Quite often, working out with your own bodyweight can already seem like a challenge, however, there are days when we really want to challenge ourselves and increase the intensity of the workout; a perfect way to achieve this is use the weighted vest!
Even one simple jog, wearing this weighted vest, can feel like a workout 10 times heavier, but what are the advantages of running with the vest?
Let's find out together!
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What is a Weighted Vest?
Simply put, it is a vest equipped with pockets that allow you to add or remove weight. There are many types; some contain metal plates, while others use lighter weights.
These vests fit snugly to the body and the weight can be adjusted by inserting, for example, small sandbags or weights.
Wear the weight vest it can be useful for performing many stationary exercises, but also for moving activities, such as running.
Benefits of running with the vest
While adding a weighted vest to running has many benefits, it's good to pay attention to your body; if you start to feel the stress of the extra weight, you need to give yourself a break.
We have to proceed step by step. Let's see the main benefits of using the vest while running:
- cardiovascular gain: running half a km without the vest might make you tired a little, but running the same distance with the vest will greatly increase your heart rate; the extra resistance created by the vest causes the body to work harder, the lungs will be stronger, as will the body's ability to use oxygen.
- once you remove the vest you are able to run faster and longer as the body is now conditioned to do more.
- miglior force and resistance: in addition to improving heart health and capacity, running with the vest helps improve strength and endurance; the body has to adapt to running with more weight and the muscles have to work harder. In addition to running, you will also notice benefits in sprinting, jumping and explosive movements, which will be easier to manage.
- versatility: CrossFit® athletes know this word very well; instead of training to become good at one thing, trains the body to be able to do many movements and activities; however, it is easy for the body to get used to it and the movements are no longer stimulating. Wearing the vest is an easy way to surprise the body and make it work harder
- strong and healthy bones: Bones have to bear a greater load and over time this can make them stronger and denser.
- best balance: running in the vest offers benefits when it comes to helping you find and maintain your center of gravity.
Tips for running with the vest
- Start slowly and in small steps: start with the vest empty with no extra weights; after getting used to it, add light weights and progress gradually, always listening to your body.
- Distribute weight evenly: if the weight of the jacket is not distributed evenly, at best you will feel discomfort and at worst you risk losing your balance and being injured; the load must be uniform from one side to the other.
- Start on flat ground: Before you start running in hills or mountains, try it on the road or on level ground. The slope is already challenging and if you are new to the vest, add one obstacle at a time to your ride.