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Everyone seems to be adding heavy weight lifting to their routines lately, and for good reason. There are a ton of benefits and real results that come with this strategy. However, strength training with lighter weights and incorporating a weighted vest also offer plenty of perks. Speed Ball
Wearing a weighted vest is like holding weights, except you get to keep your hands completely free, explains Albert Matheny, CSCS, co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab. That means you can level up exercises that usually require your hands for support (for example, pushups). The same concept applies to running: "Your running form would be severely altered by adding free weights, but adding a light weighted running vest lets you move more closely to your natural form," he adds.
Meet the experts: Albert Matheny, CSCS, is the co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab. Brittany Watts, CPT, is a certified personal trainer. Doug Sklar, CPT, is the founder of PhilanthroFIT.
You might be wondering, what does a weighted vest do? In addition to adding resistance, these vests can also offer a lot more balance and support. "The weight is close to your center of gravity, so it doesn't throw off your balance," says trainer Brittany Watts, CPT. "A weighted vest is great if you're looking for a stable way to increase load."
Dive right into shopping with these top reviewed weighted vests:
There are a few features to keep in mind while you shop. Most importantly, the weight. If the idea of carrying a super heavy load freaks you out, there are approachable, lighter options on the market. You can invest in what feels most comfortable and have the option to add weight in the future. “It's best to gradually increase weight over time, rather than throw on a weighted vest with an 40 extra pounds,” says Doug Sklar, CPT, founder of PhilanthroFIT. Keeping this in mind, you may want to start with an adjustable vest.
Next, consider what types of activities you’ll use the vest for, Matheny says. Some vests are designed for light cardio workouts like plyometric drills, while others are ideal for HIIT workouts and long hikes (like rucking) based on the materials and fit.
Read on for the best weighted vests, according to trainers, editors, and fitness enthusiasts.
Looking for something simple? This weighted vest is an excellent starting point. It goes on like a backpack and feels like one too. The weight rests between your shoulders. It also has a mesh pocket where you can stash additional pounds.
Rave review: "Love this product! Fits well and is snug; barely moves, which is exactly what I want when doing all types of exercise, but especially plyometric exercises."—Susie, amazon.com
If form and function are top of mind for you, look no further than this stylish weighted vest. Zip it up and quickly add resistance training to any of your regular workouts (hiking, cardio, running, and more).
The vest includes 5 pounds evenly distributed and built into the fabric so you barely notice it. It features a curved hem, customizable fit with side ties, and super-soft material for total freedom of movement and comfort.
Editor review: "The five pounds feel noticeable to me during the first few minutes of a workout, but soon after, I forget I’m even wearing it. The weight is not intense enough to hinder your movement and form, which is key. Plus, you get additional bang for your buck with the accompanying app, which features quick and effective workouts that use the tool in creative ways."—Jacqueline Andriakos, WH executive health and fitness director
This vest contains non-chemical iron sand for the stable yet breathable fit. It was also designed with a storage pocket to hold your phone and keys along with a wide shoulder band to avoid possible digging into your neck and back.
Rave review: "Love this vest! It’s comfortable and doesn’t shift much when running. I like the mesh pocket on the back. I was hesitant to place my phone in there (worrying it would fall out during a run) but it stayed in place just fine. Great vest and definitely helps increase the intensity of my workouts."—Traci, amazon.com
This adjustable weighted vest comes in up to four different weights ranging from 12 to 30 pounds. It can even be used by kids! The 2.5mm neoprene makes for a high quality vest that’s soft and breathable. It also has reflective straps, which serves as a great option for late night runners.
Rave review: "Really good! I love it. The weight is distributed so I don’t feel like I’m leaning to one side compared to other vests. It’s adjustable to how tight you want it across the chest which is nice too."—Gabriela, amazon.com
This vest has adjustable front and side straps to make sure it goes on comfy and stays put. It also has mesh pockets to store your keys and phone, and wide shoulder straps to distribute the weight throughout your chest and upper body.
Rave review: "Pretty good for the price. I bought this to wear during bootcamp and it does make it more challenging. Great purchase!" —Julia, amazon.com
Made of chloroprene rubber, this vest is breathable and soft. It has an adjustable buckle strap to tighten the vest across your chest and reflective strips for safety on both sides, in case you want to get your sweat session in during low-light conditions.
Rave review: "Bounce is negligible, hardly noticeable; does not distract at all. Comfortable on the shoulders and a little stretchy, but not too stretchy. Good weight distribution. It does not feel heavy in any one spot." —Angela, amazon.com
Want to make your runs a little more challenging? This is the vest for you. Henkelion’s running vest distributes weight across your back and shoulders, while padded straps help keep you comfortable. A mesh pocket in the back allows you to add extra weight—or store your stuff while you log miles.
Rave review: "The adjustability of this vest is great. I can see it fitting a lot of different size people. It's not so bulky that you hate wearing it and it's no too low on the waist. Honestly with the strap adjustment on the chest, it fits me great." —Autumn, amazon.com
For those times you want to unleash your inner G.I. Jane, there’s this camo weighted vest. It has an elastic belt around the middle to help give you a snug fit and comes with with removable inserts so you can adjust the amount of weight for totally customized vest.
Another cool perk: This pick even has a built-in water bottle holder, making it the perfect weighted running vest.
Rave review: "Generally I am quite impressed. It doesn't seem to rub (and I wear it with tank tops), the material is easy to wipe down after a gross workout, and it definitely makes any workout exponentially more difficult." —Danielle, amazon.com
When you're ready to take your burpees, pushups, and other bodyweight exercise up a notch, throw on this weighted vest. At 10 (or 20) pounds, it'll be just enough to keep you seeing gains from those basic moves over time.
Rave review: "Works great. I bought mine about a year ago, and it's still in great shape. It is very comfortable. It stays secure to your body when you run/exercise, so there it's no bouncing around which it's nice."—Charla, amazon.com
This weighted vest is designed specifically for women, instead of being a smaller version of a men's vest. It's designed by women to fit curves comfortably. Use it for running, strength training, CrossFit, you name it!
Rave review: "My workouts with the vest are challenging, and I sweat a lot. Without the vest, I'm faster and my workouts are a breeze. So it does increase your strength and endurance."— Shani, amazon.com
This one is super simple to use and comfy for day-to-day wear. The 11 lb. version is great to sport on a long hike or even just around the house!
Rave review: "As soon as I put it on, I instantly felt my posture correct. I use it daily around the house and [running] errands to strengthen my upper back. I also wear it when I work out for the added challenge." —Manda, amazon.com
For the past 18 months, Women’s Health editors, including our fitness editor Jennifer Nied and executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, reviewed the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated recovery weighted vests. Our team consulted multiple certified personal trainers, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best 11 vests for a wide range of workouts and budgets.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
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