The Why Behind Weighted Vest Weights
When it comes to enhancing your fitness routine, you might be looking for ways to increase intensity, build muscle, and improve overall endurance. While there are countless fitness tools available, one that stands out for me for its versatility and effectiveness is the weighted vest. This simple piece of equipment takes my workouts to the next level!
In this blog post, I want to talk about the importance of incorporating a weighted vest into your exercise regimen and explore its key benefits. We’ll also highlight the Zulus Weighted Vest, the one I love and use! The Zulus is a popular adjustable weight vest that is not only affordable, but it also offers an outstanding balance of comfort, durability, and performance.
What is a Weighted Vest?
I am sure you have seen these all over the internet lately, but what exactly is a weighted vest? A weighted vest is a fitness accessory designed to be worn during physical activity. It is typically filled with adjustable weights, both light and heavy weights, and is worn over your torso and is available for all body types. As you move, the additional weight forces your body to exert more effort, making your workout more intense and efficient. These workout vests aren’t only for the fitness enthusiasts, but really for anyone and can be added to various workouts. Let me talk to you a little more about why you want to incorporate exercise vests into your fitness routines!
Why You Should Incorporate a Weighted Vest Into Your Workout Routine
Weighted vests can be used for a wide range of exercises, making them an extremely versatile addition to your fitness arsenal. Here’s why you should consider incorporating one into your routine, and really why I have used it countless times over the last few years.
- Increased Workout Intensity—The most obvious benefit of wearing a weighted vest is that it increases the intensity of your exercises. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk, running, doing squats, or performing bodyweight exercises like push-ups, the added weight forces your body to work harder. This means your muscles, bones, and cardiovascular system are all challenged more than they would be during a typical workout. The result? A more efficient workout that burns more calories, builds more strength, and improves endurance — all in less time, which I think any of us would appreciate!
- Muscle Building and Strength—When you wear a weighted vest during bodyweight exercises, it turns these movements into resistance training. For example, when you perform push-ups, squats, or lunges, the added weight makes the muscles work harder, increasing their strength and stimulating muscle growth. Because the vest adds load to the body, it helps activate more muscle groups, allowing you to engage and strengthen areas that might not be fully targeted during traditional workouts.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Endurance—Wearing a weighted vest during cardiovascular activities like walking, running, or hiking increases the demand on your heart and lungs. This means your cardiovascular endurance improves as your body adapts to the extra challenge. Over time, this can lead to increased stamina, allowing you to perform at higher intensities for longer periods.
- Improved Bone Density—Adding weight to your body during exercise, particularly in weight-bearing activities, can help improve bone density. As we age, we all know that our bone density decreases, so using a tactical weight vest can be an easy help in increasing your bone density. This is particularly important for individuals looking to prevent or combat conditions like osteoporosis. By regularly wearing a weighted vest, you provide your bones with the necessary stimulus to become stronger and more resilient.
- Better Posture and Core Stability—Weighted vests help engage the muscles of your core, lower back, and shoulders. As your body works to stabilize the additional weight, you develop better posture and more efficient body mechanics. Stronger core muscles also improve your overall stability, which translates to better performance in all areas of fitness and reduces the risk of injury.
- Versatility and Progressive Overload—The beauty of a weighted vest is its versatility. It can be worn during a variety of exercises, from running and cycling to strength training and mobility drills. Plus, many weighted vests, including the Zulus Weighted Vest, allow you to adjust the weight, enabling you to progressively increase the resistance as you get stronger. This gradual increase in intensity, known as progressive overload, is a key principle in fitness that helps you continually improve over time. I love that you can change the amount of weight and make a difference over time.
When is it Most Beneficial to Wear During Exercise?
- During Cardio Workouts: If you’re looking to increase the intensity of cardio workouts, wearing a weighted vest during walking, running, or cycling can help increase endurance and calorie burn. It’s especially useful for interval training, where short bursts of high-intensity effort are alternated with recovery.
- Strength Training: During bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and pull-ups, wearing a weighted vest adds more resistance, challenging your muscles to work harder, which leads to more muscle engagement and growth.
- HIIT Workouts: For high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a weighted vest can ramp up the intensity, helping you get more out of each exercise, especially during bodyweight movements and jumping exercises.
- Walking or Hiking: When you’re walking or hiking uphill, the vest adds extra weight, making the muscles work more intensely, which helps increase endurance and strength over time. I wear mine every time I am walking.
- Balance and Mobility Training: Using a weighted vest during balance and mobility exercises forces the body to engage stabilizing muscles and improve overall body awareness and stability.
The Zulus Weighted Vest: A Top Choice for Your Fitness Journey
Now that you know the many benefits of wearing a weighted vest, let’s take a closer look at my favorite vest the Zulus Weighted Vest, a top-tier option that stands out in the market, and one that is also affordable! Here are some key features I love about this vest!
- Adjustable Weight–The Zulus Weighted Vest allows you to easily adjust the weight to suit your fitness level and goals. Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to take your workouts to the next level, this vest grows with you. It comes with removable weights, so you can tailor the load to your preferred intensity. I love this about this vest, because you’re only having to use one vest for the variety of times you’re using it because you can change the weight insert.
- Comfortable and Secure Fit–One of the standout features of the Zulus vest is its comfortable, form-fitting and snug fit design. Made from high-quality, breathable material, the vest fits snugly against your body, reducing movement and discomfort. I find that the adjustable straps ensure that the vest stays in place throughout my workout, so I can focus on my exercises without distraction.
- Durability and Long-Lasting Quality–The Zulus Weighted Vest is crafted from durable materials that are designed to withstand the toughest workouts. Whether you’re doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, or lifting weights, this vest can endure it all, providing long-lasting value. I have had mine for a long time, and I am confident in it’s durability and quality.
- Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Fabric–The Zulus vest is designed with sweat-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during even the most intense workouts. This breathability prevents overheating and ensures comfort throughout your training session. I appreciate this especially as the spring and summer months are quickly approaching.
- Even Weight Distribution–The Zulus vest is thoughtfully designed with even weight distribution, so you don’t experience discomfort or uneven pressure on your body. This balance ensures that you can wear the vest for extended periods without feeling strain or soreness.
So, Why Choose a Weighted Vest
With its adjustable weights, comfortable fit, and versatile use, the Zulus Weighted Vest is ideal if you are looking to enhance you workouts. Whether you’re aiming to improve endurance, build strength, or burn more calories, I think this vest is the perfect tool to help you achieve your goals in a simple and affordable way. I know I have personally felt like the weighted vest has become my new best friend when it comes to my workouts!
I really do believe that incorporating a weighted vest into your exercise routine is one of the best ways to challenge yourself, build strength, and enhance your cardiovascular fitness. The added weight makes my body work harder, accelerating results and helping me make progress faster. Click HERE to see all I use for my workouts! And, let me know if you decide to give the weighted vest a try!
