Are any of you into the weighted-vest fitness trend?

clovenhooves The Personal Is Political General Discussion Are any of you into the weighted-vest fitness trend?

Discussion Are any of you into the weighted-vest fitness trend?

Discussion Are any of you into the weighted-vest fitness trend?

Elsacat

408

Jul 10 2025, 8:53 AM

#1

Article for reference: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/are-weighted-vests-worth-the-hype/

When I look at health news, I keep seeing this weighted-vest thing come up, I guess as a way to build muscle strength and bone density. I don't know anyone in real life who does it, I think it's a fitness-influencer thing (maybe as stealth marketing for these vests).

If I were younger maybe I'd try it, but imagining wearing one of those vests all day makes my back hurt just thinking about it. No disrespect to those who use the vests and feel like it's doing them good, because in the long run, maybe it does make a difference.

Elsacat

Jul 10 2025, 8:53 AM #1

Article for reference: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/are-weighted-vests-worth-the-hype/

When I look at health news, I keep seeing this weighted-vest thing come up, I guess as a way to build muscle strength and bone density. I don't know anyone in real life who does it, I think it's a fitness-influencer thing (maybe as stealth marketing for these vests).

If I were younger maybe I'd try it, but imagining wearing one of those vests all day makes my back hurt just thinking about it. No disrespect to those who use the vests and feel like it's doing them good, because in the long run, maybe it does make a difference.

Clover
Kozlik's regular account 🍀🐐

976

Jul 10 2025, 10:00 AM

#2

I hadn't heard about weighted vests but some months ago I watched a video about "rucking" which was basically walking with weight in a backpack lol so this seems like the more fancy version of that. Tbh I'd be interested in rucking because I walk to work and adding some "strength training" in during my walk sounds like a good idea, since I am otherwise a couch potato. But the weighted vest thing does seem like a new product created and hyped up to make money off the fact strength training is becoming popular — just put some books in a backpack... lol.

Clover

Kozlik's regular account 🍀🐐

Jul 10 2025, 10:00 AM #2

I hadn't heard about weighted vests but some months ago I watched a video about "rucking" which was basically walking with weight in a backpack lol so this seems like the more fancy version of that. Tbh I'd be interested in rucking because I walk to work and adding some "strength training" in during my walk sounds like a good idea, since I am otherwise a couch potato. But the weighted vest thing does seem like a new product created and hyped up to make money off the fact strength training is becoming popular — just put some books in a backpack... lol.

eyeswideopen

104

Jul 11 2025, 9:05 AM

#3

I have two weighted vests, purchased more because of what I've read about their effect on metabolism, than for bone health, whicb is mixed, although a new study just came out showing no improvement in hip bone density:

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-24/weighted-vests-dont-protect-bone-health-in-dieting-seniors-trial-says

Based on my experience wearing both vests, I recommend sticking to the 10-20% of your body weight loading recommendation, and more importantly, getting a vest or rucking backpack -with a hip belt- so weight is offloaded from your trapezius muscles and shoulders to your waist. Offloading the weight with a hip belt will make it much more comfortable to wear the vest for periods of more than an hour which is about as long as I can tolerate wearing either of my vests, both of them were obviously designed for male bodies with broad shoulders and more muscle mass in the upper torso. If you're the average female and don't have much of either, you will find the typical weight vest without a hip belt to be very uncomfortable. In retrospect, I should have gone with a vest or hiking backpack with a hip belt (most vests do not come with hip belts) or a vest in which the weight hugs the torso (I've seen one model like this, but it was very expensive). I will link to the two vests I got so you can see which styles to avoid if you don't have a lot of muscle mass in your upper torso/wide shoulders like me (don't make my expensive mistake - buy a vest/pack with a hip belt);

the first vest I bought (incredibly uncomfortable, even with the optional shoulder pads): https://a.co/d/fuJ4dTQ

the second vest I bought (more like a plate carrier/armored vest), still uncomfortable for periods over an hour, but less so than the first vesf because more of the weight is closer to my hips: https://a.co/d/bj2mm5X

What I should have gotten was a rucking backpack with a hip belt:

https://www.twopct.com/p/rucking-backpacks-vs-weight-vests

Edited Jul 11 2025, 9:14 AM by eyeswideopen.

eyeswideopen

Jul 11 2025, 9:05 AM #3

I have two weighted vests, purchased more because of what I've read about their effect on metabolism, than for bone health, whicb is mixed, although a new study just came out showing no improvement in hip bone density:

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-24/weighted-vests-dont-protect-bone-health-in-dieting-seniors-trial-says

Based on my experience wearing both vests, I recommend sticking to the 10-20% of your body weight loading recommendation, and more importantly, getting a vest or rucking backpack -with a hip belt- so weight is offloaded from your trapezius muscles and shoulders to your waist. Offloading the weight with a hip belt will make it much more comfortable to wear the vest for periods of more than an hour which is about as long as I can tolerate wearing either of my vests, both of them were obviously designed for male bodies with broad shoulders and more muscle mass in the upper torso. If you're the average female and don't have much of either, you will find the typical weight vest without a hip belt to be very uncomfortable. In retrospect, I should have gone with a vest or hiking backpack with a hip belt (most vests do not come with hip belts) or a vest in which the weight hugs the torso (I've seen one model like this, but it was very expensive). I will link to the two vests I got so you can see which styles to avoid if you don't have a lot of muscle mass in your upper torso/wide shoulders like me (don't make my expensive mistake - buy a vest/pack with a hip belt);

the first vest I bought (incredibly uncomfortable, even with the optional shoulder pads): https://a.co/d/fuJ4dTQ

the second vest I bought (more like a plate carrier/armored vest), still uncomfortable for periods over an hour, but less so than the first vesf because more of the weight is closer to my hips: https://a.co/d/bj2mm5X

What I should have gotten was a rucking backpack with a hip belt:

https://www.twopct.com/p/rucking-backpacks-vs-weight-vests

Elsacat

408

Jul 11 2025, 9:21 AM

#4

A rucking backpack looks like the better option. I wasn't sure about them because I use regular backpacks for travel and work commute, and the weight can be painful and difficult if I have them loaded up. I have not taken the best care of my spine over the years. A rucking backpack with a hip belt probably distributes weight better and is more meant for carrying heavy stuff for longer periods of time.

Elsacat

Jul 11 2025, 9:21 AM #4

A rucking backpack looks like the better option. I wasn't sure about them because I use regular backpacks for travel and work commute, and the weight can be painful and difficult if I have them loaded up. I have not taken the best care of my spine over the years. A rucking backpack with a hip belt probably distributes weight better and is more meant for carrying heavy stuff for longer periods of time.

eyeswideopen

104

Jul 11 2025, 9:30 AM

#5

(Jul 11 2025, 9:21 AM)Elsacat A rucking backpack looks like the better option. I wasn't sure about them because I use regular backpacks for travel and work commute, and the weight can be painful and difficult if I have them loaded up. I have not taken the best care of my spine over the years. A rucking backpack with a hip belt probably distributes weight better and is more meant for carrying heavy stuff for longer periods of time.

If I could do it again, I would just get a hiking backpack designed for a woman's body (maybe even with a frame), but especially one with an integrated hip belt. Goruck offers a hip belt, but it's an add-on and not integrated (not to mention their bags are very expensive). I would get something like this:

https://a.co/d/3ljx7AY

and then just use weight plates.

But ideally you should try the pack on before purchase.

eyeswideopen

Jul 11 2025, 9:30 AM #5

(Jul 11 2025, 9:21 AM)Elsacat A rucking backpack looks like the better option. I wasn't sure about them because I use regular backpacks for travel and work commute, and the weight can be painful and difficult if I have them loaded up. I have not taken the best care of my spine over the years. A rucking backpack with a hip belt probably distributes weight better and is more meant for carrying heavy stuff for longer periods of time.

If I could do it again, I would just get a hiking backpack designed for a woman's body (maybe even with a frame), but especially one with an integrated hip belt. Goruck offers a hip belt, but it's an add-on and not integrated (not to mention their bags are very expensive). I would get something like this:

https://a.co/d/3ljx7AY

and then just use weight plates.

But ideally you should try the pack on before purchase.

nassim

14

Jul 12 2025, 3:13 PM

#6

Be careful if you're overweight because adding more weight can have an adverse effect on your feet (fallen arches).

nassim

Jul 12 2025, 3:13 PM #6

Be careful if you're overweight because adding more weight can have an adverse effect on your feet (fallen arches).

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