjust the weights if you would like to.
- It’s comfortable enough to do crunches in.
- The fabric is highly durable with excellent quality material.
Cons
- The fit is better suited for longer waists, making it difficult for shorter torsos.
- It can be complicated to adjust appropriately.
- The velcro can be cumbersome for some.
Takeaway
With so many great weighted vests out there on the market, it’s important to do your research to figure out exactly what it is you’re looking for. If you’re patient and shop and compare, you’re likely to find something you’ll be happy with for a long time.
