Weighted Vests: The Latest Fitness Craze or Just a Fad?

2025-08-05 06:00:30.671

Weighted vests, once primarily associated with 'rucking,' have exploded in popularity. Celebrities, fitness instructors, and influencers are promoting them, particularly among menopausal women for their purported benefits in muscle strength and bone density. The vests, typically weighing 5-30lbs, add resistance to workouts. Experts recommend starting with 5-10% of body weight and gradually increasing. While they can be used during various activities, walking is ideal due to the upright posture. One trial showed that wearing a 16lb vest for 30-minute treadmill walks increased intensity, challenging balance and core strength. Benefits include increased muscle use, calorie burning, and potential bone density improvement (though research is limited). Risks include joint strain and improper posture if the weight is too heavy or worn for too long. While the writer found the vest added intensity to their workouts, they concluded it wasn't a superior alternative to traditional strength training.