A weight vest is an adjustable vest outfitted with pockets containing small square-shaped weights. Made to accommodate both beginner exercisers and professional weight trainers, weight vests weigh from 10 to 80 lb., depending on the size of the weights in the pockets. Wearing a weight vest while exercising builds endurance and muscles because it forces the body to exert itself more during exercise.
Back Support
Weight vests provide structural support for back muscles that frequently experience strain during exercise sessions. In addition, these vests incorporate adjustable straps that adhere to the exact shape of your chest and back area. Evenly distributed support facilitates movement, reducing the chance of back strain or muscle inflammation.
Metabolic Benefits
If you exercise while wearing a weight vest, your muscles need to work harder to move your body, whether you are jogging or engaged in simple toe touches. This extra effort motivates your metabolic system into accessing more energy that your cells store in the form of glycogen and fat. This means you burn fat and calories at the same time, strengthen muscles and increase endurance.
Bone Health
Exercise benefits bone health by building bone density and delaying osteoporosis. When you wear a weight vest during exercise sessions, the added exertion sends more oxygen-rich blood to the bones and muscles than when you exercise without a weight vest. This increase of oxygen-rich blood facilitates bone growth.
Resistance Training
Resistance training involves using the musculoskeletal system to build muscle mass, endurance and strength. Weightlifting and some calisthenics such as pushups are forms of resistance training. Wearing a heavily weighted vest of more than 50 lb. greatly amplifies resistance effort, causing muscles to maximize their strength potential. In addition, your metabolism rapidly burns hundreds of calories, eliminating unwanted fat.
Suggestions
As a beginner, start out small -- use a weight vest of around 10 lb. Allow your muscles to build strength and endurance before you add heavier weights. As with any new exercise regimen involving forms of resistance training, check with your physician to ensure no prior health problems exist.
Member Comments