Regardless of the type of workout you enjoy, there’s always a way to make it more challenging. One easy way to get your heart pumping faster so you can level up is by wearing a weighted vest. The additional load will push you past your comfort zone so you won’t be complacent with your standard gym routine.
By strapping on a weighted vest, you’ll turn any fitness activity you’re doing into a resistance exercise. It’s a convenient way to add an x-factor to your workout without having to alter your form or change the routine drastically. It will also help you mentally because when you get used to doing your normal workout while wearing a weighted vest, you’ll be phenomenal at it when you do it without the extra pounds. We know tracking down any type of quality fitness gear can be a time-consuming activity, so we’re here to save you time by providing you with a list of the best-weighted vests for every workout.
Primer
Develop Explosive Strength
Whether you want to build explosiveness, increase your upper and lower body strength, or enhance your core, a weighted vest is one of your best options. The additional weight will force you to work harder and really hone in on the technique of the drill or exercise you’re doing. Carrying extra weight as you’re exercising will also build your endurance, allowing you to run for a longer duration, box more rounds, or swim extra laps.
A weighted vest will fit over your shoulders, distributing the weight evenly on your upper body, making them safer than hauling around a backpack during a hike. They’re also adjustable, allowing you to match the weight with your comfort level at the moment. Weighted vests are generally safe to use, however, we still do recommend consulting your physician before incorporating the additional pounds into your workout routine. When you get the approval, we suggest you start out with a lighter load and work your way up. You don’t want to jump the gun and load up the vest right away, as it will increase your chances of getting injured.
Choosing A Vest
Even though it seems like you can choose any weighted vest to incorporate in your workout, not all weighted vests are made the same. Having said that, there are specific details you should be looking for when you’re tracking down the quintessential chest rig for your preferred workout. Before we jump into the list of best weighted vests for every workout, let’s briefly go over what makes a quality training vest.
Adjustability: Chances are you’ll be using the vest for a variety of drills and exercises, so having the ability to adjust the weight is a crucial factor. In addition, you also want to find out how quickly you can change the weight. If it takes you more than a few minutes to increase or decrease the pounds, your workout momentum will definitely slow down.
Comfort: When it comes to any type of workout gear or equipment, comfort is critical. If the weighted vest doesn’t fit well, you’ll be distracted throughout your routine, losing the focus you need for a successful workout. We highly recommend trying the weighted chest rig on before making a commitment. With e-commerce shopping, you can always order the vest to try it on and return it if it doesn’t fit well.
Material: On your search for a workout vest, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of a material that can endure intense workouts. Ideally, you’ll want a vest that’s both sweat- and tear-resistant. If you find one that’s anti-microbial, you should move it up higher on your consideration list. You’ll also want to make sure the weights are made of neoprene or coated metal for rust protection.
Security: Most weighted vests will fit over your shoulders and are secured across the body via zips, straps, or clips. We suggest you try on the vest and test it out by moving around to see how securely the vest fits. When the weighted vest is strapped on, it shouldn’t restrict movement or hinder your breathing, but rather have a secure fit.
Running
In choosing the perfect weighted chest rig for running, you want to hone in on a vest with reflective material and a lower weight capacity. It should also have a snug fit and be relatively thin for a wide range of motion.
RUNFast Adjustable Weighted Vest
This may be one of the more affordable weighted vests on the market, but it certainly gives you more bang for your buck. Choose from 12 to 40lbs to secure on the vest, depending on how difficult you want your run to be. It features a dedicated smartphone pocket, a spot for your earphones, and a water bottle holder, so you can take all of your running essentials when you train for your next marathon. It even comes with a belt attached to it for easy, quick setup.
Pure Fitness Adjustable Weighted Vest
Add resistance to your running routine with the Pure Fitness vest and increase your leg power. The vest is fully adjustable with a maximum weight of 40lbs, which can be adjusted in 0.88-pound increments via 43 pieces. To help you stay visible at night, the workout gear is made with reflective nylon and Terylene trim. With a slender construction, the Pure Fitness vest won’t distract you during your run route, allowing you to focus on breaking your personal record.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro
With Hyper Vest Pro’s patented design, you’ll be able to add weight easily as you level up. The thin profile is ideal for a liberating range of motion while you run, and the flexible side lacing allows you to adjust the fit to your exact preferences. Also, the breathable vest is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, allowing you to stay dry while you cover a few miles for the day. It even has open side panels for excellent ventilation for runs under the blazing sun. Increase the weight of this piece of gear in 2.25-ounce increments.
Cross-Fit
If cross-fit is your fitness activity of choice, you’ll need a weighted vest with a wide range of load options. The exercise vest should also have a slender design and ample ventilation so you won’t feel completely drenched in your own sweat. And, you want to find an exercise chest rig you can move comfortably in while you’re cycling through exercises.
Harbinger Weight Vest
Adjustable in one pound increments with a maximum weight of 20lbs, the Harbinger Weight Vest is built to be secure, allowing you to perform a variety of exercises you’ll encounter in cross-fit sessions. The weights included are impact-resistant and the contoured design of the attire allows for excellent mobility and range of motion. It also has an abrasion-resistant outer shell complete with dual-padded shoulders and chest for extra comfort. Slip it on and wrap the straps around your core.
Cap Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
Made with a breathable mesh and adjustable clips to fit well to your body type, the Cap Barbell weighted vest is the perfect cross-fit companion to help you burn more calories during your routine. It can hold up to 40lbs and is made with neoprene padding for superior comfort while you conquer your workout. Each steel-shot packet weighs 0.75lbs so you can adjust the vest as needed based on the intensity you’re willing to withstand. It also comes with an integrated pocket for your smartphone and reflective safety strips if you end up training at night.
Mir Adjustable Weighted Vest
The Mir Adjustable Weighted Vest has a 60-pound weight limit, which you get up to in 3-pound increments. It’s only 11 inches long with double padding throughout the vest for exceptional support, in addition to a narrow shoulder design, so you can move freely during both cardio and strength fitness training. Not to mention, the Mir was an official sponsor of the 2017 CrossFit Games.
Strength Training
If you’re looking for a weighted vest for strength training, you first need to focus on the durability of the material. Abrasion-resistant fabric and sturdy construction are what you’ll be looking to see. The consummate strength training weight vest will also have heavier weight options so you can increase your power overall.
5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
Boasting a design enhanced for comfort and freedom of movement, the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier ensures exceptional functionality. It’s made with abrasion-resistant 500D nylon with a water-resistant coating, oversized airflow panels, and back yoke shoulder pads to distribute weight throughout your body evenly. For a custom fit, the vest has waist and tensional bands, providing you with a secure fit while you lift heavy.
Rogue Fitness Condor Sentry Plate Carrier
This minimal-bulk plate carrier is a high-performance weighted vest that provides you with a custom fit for heavy lifting. It has a lightweight 1.5-pound design when unloaded, hook-and-loop webbing, adjustable shoulder straps, and padded mesh interior lining. It fits anyone with a waist between 30 and 46 inches. Made in America, this ergonomically designed vest is based on military and police bulletproof vests.
The BOX Weight Vest
Designed for gym use, you can pack up to 100lbs on the BOX Weight Vest to go beast mode on deadlifts, curls, squats, and more. Made in the USA, this moisture-resistant vest has fully padded shoulders for a snug fit and an easily adjustable clamp-belt system. According to Weight Vest, the BOX will never sag, stretch, or fall apart. And fitness freaks can rejoice because it comes with a lifetime warranty.
How To Use A Foam Roller
If you’re going to push yourself to the max with a weighted vest, you’re going to need to spend some extra time on recovery. Luckily for you, there’s an easy way to help your body recover from a brutal workout, but you’ll need to know how to use use a foam roller to make it happen.
