Y’all, I know. I’m late to the bandwagon on the weighted vests. If I’m completely honest, I was a true skeptic. In my head, I was envisioning all those 80s and 90s trends that promised to trim you up with minimal effort and Whitney Houston playing in the background. However, my therapist basically wrote me a prescription to get outside 20 minutes every day and just walk. And because I have very little chill {I’m an all or nothing type girl}, I was like, “How can I make this more difficult?” Insert the weighted vest.
When I tell you I was sold end of the first walk…I sweated more, I could feel my core engage, and perhaps even some glutes trying to pop. It was HARD, but in the best way. It didn’t hurt that I found one in purple, so that was cute. I posted to social about it (did you even work out if you didn’t post about it?) and I was shocked at the number of comments that rolled in for people equally obsessed as I am. I did a shallow dive on the benefits and they are numerous…
Here’s why I think a weighted vest is a great tool in your workout regimen:
- Low Impact – Sure, you can run in this vest, but you really, really don’t have to. You can receive the full benefits of walking but with resistance, without adding unnecessary stress to your knees. As a former runner who is over 40 (ahem, 45), and completely wrecked my knees running, this is fantastic option to feel like I get the true benefit of working out.
- Perfect for perimenopause/menopausal women – Listen, I’m in the crew and it is super rough on our bodies. Not only is a weighted vest walk great for your brain in general, but studies show that it helps to build bone density and help with your posture/core health as well. As we age, our bone density takes a super nosedive. This is a great way to remedy it.
- Faster Calorie Burn – We are busy moms. It is HARD to think of taking an hour plus out of your day for yourself and fitness. I get it. I want to lay on the couch most days and read. This allows me to get out for just 20 to 30 minutes and feel like I actually did something. And the best part? Most of the time that I talk myself into 20 minutes… I stay out for much longer than I intended.
So yeah. I kind of love this thing and it’s borderline obsessive, but so be it. There are worse things in life. The biggest question I got on socials was about which weight to choose. I went with an 8lb vest (choices are as low as 6lbs and up from there). I’m not in the best shape currently but my legs are still pretty strong, so I wasn’t starting from zero. I would say 8lbs was PLENTY for me. I do know other really fit friends who opted for a 12lb or 16lb. I think if I had gone that heavy, my walks would be 20 minutes maximum. So my best advice here is to be honest with yourself as to what kind of shape you are in and your cardio fit level, because I can attest that 8lbs will make you breathe heavier for sure.
Other thingsHouston Moms loves right now, just for fun!
Neck Cooling Tube RingAthletic Dress with Built-In Shorts
Allll the books: Favorite “These Summer Storms”
Magical Molecule {Heals bug bites, sunburn, and more!}
Conditioner Spray – especially great for summertime!
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