Do you want to make your daily run more challenging? Do you want to improve your endurance, your cardiovascular health, and burn some extra calories in the process?
Running is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Running regularly will lead to a leaner, stronger and healthier body. But as you get in better shape, it becomes easier and less of a challenge. Eventually, a couple of miles is just your warm-up, and the nearest 10k will be on your radar. You’ll reach a point where running becomes almost too easy, and you can begin to feel like you aren’t improving anything when you train. This is where a weight vest can be beneficial.
If you feel like you’re not getting enough of a workout when you run, or you’re trying to break through a weight-loss plateau, wearing a weighted vest can increase the challenge by adding a few pounds to your bodyweight. You won’t need much, about 10% of your bodyweight will do. The best weight vests for running are the ones that fit well and allow for plenty of mobility.
What About Ankle Weights?
Many people who enjoy walking will sometimes wear ankle weights to increase their overall calorie burn. Running and sprints, however, should not be performed while wearing ankle weights. The placement of the additional weight puts your knees at risk of a hyperextension injury and is not recommended.
Related Reading: Weight Vests vs Ankle Weights
A weighted vest fits snugly on the upper torso and distributes the weight evenly across your body. It will give you the extra challenge you need without the risk of injury.
Benefits of Running in a Weight Vest
Cardiovascular
The primary benefit of running is it improves your cardiovascular system – the ability of your heart to pump blood through your body to supply oxygen to your muscles – but there are plenty of other good reasons to go for a run. For a great, in-depth list of the benefits of running check out this article over at runnersworld.com
Metabolic
Wearing a weighted vest while running will help you burn more calories and lose more weight. Why? Because it forces your body to work harder. You’ve probably heard of or seen the show “The Biggest Loser” right? The contestants on the show are somehow able to lose double-digit pounds in just a week or two. So how do they do it? Most of those people weigh over 200 pounds, some over even 300, let’s call the average 250. So how much do you weigh? Imagine putting on a vest that brought your total weight up to 250 pounds. How much harder would your legs have to work to stand up, your core to keep yourself stable, you’d struggle just to walk!
Physics 101 – “Work” is calculated by multiplying Force times Distance. The Force is applied by your muscles working to move your weight and the Distance is how much you move.
The more weight you carry, the harder your body has to work, and that translates to more calories burned. This is also why as you start to lose weight and get in better shape, it becomes increasingly difficult to see more results. The less you weigh, the less work your body is performing. Here’s where the weight vest comes in handy. When you add more weight back into the equation, you start burning more calories again!
Three Great Weighted Vests For Running
1. RUNFast Pro Weighted Vest
The RUNFast weighted vest is our overall top rated vest at STE. It’s obviously designed for running but it’s adjustability and weight capacity makes it a versatile option that can be used for strength training as well.
RUNFast is a well-known and trusted brand. The Pro Weighted Vest is another of their well-built products and comes loaded with plenty of extra features:
- Available in a variety of weight classes from 12 – 60 lbs.
- Includes shoulder padding for added comfort
- Adjustable straps make it an easy fit for most sizes
- Constructed of sturdy, durable ballistic nylon.
- Features a front pocket for phone and headphone outlet
- Features pocket/strap for water bottle
Pros
- Flexible and easy to move in
- Durable
- Fits snugly to your body and stays in place during workouts
- Weight is adjustable
- Has a pocket for your phone
- Includes Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Fits most sizes, but can be too small for extremely overweight individuals
- Shoulder straps can put a strain on shoulders if using for very long walks or hiking
2. Strength Sport Systems Weight Vest
This vest is designed for adults and teens. It includes shoulder pads, adjustable straps over the shoulders, and a super strong Velcro strap around the waist. It stays in place and fits very well when properly adjusted to your body.
Pros
- One size fits most
- Various color/design choices
- Durable Construction
- Waterproof pocket for storage
- Comfortable
- Fully Adjustable
- Great weight distribution
Cons
- Not machine washable
3. Aduro Sport Weight Vest
The Aduro Sport vest sports a sleek look that adjusts to the shape of your body. It’s adjustable straps and neoprene construction keep the vest in place during your workout while also achieving a comfortable fit. In lieu of sandbags which can hold odor, the weight is added by the use of iron pellets. The vest’s integrated pocket allows you to keep your smartphone on you so you can enjoy some music during a run.
Pros
- The buckles in the front are adjustable to fit most sizes
- The neoprene material is soft and breathable and also helps keep the vest in place while working out
- The weight is evenly distributed on the front and back of the vest for a natural feel
- Weight comes in the form of iron pellets that won’t hold odor the way sandbags can
- Mesh pocket on the back can hold a cell phone so you can listen to your playlist while working out
- The weight is built into the vest for added durability
Cons
- The weight itself is not adjustable.
- Not machine-washable.
Summary
Running is a great way to keep your cardiovascular system healthy and your body looking good. Adding a weighted vest will only further enhance these benefits and keep your runs challenging. Which vest you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences. These are all high quality vests and any of them would be a great addition to your routine. Pick the one that works best for you and enjoy the extra challenge next time you go for a run.
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