The Rise of the Weighted Vest: A Trend Across Social Media

Weighted vests are taking the fitness world by storm, with influencers and celebrities flaunting them in workouts everywhere. With TikTok exploding with videos on the benefits of strapping on a hefty vest, it’s hard to ignore. Jessica Alba runs with one on the treadmill, Katie Couric sports one while strolling on the beach, and Kaia Gerber rocks a stylish vest during her dog walks in L.A. Even fitness brands like Equinox and Peloton are getting in on the action.

A New Twist on an Old Fitness Tool

The recent resurgence of weighted vests seems to trace back to Mary Claire Haver, an OB/GYN dubbed the "Menopause Queen" by the New York Times. Haver advocates for these vests as a way to promote bone health, especially for women with osteoporosis. She claims that walking or exercising with a vest can lead to stronger bones and improved muscle mass, which is particularly significant as women age.

Curiosity Piqued: My Weigh-In on Weighted Vests

Though menopause is years away for me, after hearing my sister rave about strength training's benefits, I felt compelled to try something new. I picked up a pair of six-pound dumbbells—currently collecting dust—and thought, could a weighted vest be my answer to effortless fitness?

What Exactly is a Weighted Vest?

These vests resemble life jackets filled with tiny iron pellets, designed to distribute weight evenly across your torso. Prices range from budget-friendly options like the $30 Zelus vest to the high-end, feature-loaded choices. I opted for the Prodigen vest from Haver's Amazon storefront; a solid starting point at eight pounds.

Strapping In: My First Experience

When my vest arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by its comfort and the invigorating feeling it gave me. Despite the urge to stand taller and engage my core, I felt undeniably awkward. My husband’s smirk didn’t help as I prepared for my first outing.

A Mixed Bag of Experiences

Disguised under a raincoat for my first grocery store trip, I tried to ignore the bulk. However, maneuvering around people felt inconvenient and silly. Quickly, I realized that the vest was more embarrassing than beneficial for errands. I decided to keep it for longer walks, but after an hour on a scorching day, I wondered if the burden was worth it.

Do Experts Back This Trend?

Unfortunately, evidence suggests that my belief in the vest's advantages might be misguided. As muscle physiology researcher Lauren Colenso-Semple points out, the hype surrounding these vests oversells their benefits. Most studies linked to their popularity focus on high-impact exercises, not walking. One small study even found no significant advantages for walking with a vest.

The Weight of the Truth: Caloric Burn and Strength Building

While some ladies on TikTok claim to shed pounds with this method, the cold hard facts show that any additional calorie burn is minimal. Experts like Giangregorio suggest that if your goal is cardio fitness, there are simpler, perhaps more fun, alternatives, such as incline walking or running.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict on Wearing a Weighted Vest

After this rollercoaster of an experiment, I've decided to ditch the weighted vest for good. The discomfort and embarrassment overshadow any potential benefits, and I'm much happier jogging freely. This experience at least nudged me towards upping my push-up game, but for now, I’m content to skip the added weight!