Best Weighted Vest for Running
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Keeping their body fit and healthy can be hard to achieve for most people. With the little time they have in a day, allotting time to train, exercise, or run can be hard. This is why using your time efficiently is necessary. You can do your exercise routines in a short time and still achieve the body that you want to have. The only thing you have to do is to find the best gear. A weighted vest running gear is one of the best items that you can have to help you use your time efficiently.
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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Weighted Vest for Running
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall HERE  | Best Overall |
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Best Affordable  | Best Affordable |
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Best for Men  | Best for Men |
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Best Premium Choice  | Best Premium Choice |
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Best for Women  | Best for Women |
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Best Rated Weighted Vest for Running Reviewed
There are a wide variety of brands to choose from when it comes to purchasing weighted vest. Every vest caters to everyone’s specific needs. We list some of the best below.
- Intraskeletal webbing
- Secure Velcro straps for a custom fit
- Very durable
- Can be a little uncomfortable to use when running
- Some customers feel that the Velcro belt is a bit too long
- Intraskeletal webbing
- Secure Velcro straps for a custom fit
- Very durable
- Can be a little uncomfortable to use when running
- Some customers feel that the Velcro belt is a bit too long
It comes with a lot of great features. Furthermore, it has a dual layered nylon that reinforces its fit in your body. Topped with reflection straps, it also has a hydration shoulder. Moreover, the VForce Weighted Training Vest can also help you work your abdominal muscles while keeping the weights off your stomach.
- Lightweight and durable
- Velcro side straps
- Comfortable fit
- Some people claim that it is slightly bulky
- It can be very hot and sweaty when used for an extended period
- Lightweight and durable
- Velcro side straps
- Comfortable fit
- Some people claim that it is slightly bulky
- It can be very hot and sweaty when used for an extended period
This vest is ideal for pull-ups and dips. It remains secure while you exercise while providing full upper body coverage. Moreover, it can add 40 pounds of resistance to any workout you might be doing. This jacket sits securely on your torso making it surprisingly comfortable.
- Made from soft and lightweight material
- Rugged and durable
- Has a designated pouch for MP3 or cell phone
- Can cause some strain on the lower back
- Some customers complain about poor fitting
- Made from soft and lightweight material
- Rugged and durable
- Has a designated pouch for MP3 or cell phone
- Can cause some strain on the lower back
- Some customers complain about poor fitting
This vest is designed to control temperature, which makes it ideal and comfortable to use in hot weather. Furthermore, it will not leave you worrying about sweat and odor build up. Despite this vest being tremendously lightweight, it is rugged and very durable. You can use this for a long period of time as you train.
- It is odor resistant and sweat resistant
- Lightweight, stretch fabric
- Unisex design
- Some users report that weights break through the jacket after several months
- Some customers complains about its durability
- It is odor resistant and sweat resistant
- Lightweight, stretch fabric
- Unisex design
- Some users report that weights break through the jacket after several months
- Some customers complains about its durability
Aside form this, it is very flexible and adjustable. The features will keep you from worrying about the gear distracting you as you run. It does not interfere in your movements, unlike other weighted vests.
Furthermore, it is made from a unique stretch fabric that draws off sweat as it provides a ventilated, lightweight material. Its thin profile and laced sides allow the user to move freely while exercising. This jacket offers 10 pounds of evenly distributed weight.
- It comes in a compact design
- The item has a camouflage color that looks unique
- It is equipped with Velcro locking system
- Can get very hot when used for an extended period
- Some customers complain about its quality and durability
- It comes in a compact design
- The item has a camouflage color that looks unique
- It is equipped with Velcro locking system
- Can get very hot when used for an extended period
- Some customers complain about its quality and durability
From the collarbone down, this vest measures 15 inches in length and 13 inches in width. It comes with 10 pieces of 4-pound iron weight. Moreover, this allows the user to use progressive resistance necessary to build up your weighted jacket’s strength.
In addition, it sports a one-piece design with an attached belt featuring the Velcro locking system. This makes putting on the jacket easier with a customizable fit.
- Neoprene fabric construction
- Even weight distribution
- Designated pocket for iPod or cell phone
- No option to increase resistance
- Some customer complained that the buckle broke after few use
- Neoprene fabric construction
- Even weight distribution
- Designated pocket for iPod or cell phone
- No option to increase resistance
- Some customer complained that the buckle broke after few use
This vest is constructed from soft, ultra-flexible neoprene fabric. It provides evenly distributed weights that challenge any lady’s workout routine without causing any discomfort on the lower back. Moreover, the Empower Fitness Vest features a designated pouch to hold your mobile devices while you’re in the middle of your fitness routine.
- Extremely adjustable resistance
- Adjustable resistance from 4 to 60 pounds
- One size fits all
- Total body coverage gets very hot
- Some customers complain about its durability
- Extremely adjustable resistance
- Adjustable resistance from 4 to 60 pounds
- One size fits all
- Total body coverage gets very hot
- Some customers complain about its durability
Moreover, the ZFOsports weighted vest is secured by a Velcro strap that makes the design a one-size fit all vest. The user won’t find it uncomfortable at all while working out. This is because it is breathable and lightweight, in addition to its top-quality stitching.
- Made from Neoprene fabric
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Sweat absorbent
- Women may not find it comfortable when running
- There are some complaints that the item ripped easily after a few use
- Made from Neoprene fabric
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Sweat absorbent
- Women may not find it comfortable when running
- There are some complaints that the item ripped easily after a few use
The textured panels on the underside of the vest hug the jacket to the wearer’s frame, which minimizes any lateral movement while working out. Additionally, the Everlast weighted jacket is slim enough where others won’t notice you wearing it.
It uses weighted beads and sand for added resistance while the Neoprene fabric does a good job of absorbing sweat.
- Evenly distributed resistance
- Comes with a quick release buckle
- Made from synthetic rubber
- Some customers complained that it hurts their shoulders when using
- Bounces around a little when running
- Evenly distributed resistance
- Comes with a quick release buckle
- Made from synthetic rubber
- Some customers complained that it hurts their shoulders when using
- Bounces around a little when running
It is very ideal for walking and gym exercising. Furthermore, the Zeyu Sports Walking Fitness weighted vest offers an evenly distributed 8 pounds of resistance around the jacket to allow balanced mobility. Moreover, it is fully adjustable to fit everyone of all sizes. It also comes with a quick release buckle in case of an emergency. This vest will not strain the lower back or pull the user’s shoulders forward.
- Patent pending
- 20 pounds of incremental resistance
- Flex contour fit design
- Very little bounce when running
- No padding on shoulder straps
- Some customers complain that it causes stain in their shirt
- Patent pending
- 20 pounds of incremental resistance
- Flex contour fit design
- Very little bounce when running
- No padding on shoulder straps
- Some customers complain that it causes stain in their shirt
The fit of this weighted vest is very comfortable. You can insert weights on the side of the vest through the neoprene pockets. It provides internal padding. Furthermore, the shoulder straps add comfort. They additionally have a soft lining. All of the seams at the edges of the vest are low profile and does not rub your skin.
Moreover, the HumanX weight vest offers a resistance of 1 pound. This is so you can increase the weight as you progress on your workout. This jacket sports a one size fits all thick belt strap to secure on your body.
What Is A Weighted Vest?
A weighted vest is one of many types of equipment used alongside exercising. It is technically a vest made from heavy material. It is equipped with small pockets that you can fill with other weighted objects. This is done so that when you are doing your fitness routine you can feel the noticeable addition of extra weight.
It is a tool for a specific kind of fitness workout that focuses on intense burning out of calories, which is called a “power workout.” Due to the nature of adding more weight to your fitness program, research shows that having this extra load during your workout requires the body to generate more force. This is basically your body reacting to the stimulus. It leads to improvements in strength and power. Not only that, it also contributes to burning more calories and intense fat loss.
The idea behind the weighted vest is that it carries the concept of resistance. Resistance is the impeding, slowing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing to another. A person who’s sporting the weighted vest is challenged by a great amount of resistance because of the additional weight.
Due to this, you’d naturally have to exert more effort until your muscles adjust to the strain or resisting force. This is what most people like about the weighted vest, as it really helps in shedding off those extra weights. With that knowledge, step up your work out game and get in shape.
Benefits Of Using A Weighted Vest
- Boost fat burn – It is a dream for most of us to be able to burn those unwanted fats. Walking or jogging on a treadmill might seem like the best way to lose weight. But, studies have shown that it is actually one of the least effective way —that is unless you’re wearing a weighted vest.
- Increase muscle and bone strength – We are not getting any younger, so we have to face the reality that our bones and muscles are starting to weaken as years go by. This can lead to degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. This may be normal as we age but we can still prevent this.
Adding a weighted vest to your frame is a way of pushing your muscles to grow to your “new” weight. But it doesn’t stop there! Your bones respond to the strain brought by the increased weight, which helps increase bone mass. This makes an overall stronger muscular and skeletal system.
- Boost cardiovascular benefits and overall breathing – Lifting weights, aside from running and skipping, is another form of cardiovascular exercise. When you lift weights, your heart rate tends to increase significantly and may cause your breathing to fall short. This is because adding more weight increases energy cost. In this situation, this increased need for energy sends the cardiovascular system into a gearshift, making the heart and lungs stronger.
- Boost core strength – This is one of the most common reasons why men and women workout: to have abs. In order to get one, you need to know the proper core training to achieve a jaw-dropping abdomen.
Using a weighted vest while doing your core routine might seem difficult, but it is in some ways easier than it looks. The additional weight will wake up your abdominal muscles as it feels pressure. This will, therefore allow your abdomen to carry and balance the increased weight of the load.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Weighted Vest
Whenever you feel like stepping up your workout routines, it is always a good time to invest in new equipment that will most likely offer you significant improvements. Here are the things to consider when buying weighted vests:
- Quality & Material – Everyone wants the best out of everything. So, quality should be the number one priority. You don’t want to have buyer’s remorse afterward. You should check what the outside is made of and if the material is sweat and tear resistant. Sweat builds up on fabric. This can cause bacteria growth, which is highly transferable to the skin upon contact. Learn which fabrics are anti-bacterial or anti-microbial. Also, you must make sure the weights are made of coated metal. In that case, buying trusted brands is highly recommended.
- Price – Let’s face it, price, if not the most, is one of the very first things we check when we buy a certain product. Practicality is sexy. However, we can’t have the best of both worlds. If you want to have the best, you have to pay the right price.
- Adjustability & Accessories – Another thing to consider when purchasing a weighted vest is if it is adjustable and if it comes with accessories. An adjustable weight vest is very practical. This is because you’d need to reduce and add the amount of weight while working out. You have to think about whether or not it’s going to be easy when adjusting weights. This is a big factor in working out.
Furthermore, you should consider the types of accessories that can be added to the weighted vest. If you are someone who uses your phone often, then you might want to check whether it comes with a pocket. If you still want to look fashionable while working out, check if the weighted vest comes in various colors or have reflective strips for late night runs.
- Fit & Comfort – This is a very important thing to keep in mind. Despite how much money you spend for a weighted vest, if it doesn’t feel comfortable and doesn’t fit you well, is it even worth it? If your equipment doesn’t feel good, then it could affect your focus, therefore, making you less productive.
If you’re purchasing the item online, then trying out the weighted vest is nearly impossible. Try finding pictures of people sporting it. You’re the only one who knows your body best.
- Weight – Lastly, you need to know how heavy the weighted vest is by itself and how much weight comes alongside it. Most people tend to estimate how much they weigh. The weights in the vest must be evenly distributed. They must allow you to put them in a different position. This is in case you need to adjust them once you deem them uncomfortable.
You also have to use the vest in the long run. As you progress, you’d definitely grow stronger so make sure that you get a vest that is perfect for your current physique. A weighted vest that is too light is no good. Also, if too heavy, it will likely cause you injury.
Final Thoughts
When working out, there are various gear available to aid people to achieve their desired physique. People with interest in this field want to be more productive. They can greatly benefit from using these weighted vests. They can amp up their fitness routines by using a weighted vest and can use their time efficiently.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys exercise, undergoes a fitness training program or merely likes to jog on a daily basis, these products are for you. It will help you achieve the physique that you want, but also help you make the most out of your time.
