topic Re: Weighted Vest? in Wellness

Weighted Vest?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:21:10 GMT

DH and I are seniors. We aren't breaking any records but we try to walk regularly. I recently heard about weighted vests and thinking I might want one, to up my game and get better muscle tone - nothing crazy, maybe just a 10 lb. vest.

Does anyone use one? Does it make a difference or does it make walking too difficult?

Looking for some real life experiences and guidance.

Thanks

Re: Weighted Vest?

nycalady — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:07:10 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch I have a 9 pound one that I sometimes where around the house when steaming the floors & doing other housework. I occasionally use it for walking outside in the cooler months. I feel like it slows me down a bit when walking & I walk faster & further without it. I do some weight machines at the gym three times a week.

Re: Weighted Vest?

Zoe — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:12:08 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch My preference is similar to what @nycalady said.

Have an adjustable one where you can remove weights or add weights.

If I wear it all loaded up for my walk, I feel like it hinders me a bit. But I walk for pace. So I rarely wear it for those walks at its lowest weight, though it's getting too hot even for that!

Much prefer wearing my weighted vest around the house while cleaning or doing other exercises, sometimes while on my walking pad while working. During those times, I will likely wear it at or near its top weight -- and I definitely feel a difference.

Hope that helps.

Re: Weighted Vest?

CalminHeart — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:25:49 GMT

A vest seems like it'd be hot when it's nice enough to walk outside. I'm a senior and use weights that wrap around my wrists or ankles.

Re: Weighted Vest?

PhilaLady1 — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:42:16 GMT

My son has a weighted vest. I've never used it. He likes it but only in cooler weather. He's in great shape and wears it to walk my condo complex which is about 1 mile around. The weights are removable and in specially made pockets. The max is 60 lbs which is crazy! He usually walks with 25 or 30 lbs. So yes, he likes the vest, but uses it only in the evenings and in cooler temperatures.

Re: Weighted Vest?

Still Raining — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:13:42 GMT

I belong to two walking groups and none of us bother. Sort of a gimmick. Just do the weight training separately. And your stretching 😘

Re: Weighted Vest?

MoonieBaby — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:20:05 GMT

Do it! I’m 63 and wear a 10 or a 20 pound vest for walking, 10 for spring and summer and 20 for fall and winter. Takes a bit to get used to but once you Di its worth the effort. Bone health is a goal of mine as I age. Strength is the result from my training this way and I’m happy to invest in these vests and in my future.

Re: Weighted Vest?

wagirl — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:52:17 GMT

I have weighted hand weights--that you can wear on your wrists. think mine are 1 lb total weight and are very padded and not uncomfortable at all. I even wore them on my ankles too. they come in various weights . that might be something to think about. a weighted vest sounds way to hot and heavy for me---can imagine it would make me hunch over and make my shoulds/neck ache.

Re: Weighted Vest?

nambee — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:14:38 GMT

I started wearing a weighted vest about 10 years ago to help with my bone density. I wear it when I walk which is about 3 miles 5 times a week.

The vest I bought has individual weights that you can add to adjust the amount of weight. It is suggested that you start with a low weight and gradually increase. Top max for most women would be about 10 pounds.

It is important to make sure that the amount of weight is not so heavy that you topple over as you move and walk. Less is more until you know how it affects your movements. And I would suggest wearing it around the house when you first use it to see how you feel and if the weight is appropriate for you.

I see many people using them as they walk in our local park.

Re: Weighted Vest?

YanksFan — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:33:03 GMT

I also recommend the vests with removable weights. I find that the vest helps make me aware of my posture while I walk. It makes me notice when I slouch which prompts me to stand up straight and keep my shoulders back.

Re: Weighted Vest?

San Antonio Gal — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:58:40 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch - Have you thought about wearing the weights around your wrists or ankles? As others have stated, the vest could be hot during the spring/summer months?

Re: Weighted Vest?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:52 GMT

@San Antonio Gal wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch - Have you thought about wearing the weights around your wrists or ankles? As others have stated, the vest could be hot during the spring/summer months?

That's a good option for summer. It gets super hot and humid here. I used to have ankle weights when I was in high school.

Re: Weighted Vest?

Franklinbell — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:02:55 GMT

I have been using it for a while now, and I love it! Mine has the adjustable weights. It was money well spent for certain!!

Re: Weighted Vest?

SilleeMee — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:47:50 GMT

Ankle weights while walking can put stress on the knees. The weight pulls on the knee joint as you lift your feet while walking. It's not a good thing. Ankle weights are better for stationary type of exercises such as in a sitting or standing position.

I use a weighted belt while walking on my treadmill. Keeps the center of gravity central and that won't cause top-heavy balance stress on muscles that you don't want to overwork just to keep balanced.

Re: Weighted Vest?

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:59:35 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Ankle weights while walking can put stress on the knees. The weight pulls on the knee joint as you lift your feet while walking. It's not a good thing. Ankle weights are better for stationary type of exercises such as in a sitting or standing position.

I use a weighted belt while walking on my treadmill. Keeps the center of gravity central and that won't cause top-heavy balance stress on muscles that you don't want to overwork just to keep balanced.

Thanks, @SilleeMee. I've been investigating belts too. I haven't settled on anything yet. I get occasional knee pain so I should probably scrap the ankle weights idea.

Re: Weighted Vest?

tansy — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:29:45 GMT

One reason I was determined to lose weight years ago was to have less stress on my knee replacements and to protect my hips so a weighted vest seems counterproductive.

Re: Weighted Vest?

Zhills — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:00:17 GMT

My PT told me that walking keeps your muscles working but it takes....

Exercise in "patterns and sets" to strengthen muscles. Sit-stand, step up - step down on different sides, leg raises, etc.

Re: Weighted Vest?

BeautyLver — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:32:18 GMT

Think it would depend on duration of walking, speed, etc., especially to start with. Don't think wearing a vest would do much for muscle tone, rather would increase your heart rate while moving. So would be more fat burning. Again, depends on level of exertion. It's all good. Worst case scenario, you start small, ie shorter duration, slower walks..and build up the time, pace, etc. Think it's a very positive addition to what you are already doing.