I spent a week testing a weighted vest during my workouts—here’s why it’s staying in my routine

As the days shorten each year, workouts begin to feel more like a burden. Like any other task, I’m always looking for ways to get more out of less time. Enter weighted vests. You’ve likely seen them pop up on your social feeds (including Mytour’s Instagram page) and wondered if they truly make a difference in your workout. (I had the same question!) So, I did what I do best when I have fitness queries: I asked my trainer Miriam Fried, the founder and head trainer at MF Strong.

Luckily for me (since I had already purchased this 12-pound option to try), Fried is a fan of weighted vests. “What I love about a weighted vest is that it’s an excellent addition to workouts you’re probably already doing!”

Zelus Weighted Vest with Reflective Stripes

Fried suggests that as long as you 'ease into the weight and intensity,' a weighted vest can be a great addition to your workout. It can boost cardiovascular effort during walks, intensify strength exercises like lunges, push-ups, or pull-ups, and even serve as a helpful alternative if an injury prevents you from using dumbbells or heavier weights.

As a fan of walking for exercise, I was intrigued when I learned that using a weighted vest could enhance the cardio benefits of my walks. 'Like any exercise, it's important to start slow and gradually increase the weight and intensity,' says Fried. Keeping this in mind, I decided to wear my new vest during a 30-minute neighborhood walk with a coffee in hand to get a feel for it before jumping into a full workout.

The vest is extremely comfortable and easy to wear. The armholes are spacious enough to avoid any chafing, and the weight is well-balanced, so it never feels like it's digging into my shoulders. Its low profile also allows me to wear it under a sweatshirt. It stays in place without shifting or making noise, to the point where the first time I wore it out, I almost forgot I had it on.

I thought the vest would weigh me down and tire me out, but it was surprisingly subtle—similar to increasing your treadmill speed by just 0.1 mile per hour. Normally, I feel more mental benefits than physical ones from a short walk, but this time, thanks to the extra weight, I worked up more of a sweat and felt a noticeable increase in cardiovascular intensity.

A few days later, I took a longer walk in the park to see how the vest would affect a more extended workout. I aimed for 10,000 steps, about 5 miles. This time, I definitely noticed the vest, especially when climbing a couple of steep hills. Compared to my regular walks, I reached the top feeling more out of breath and with my heart pumping harder—a clear indication that I was benefiting from the added cardio boost I was seeking.

After using the vest for a few weeks, I can already tell it’s going to be a key part of my workout routine. Besides wearing it on walks, I’ve also incorporated it into bodyweight exercises like planks for an added challenge. Once the weather gets colder, I plan to take it to the gym with me to enhance my 12-3-30 treadmill workouts.

If you're considering getting a weighted vest, Fried suggests opting for one with plenty of adjustability. 'Ideally, choose a vest that allows you to add or remove weight as necessary,' she said. 'This way, you can begin with a lighter load and gradually increase the weight over time.' She also recommends looking for a vest that can be adjusted to fit your body, with most featuring adjustable chest straps to ensure it stays secure without discomfort.

Thinking of trying out this trend for yourself? Explore other weighted vests with various designs and weight options on Amazon to start enhancing your walks and workouts.

Zelus Weighted Vest with 6 Ironsand Weights

Fuff Adjustable Weighted Vest for Enhanced Performance

Cap Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest for Customizable Resistance Training

Heikeen Weighted Vest with Reflective LED Belt and Outdoor Headlamp for Night Visibility