Weighted vests have emerged as the UK's leading fitness trend, promising to supercharge everyday strolls. Enthusiasts claim that adding extra weight to a walk increases the intensity of the exercise without requiring extra time. One writer who tested a weighted vest for a month reported becoming a convert, finding it an easy addition to her daily routine.
A weighted vest is a piece of fitness equipment worn on the torso, resembling a gilet with padded sections for weights. These weights are often adjustable, allowing users to modify the load according to their fitness level and goals. Personal trainer Kate Rowe Ham, founder of Owning Your Menopause, explains: "A weighted vest makes normal bodyweight exercises such as walking more challenging by increasing resistance. This means you'll be exerting yourself more, improving both strength and endurance over time."
Research supports the benefits. A study published in the journal Ergonomics found that wearing a weighted vest during exercise increases stress on the body, causing runners to use more oxygen and have a higher heart rate than they would otherwise. Another study, focused on military-style fitness activities, showed a 4% improvement in performance among those wearing a weighted vest, with gains associated with both walking and jogging.
The trend is also linked to weight loss. One study indicated that participants who jogged while wearing a weighted vest burned more calories than those without. By adding resistance, the vest increases the cardiovascular challenge, potentially improving endurance and bone density, particularly important for women as they age.
Despite the limited research, the writer's month-long trial proved the vest to be a practical and effective tool. Wearing it under a jacket, she found it easy to incorporate into her walks, which helped her destress and clear her mind. For those seeking a low-impact way to boost their daily exercise, a weighted vest offers a simple solution.
