Anyone using a weighted vest to exercise?

Darryl Steight

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Sep 30, 2022
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I got one for Christmas and am about to start walking with it, just to change up the routine a little. It sounds like a good idea, but was wondering about my back since I've had some issues.

Anyone used it to walk or run? Do you like it, seen results, or any issues?
 
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OG Goat Holder

Heisman
Sep 30, 2022
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Not a fan of added weight, honestly (not to discourage you). I have had two lower back disc surgeries and my biggest issue now is my gut pulling on them. Don't really want to add to that.

However that being said I have started back weightlifting and while I don't pound heavy weight anymore, it's still more than I should be loading myself. So I'm probably a hypocrite there.
 
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Chile

Freshman
Oct 30, 2023
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What type of vest?
The rucking backpack exercises are really good for you. I use a weighted rucking pack for hiking and also every day taking my dog for a 2-3 mile walk. Just a way to get an extra workout between weights and running.
 

PBRME

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Feb 12, 2004
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There’s lots of people that wear them in the gym where I go.
 

8dog

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Feb 23, 2008
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I do. I walk in it. I can’t speak to back issues, but it’s such a better exercise then just walking.
 
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Nov 16, 2005
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You Got It Agree GIF
 

Jeffreauxdawg

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Dec 15, 2017
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Every 37-50 year old, California transplanted, botoxed, lip fillered, peroxide blonde, silicone titted, heavily tattooed, flat ássed, skinny everythinged else mother of 3 little whiny brats in my neighborhood walks around with a weighted vest constantly.

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In all seriousness, I would look at GoRuck. I have been battling 3 herniated discs for 8-10 years. Nothing has helped me more than hiking. Something about walking up an incline with weight on my back has fixed posture and eliminated my back pain for 3 years

I bought a weighted vest 20 years ago when I was in my 20's and ripped. I was in the military and used the vest train for ruck marches. All it did was make me knees sore and cause me to tear two of my ankle ligaments on a gravel road.

I had someone describe it to me this way. We were born to be hunters that carry game and other supplies on our backs as a species...if you spread that weight evenly your just pretending to be fat.

Read this

ETA. If you decide to ruck/hike with a pack, make sure it has a hipbelt. I use my Osprey Talon more often than not that has a hipbelt and light frame to transfer the load my hips, below my 17ed up back. The pack still pulls my shoulders back for good posture, but the weight is not compressing my spine completely if all the weight was on my shoulders like a vest or regular backpack.
 
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99jc

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Jul 31, 2008
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If it is weight loss you are looking for go with GLP1/2 shots. I started them the end of august and have lost 60 Lbs. They don't cost as much as they used to and I switched companies online recently and pay 200 a month no insurance. I know that they are not for everyone, but they sure worked for me and my wife. we use Trizepatide!
 

Boosh

Junior
Sep 14, 2017
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I use one some of the time. Be forewarned that your neck will hurt for a while after first couple uses until it gets stronger. I'd suggest starting low, even if you can do more just to get your neck / shoulders used to the weight gradually.
 
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aspendawg

Sophomore
Sep 10, 2009
400
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If you're starting from absolute zero I would advise caution on running in a weight vest. You're asking for flare ups of all kinds. You're applying anywhere from 2-4x your body weight in force upon your foot striking the gorund. If your core and stablizing muscles in your legs and hips aren't great then you could be in for more pain than gain. If you want to use it for body squats, push ups, and pull-ups then fantastic. If you're in your 20's then have it haus and ignore everything I said.
 
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Bowdawg

Junior
Jan 8, 2023
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I don’t use the vest but have used the GoRuck backpack for years. Usually carry a 40lb plate. Take it on my walks and runs. I also do exercises with it. Some days a I do a 2 mile heavy ruck where I use the back pack and then a 60lb sand bag on my shoulders. Thats a tough one if you aren’t used to the weight.
 
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PrimeDog

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Jan 2, 2025
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I use one some of the time. Be forewarned that your neck will hurt for a while after first couple uses until it gets stronger. I'd suggest starting low, even if you can do more just to get your neck / shoulders used to the weight gradually.
I agree. When I started with my vest, on the 3rd mile with it I started getting crazy fatigue in my neck and shoulders. It felt like someone was pushing down on them and I almost passed out from fatigue. This was in the middle of the summer though so it would be a lot less noticeable now.

Take it slow and take the vest off as soon as you start feeling that fatigue in your clavicle area.
 
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greenbean.sixpack

All-American
Oct 6, 2012
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I’ve been walking 2 miles per day 3-6 days a week for a couple of years now. My current weight is 25 lbs, but I recommend starting at 10 lbs and working your way up. I don’t have any serious back, neck or leg issues though, if you do, I’d stay light on the weight.
 
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CochiseCowbell

Heisman
Oct 29, 2012
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I'm supposed to wear a weighted vest whilst I perform my 12 ounce diminishing curls?

Can I just use my entirely too heavy and cumbersome Yeti koozie instead?
 
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RocketDawg

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Oct 21, 2011
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I got one for Christmas and am about to start walking with it, just to change up the routine a little. It sounds like a good idea, but was wondering about my back since I've had some issues.

Anyone used it to walk or run? Do you like it, seen results, or any issues?
Yes, but mine's natural and located in my midsection. Main problem is that it tends to bounce around.
 
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GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
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You are wearing you knees out. Just ask any infantry men from the Marines or Army. Just eat right and get your heart rate up 20 minutes every day.
 
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horshack.sixpack

All-American
Oct 30, 2012
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I got one for Christmas and am about to start walking with it, just to change up the routine a little. It sounds like a good idea, but was wondering about my back since I've had some issues.

Anyone used it to walk or run? Do you like it, seen results, or any issues?
40lb goruck. I like it; walk only or stairs. Allows me to do low impact but get my heart rate up. Noticeable difference for my calves vs running unweighted.
 
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dawgoneyall

Junior
Nov 11, 2007
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I got one for Christmas and am about to start walking with it, just to change up the routine a little. It sounds like a good idea, but was wondering about my back since I've had some issues.

Anyone used it to walk or run? Do you like it, seen results, or any issues?
Run in a safer place
 

STATEBALLIN

Junior
Aug 23, 2012
246
285
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I got one for Christmas and am about to start walking with it, just to change up the routine a little. It sounds like a good idea, but was wondering about my back since I've had some issues.

Anyone used it to walk or run? Do you like it, seen results, or any issues?
How heavy is the vest? Have you already been exercising? If not, you could get some soft tissue injuries pretty fast.
 
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Darryl Steight

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Sep 30, 2022
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How heavy is the vest? Have you already been exercising? If not, you could get some soft tissue injuries pretty fast.
I got the 20 lb vest as a gift. Yes I've been walking and doing weights. Used to run but not so much any more since I had knee issues. What is soft tissue? I was more worried about knees and back, but is that other stuff?
 
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STATEBALLIN

Junior
Aug 23, 2012
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I got the 20 lb vest as a gift. Yes I've been walking and doing weights. Used to run but not so much any more since I had knee issues. What is soft tissue? I was more worried about knees and back, but is that other stuff?
Ligaments and muscle strains. Nothing serious. Just slowly incorporate it. Consistency over time is more beneficial than anything.
 
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The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
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I just drag a cooler full of miller lite.

I take the dog every afternoon for a walk. I leave the house w/ 12oz in my hand and 12oz in my pocket and that gets me through most of the 40 minute walk. My neighbors supply the others as I stop and talk to them along the way. If they see me coming they will go to the beer fridge in the garage, grab a couple and we solve all the neighborhood issues right there in their driveway over a cool one. We look like the King of the Hill crew hanging out. Who needs that NextDoor app crap anyway?
 

Dawgbite

All-American
Nov 1, 2011
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What’s this “Exercise” thing that keeps getting mentioned? Is that anything like walking to the fridge to get another beer?
 

ClintonInHelen

All-Conference
Feb 25, 2008
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Yes. Damn near 61 y/o crossfitter here. 2nd the airplane bottles.

FWIW — I’d hit it…