Want to challenge your usual running routine? Look for a weighted vest. There are several features, benefits, and more to think about before using one, however. To help you find the best weighted vests for running, we examined those aspects and others.
The following five weight vests are highly suitable for running
- RUNFast/Max Pro Weighted Vest
- ZFOsports Adjustable Weighted Vest
- Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro
- Cross 101 Adjustable Weighted Vest
- Everlast Weighted Vest
Considerations Before Buying a Weighted Vest
There are dozens of weighted vests on the market designed in assorted styles for various uses. As they are not made the same, you need to ensure that you have one designed for running. Here are some factors to think about that will help you find the right weighted vest for your needs.
Design Options
You have a few options when looking for a weighted vest for running. Consider how they’re weighted. Some are designed with the user’s comfort in mind, so the weights are made with material that conforms to the wearer’s body. Others place a heavier focus on the weights themselves, so they may not feel well against the body.
There are some vests where you can easily take out or add additional weight. You can also find vests that come with pre-set weights. Which one works best for you depends on your personal fitness goals.
More along with the fit, most of these vests are a “one-size-fits-all” situation. If you’re looking for some flexibility, consider vests where you can choose the size or just look for an adjustable weighted vest, as a tight fit is a key factor when working out, especially for running.
Advantages of Wearing a Weighted Vest
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), just walking while wearing a weighted vest can increase the intensity of your workout. It makes sense for that intensity to be pushed even further when you run.
If you’re looking to add a level of muscle conditioning on top of your aerobic cardio routine, then these vests can serve you well. For one thing, it can push your cardiovascular system. The extra weight alerts your body you must push harder when you run. This can help develop your oxygen consumption and even your VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake of your body—provided you train consistently right below your lactate threshold) and improve breathing techniques.
Having your body respond to the extra weight can also work with improving your stamina. It can also increase the number of calories you’ll burn during a run. Further advantages include musculoskeletal benefits. There’s a greater level of demand placed on your muscles when you run with the vest, but beyond making them stronger, the vest also boosts the weight load through your bones. Subsequently, your osteoblast cells are stimulated to increase bone mass.
How to Use a Weighted Vest
If you’ve never run before while wearing a weighted vest, it’s easy to wear it wrong. Doing so can harm your workout and yourself.
One of the key things to remember when wearing a weighted vest is that you don’t want to start off with too much weight. An excessive load on your body can negatively impact your run. So, weigh accordingly to both your own body weight and your level of fitness, and perhaps most importantly your running skills.
Also, you should consider the weights according to your plan. Are you looking to jog? Run? Sprint? Different weights work better for each one. If you want to develop some explosive power in a sprint, consider increasing the weight. For a simple jog, however, it isn’t necessary to go over 12lbs in most cases.
Though many people rather use their weighted vest for running on a treadmill during their home workouts. If you train at home using other equipment as well and plan on doing giant sets when you rotate between exercises, then you are bound to stay there. In that case, make sure your treadmill can withstand the extra load and check its weight capacity. Replacing a motor is quite painful.
A weighted vest should also be comfortable. Naturally, many are made rather large to accommodate the weights. Try to find vests that are not overly bulky as to get in the way of your running. Also, what may be considered large to one person is small to another, so test out a vest before exercising in it.
In addition, ensure that you have proper breathability in the vest. You don’t want to overwork and overheat yourself while wearing this. Another way to wear this properly is by making sure it’s actually secure. The vest may move somewhat, but it shouldn’t bounce all over the place.
Proper Running Form
Although there are great advantages to wearing a weighted vest while running, you should consider other factors beforehand. There is the potential for joint-related problems for some people whether you have an injury or suffer from ailments like arthritis.
Running already places stresses on the joints; adding extra weight increases that stress. If you’re unsure you can handle it without pain or discomfort, start out light and go for an easy jog, if possible on a rubber running track or soft surface. You can build yourself up to longer, more intense runs with heavier weights as your body gets used to the sensation.
Above all, don’t use a weighted vest if you have a bad running form. In that case, you should not even be running until the check and approval of an expert on your running technique and efficiency. You need to understand running mechanics and have a soft landing with each stride with the right alignment of each of your joints in order to prevent spinal, knee or ankle issues to mention a few.
If you are a beginner runner you might want to start against an uphill. That is a lot more joint-friendly option than a horizontal, let alone a declined surface. Numerous experts deem Pose running technique to be the best way for teaching the right posture and mechanics for running. However—as is the case usually—another study warns against Pose running, claiming that it straight degrades the natural running economy. Best is to try yourself.
Also, understand that some weighted vests are geared toward advanced users rather than beginners. These vests tend to be heavier and lack a focus on comfort. You should never start out with such a vest if you’ve never worn one before.
No matter what, just listen to your body; if it feels too much, either remove some weight or take it off. These vests should not be worn all the time while exercising. A few times every now and then should be more than enough.
The Best Weighted Vests for Running
Though almost any weighted vest can be used while you run, there are some that are more beneficial for this exact workout than others. Below you will find reviews on five products in an effort to find the best weighted vest for running.
RUNFast/Max Pro Weighted Vest
Adjusting the weights in the RUNFast/Max Pro Vest is simple. You can personalize it as well as they have different options that range from 12lbs to 60lbs. The extra weights are made soft as well. This can help those who may worry that a weighted vest constricts your breathing, especially considering this vest is a bit bulky; these types of weights feel well enough that they won’t overwhelm you.
More on the line of comfort, the vest is made with dual straps. These straps provide a secure fit so that it’s not slipping or bouncing around. The Velcro is also made durable so the vest lasts longer.
There are some problems with the weight distribution though. You’ll feel this more in your shoulders rather than your hips due to the setup of the vest. There’s the option for shoulder pads to help with that.
Pros:
- Versatile use in weights
- Secure
- Shoulder pads
Cons:
- Uneven weight distribution
- Bulky
ZFOsports Adjustable Weighted Vest
The ZFOsports Weighted Vest is designed with everyone in mind. Though it does look to be on the large size, it can still provide a good fit, just perhaps not for simple jogs.
The vest fastens well enough, and it contours to give you a snug, yet still breathable fit. There is somewhat of a bounce on your shoulders while you run, however.
Handling the straps can be tough as there isn’t much in terms of instructions. Even still, you can adjust the actual weights with ease. As an added bonus, this weighted vest comes with additional pockets to serve your workout better. You can fit your phone or other music device as well as have a spot designated for a water bottle.
Pros:
- Contoured fit all around
- Premium features (e.g. extra pockets)
- Adjusts well
Cons:
- Can bounce off shoulders
- Hard to initially set up straps
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro Unisex Adjustable Weighted Vest
Out of all the options listed here, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro is one of the rare weighted vests that allow you to choose a size.
You can select from five different sizes from Small to XX-Large. This gives the vest more versatility in terms of who can wear it.
Another trait that differentiates this vest from others is that it doesn’t feature the likes of straps in order to secure it. Rather, it uses a unique, adjustable side lacing that not only ensures it won’t move, but it helps form the body for a more comfortable experience.
The entire profile is slim in design, which makes this weighted vest a go-to option for those who are looking for something that won’t get in the way. The material could do with being more durable as it’s prone to tearing. With the side lace, you are also given plenty of breathability. Additionally, it uses wicking fabric to fight off sweat. The actual load is 10lb weights. To add more, they must be purchased separately, so there isn’t much challenge to start off with.
Pros:
- Different sizes
- Comfortable
- Breathes well
Cons:
- Limited weights offered
- Fabric isn’t that durable
Cross 101 Adjustable Weighted Vest
Those looking to use the Cross 101 Weighted Vest should be more advanced in their workouts; beginners may struggle somewhat with this.
This vest can get up to 40lbs, and the weights themselves are made from Iron Ore. These are known to not be as comfortable as other weights, but the vest focuses on performance more than anything.
The vest does offer full range of motion in spite of how it looks. Designed as a one-size-fit-all, the vest can still adjust rather well. However, it may be too much for smaller athletes to wear, but those with a larger build may find good use in this.
Much of the quality can be seen in the entire make of the vest. The material is well-made, and it should last you some time. However, it is known to rub while you run, so take some caution.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Durable
- Easy to put on/take off
Cons:
- Awkward size
- Material can rub
Everlast Weighted Vest
Everlast has made a weighted vest that is generally comfortable and fits well. The neoprene vest has built-in weights that are a mixture of sand and ore.
This combination allows you to feel relatively at ease with the weights against your body. They shouldn’t rub or cause any friction while you run.
The vest maxes out to 20lbs. It isn’t much, but it may work better if you’re looking to lightly workout with a simple run or jog. For sizing, it’s universal. The security sake, there is the “Evergrip” technology with textured panels underneath to limit the movement seen in the vest. The adjustable straps on either side help keep the vest in place too.
Some of its durability remains questionable, however. Tears can occur near the weights, which can cause sand or beads to spill out.
Pros:
- Slim design
- Limited movement
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Questionable durability
- Limited weight
Conclusion
Though you can find use in all the products we explored, we feel the best weighted vest for running is the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro. It is easy to put on thanks to its zipper design, and you can even be selective when choosing one as it has five different size options.
The vest also has a thin design. This allows for a greater level of comfort, something that can aid you in running longer without chaffing. The side lacing also adds a great amount of breathability to it, and the fabric can wick away moisture to keep you comfortable. It’s a good vest for beginners and for you to use when you improve as you can add weights to it. Overall, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro is ideal if you want to add some more challenge to your usual run without overwhelming yourself.
