experience with weighted vests

goldinarmz · 03-30-2007, 05:22 PM

Hey guys,

Disclosure: I've used the search function and found nothing on this topic.

Now that that is out of the way, lets begin:

Has anybody had any experience with using various brands of weighted vests for conditioning?
If so, what brand is good, and have you found there any cons to running with weighted vests (other than it being harder on the joints)?

nomilkforsanta · 03-31-2007, 04:42 AM

they have their time and place...(i.e. plyometeric micro cycles), however, used for daily running or daily plyometric work it will be HARD on your joints.

Just talk to your local 700lb fat man..ask him how his kneees feel.

PT Sandman · 03-31-2007, 12:16 PM

There is a difference between a 700lb man, and jogging with a 20lb vest.

godzillad · 03-31-2007, 02:23 PM

Just don't swim with it on.

Ninjutsu Master · 03-31-2007, 06:23 PM

wut r u talking about? everybody knows lead floats.

h7jb7sg1e · 03-31-2007, 09:20 PM

BEWARE do not get the Xvest brand weight vest, they have insanely long lead times and horrible customer service, they charge you for shipping and i can speak with foresight cause i've been through it. Also their design is waterproof which is cool but not worth it unless swimming is your bread and butter cardio.

I have the VMax 100-lb weight vest. its a 75-lb long vest with an additional 25-lb weight vest attachment. It is very stable and comfortable. However there are some things to consider. It took me 5 months to go from 50-lbs to the full 100-lbs. for weighted stairs (in my building), treadmill on incline, and steppers. I use it also for weighted dips, hangs (from a pull-up bar), horizontal pull-ups, pushups, roman chairs, hyperextensions. I've also done suicides on a BB court with them.

when you first put it on you may want to start off with 20/25 lbs. if not your traps will be very sore the first month of use. Also, overheating is a big problem that has both to do with the design and you body acclimating to the gear, drink plenty of water. keep your workout short and sweet over 45 minutes if your a pro or like pain... 20 to 30 minutes is good for me. As far as the weight itself it is heavy but you will get used to it. In the first 2 months I increased my pushups from 35 to 50 nothing major but nice. A cosmetic change has been the loss of about 2-3 inches around the biggest part of my waist without losing weight. I have the strap at the tighest setting. Vmax version is one size fits all, but they do have special vests for women, and certain sports.

On a final note two accessories that might be helpful are an extra strap and a running pad. I might order a pair of extra straps to have as spares. I personally feel I don't need the running pad but same my like the added comfort.

justinnnn · 04-01-2007, 01:42 PM

Ive thaught about buying one.

h7jb7sg1e · 04-01-2007, 09:14 PM

The Xvest brand claims you can swim with it. But I didn't want to wait 6 months to find out (as stated before they have insane lead times and never give you a ship date, just wierd stories about delays).

Gifted Striker · 04-02-2007, 07:03 AM

I've seen guys using this with weighted vest, very low impact.

Also heard running on the beach (i.e. on sand) makes them less harsh on the joints. Problem is, I never see anyone wearing one consistantly.

goldinarmz · 04-02-2007, 08:02 PM

thanks for all the input guys, especially you h7...i'm def going to check out v-max
cheers
goldin