For Lindsay Sheridan and Ashley Seelbach, the decision to add weighted vests to their four-mile walks came after learning about potential health benefits through social media.
“We follow a lot of people who commented on the importance of core strength, and especially in women getting older, so osteoporosis,” Seelbach said.
Sheridan added, “We are walking anyway, so let’s pump it up a little bit.”
Sheridan and Seelbach began with 11 pounds and found that even small increases in weight can make a significant difference.
“The difference between 11 and 13 (pounds) is kind of drastic,” Seelbach said.
Nick Parkinson, supervisor of athletic training at Henry Ford Health, emphasizes the importance of a cautious approach when incorporating weighted vests into fitness routines.
“What people should know is they should approach it cautiously, just make sure you’re doing things kind of slowly and building up into the weighted vest and your exercises,” he said.
Parkinson regularly uses weighted vests in his training.
The versatile fitness tool offers multiple health advantages, including improved bone density, enhanced core strength, and increased endurance, he said.
Beyond walking, weighted vests can enhance various exercises.
Parkinson recommends incorporating them into activities such as squats, lunges, and push-ups to increase resistance and build strength.
Not everyone should rush to try weighted vests.
Parkinson advises against their use for individuals recovering from injuries or those new to fitness routines.
“People should avoid them if you’re coming back from injury. Again, talking with their rehab professional, talking with that health care provider that you’re working with to see if it’s appropriate for you,” he said.
Those with lower body injuries or joint problems should be particularly cautious.
The additional weight can increase stress on joints and potentially exacerbate existing conditions.
For those interested in trying weighted vests, the investment is relatively modest.
Basic models start at $20 to $30, with prices increasing based on features and quality.
Parkinson recommends starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing as strength and comfort improve.
Sheridan and Seelbach remember feeling self-conscious when first wearing weighted vests in public.
“You feel silly. I think our first time, we’re like, yeah, are we gonna walk with our vests? And we wore them underneath sweatshirts,” Seelbach recalled.
“We definitely were kind of concealing. This feels weird,” Sheridan added.
“Now we openly wear them and are feeling more confident about it because we can feel the difference,” Seelbach said.
