Advertisement

Add some weight to daily activities

Share

Weighted workout vests are a popular training tool for pro and college sports teams, but they can benefit a variety of people who want to enhance their workouts and training. The idea is as simple as a baseball player swinging a weighted bat in the on-deck circle: If you condition your body to exercise with an added load, you gain enhanced endurance, quickness and speed when the weight is removed. Some say weighting the core of the body is safer to your joints and back than ankle or wrist weights. Best of all, you can benefit from using a weighted vest in such activities as running, riding, weightlifting and gardening.

Train like the pros

X-Vest: High-performance vest used by Navy Seals and professional athletes.

Likes: Very comfortable at all speeds and body movements. Two-piece clamshell design, with nylon surface and elastic Velcro waistband and adjustable height and width, does not affect arm motion, balance or breathing. Most stable of the brands tested; it barely moved even during fast running. Keys and wallet fit in the weight pocket. Available in 12- to 84-pound models.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $179. (800) 697-5658; www.thexvest.com.

A close fit

Uni-Vest: Low-cost, form-fitting vest.

Likes: Comfortable. Minimal bouncing. Although non-adjustable, the one-piece neoprene and nylon vest fits well and the Velcro strapping system provides a secure fit. Uses flexible, half-pound rubber weights that contour to the body and may be safer than metal weights if you’re the clumsy type. Short, 10-pound vest secures around bottom of rib cage, can hold up to 20 pounds by doubling weights in each pocket.

Advertisement

Dislikes: Nowhere to put keys. Comfortable enough, although some people may not like the placement of weights on the chest.

Price: $69.99. (888) 556-7464; www.performbetter.com.

Out for a walk

WalkVest: Walk in comfort.

Likes: Sleeveless cotton vest with midsection pockets that hold up to 32 thin, half-pound steel bars (16 pounds). Cotton material provides a comfortable fit and is cooler then neoprene vests. Non-closing rear pocket on mid-back can hold keys and ID.

Dislikes: Bounces more than the above vests at all running speeds. Non-Velcro clipped straps required occasional tightening. Only includes four pounds of weights with initial order. Price: $85 (includes workout CD). (877) 925-5837; www.walkvest.com.

Simple approach

All-Pro Exercise Vest: Back to the drawing board.

Likes: Simple one-size fits all. Four pockets at belly and lower back hold 10 half-pound iron rods each (total of 20 pounds).

Dislikes: A lot of bouncing if you’re doing anything faster than a moderate walk. Stiff nylon material doesn’t produce a body-hugging fit. Less comfortable than the others. No place to hold keys.

Price: $85 (20-pound vest); $130 (40-pound vest). (800) 735-9287; www.allproweights.com.

Advertisement