Weight vest

Hey all...

Thought I'd share my latest "work out" plan... My local Mal-Wart is now stocking Gold's Gym weight vests. It only goes up to 20 pounds, but I figure that is better than nothing since nothing is what I'm getting right now (insane work schedule). I wear it around the house (when I'm there) to help rebuild the muscles that have gone to pot since I started my path to insanity (yes, it is going to change soon I hope - working on a business plan to start my own business). Just picked it up today, and starting out light with just 8 pounds. Not exactly lingerie, but goes goods with the sweats I like to relax in...

Anybody else try weight vests to rebuild strength?

MNS

I've been checking out the same thing at my local Wallyworld. I was just thinking about buying one earlier today.

For now, I just load up a pack with a few plates from my barbell set. I wrap them in a towel or two first but I think a vest would be much more comfortable.

Last summer, in the month prior to my Tahoe Rim Trail hike, I took the loaded pack out a couple of times per week to get my legs accustomed to the extra weight. To maximize the benefit I chose a hilly course. I think that training really helped when I hit the trail, especially in my "climbing muscles" i.e. gluteals and quadriceps.

Hey MNS, if you ever go boating just make sure you don't grab that weight vest instead of your PFD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Hehehehe... don't worry, my PFD is bright yellow... hard to mistake for the black weight vest... LOL. I think I'd notice by weight too... LOL.

The vest seems pretty decent quality for the price... I got it to fit comfortably despite my trim size. Might not work for all females, but should be fine for most males (except maybe those on the XL side).

MNS

P.S. Boating is over for the season anyway...

Actually, I use my pack with a 25 lb. bag of charcoal briquettes inside.

My rationale behind using a vest is multi-fold - 1) I can wear it around the house and do whatever I would normally do around the house (clean, do dishes, cook, whatever); 2) it distributes the weight more evenly front to back making ti more comfortable; and 3) it works a different set of muscles than a pack would, which is fine with me because I need more core strength for skiing (the only sport I get to do much of right now).

A 25 pound bag of charcoal sounds like an interesting way to go. Do you put it in a garbage bag to keep the inside of your pack cleaner?

MNS

Yes, I do have it inside a garbage bag. I had considered adding that little detail to my post. Guess I should have, knowing how anal we gearheads tend to be! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You could put some cans of food in your backpack or daypack. Put some towels in it so the weight rides high.

nothing a couple lb bags of rice or beans can't do in one's daypack <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

One thing that I'm finding that I particularly like about the vest is that the added weight on my chest muscles are helping me to build up my intercostals and pecs. I really like doing my laps with the weight vest on... I'm feeling it in all kinds of muscles!

MNS

If you are interested in science of muscle building, check out work by scientists Peter Sisco and John R. Little. Their system gives amazing results with little effort. (I know its hard to believe).

Some people use chains for weight because they settle better.

Ecrow

Hi MNS, We have a weight vest and love it. Its so easy to slip it on when just doing "ordinary chores", like walking the dog, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house. OK, I don't wear it when shoveling snow... that is enough of a workout for me without adding extra weight (Aside: Will it ever stop snowing? Will I ever get to have a day off from shoveling. Does make for fabulous skiing though...)

What I like about the weight vest is that it doesn't get in the way of what I am normally doing. And I get to burn extra calories in the process of doing things I'd need to be doing anyways. All the same reasons you gave.

<<<I really like doing my laps with the weight vest on... >>>

Ummm, I associate laps with swimming. Just how strong are you?! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Carol

Hi Carol...

Believe me, I'm not THAT strong... I walk laps at an indoor track. I know, booooooring, but it's what I have right now. Actually, I haven't even been able to do that lately. It has been a rough winter.

MNS

MockTurtle wrote:

Excellent idea! I'll brings steaks and red wine. Dryer, you and Earthling bring desert. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Brum