13 best weighted vests for conditioning, cardio and home workouts
From SAS badasses to WH team members and Gemma Atkinson in her home gym, weighted vests are a versatile piece of gym equipment loved by many across the fit-sphere. Pretty 'does what it says on the tin', a weighted vest is a vest worn over your gym wear, filled with weighted bars, sand pouches or plates to add resistance.
Unlike dumbbells or kettlebells, weighted vests take the onus off your hands, which makes them perfect for conditioning workouts like running, functional fitness or amped-up strength training. They also vary in weight and fit, which means there's an option for almost anyone.
Read on to find out what exactly the benefits of a weighted vest are, what you need to know about wearing one, as well as the best places to shop before browsing through our pick of the best weighted vests:
Are weighted vests worth it?
Weighted vests can add resistance that works for so many different types of workouts. From leg day to circuit training, an extra 2.5kg can really up the ante. Think sweat and lots of it. And, because your hands are kept free, you can concentrate more on form than gripping onto slippery free weights.
A simple way to add extra resistance they get the WH stamp of approval. Editor in Chief Claire Sanderson counts herself amongst the kit's mega fans and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Are weighted vests good?
Whether you’re finding your workouts a little boring of late or you feel like you may have plateaued when it comes to your progress, a weighted vest can be a great way to switch things up and get the ball rolling in the right direction again.
A weighted vest takes your usual bodyweight, cardio or strength training and ups the challenge by adding extra resistance.
As with other resistance exercises, your body has to work harder to handle the added weight, though it is easier to wear than to hold weights, some may argue.
Apart from burning more calories and adding variety to your sessions, using a weighted vest can improve your cardiovascular fitness, endurance and strength and has also been seen to improve bone density over time.
13 weighted vests to buy now from 2.5kg to 20kg
Weighted Vest
Suitable for a whole range of workouts, from running to weight lifting to gym work, this sleek and washable vest is filled with iron sand and is available in weight 3KG up to 10KG.
If during the darker months of the year, you like to work out early in the morning or after work, it's a design worth investing in as it is a fully reflective model meaning it'll keep you visible and safe from dawn 'til dusk.
PROIRON Adjustable Weighted Vest 10kg, 20 Weight Packs, Weight Jacket Men Women with Reflective Stripe for Running Strength Training Workout Jogging Walking Home Gym Fitness Cardio Weight Loss, Black
Proiron is a great brand to shop for weighted vests, as well as other fitness equipment.
This particular design is ideal for those looking to shop heavier weighted vests as you can select 10kg or 20kg designs, though you can tailor the design and remove some weight should you prefer.
Empower Women's Weighted Vest
We’re all for female empowerment and so is this weighted vest. One of the few weighted vests made specifically for a woman’s figure, the vest has an X shape at the front to suit your silhouette. With a relatively low weight, reflective details and a key-friendly pocket, we have a feeling you’ll want this with you on your next early morning walk.
Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest
Okay, at more than £200 this is far from an inexpensive option, but this weighted vest has something that a lot of others don’t. And no, it’s not the ability to noticeably damage your savings account with one quick click. This weighted vest has an extremely low profile which means you won’t have to worry about it restricting your range of movement. The fabric is comfortable, sweat wicking and odour resistant, and the side lacing allows for greater ventilation and a better fit. Say hello to a worthwhile weighted investment.
Davina McCall Fitness 3kg Weighted Vest
If you are looking to ease your way into using weighted vests, this is a great place to start. Not only is it a fuss free design, which simply requires the wearer to slip the vest on and clip across the chest for a secure fit, but the weighted plates are built in.
The neoprene fabric is not only super soft and prevents chafing, but also adds cushioning between the wearer and the weights.
Weight Adjustable Vest
Considering you get 10kg worth of weight and that this weight comes in 38 pouches that can be easily added or removed to suit your session, this weighted vest is a great price. Watch yourself go from strength to strength as you slowly but surely add to the number of pouches you can wear overtime and better yet, do it whilst snugly strapped in yet still free to move and remove with ease.
Bulldog Gear Tactical Weight Vest
Bulldog Gear equipment is some of the most tactical in the game and their aptly named 'tactical weight vest' is ultra-durable, made from water-resistant nylon and aerospace mesh for maximum airflow. The thinness of the weighted plates will allow you to access a fuller range of motion on certain exercises like the push-up, and thanks to the plates being sold separately, you can start out light and build up over time. you can shop the weighted vest on its own, or choose to add different weights to it to suit your needs.
Weight Vest
Breathable fabric, the welcome absence of rubbing, reflective detailing for those low-light scenarios, the ability to wash it after one too many sweaty reps, an even distribution of weights that can be added and removed at will and freedom to move as you see fit with 15kg worth of weight strapped to you, all features that make this weighted vest a steal at under £50. If you don’t take advantage, we sure will…
Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
How much? £99.95
Weight: 20kg
Type of weight: Cast iron blocks
Shorter weighted vests are not only good for those of a shorter stature, but they also ensure dynamic moves like squats won’t be affected by your vest hitting your thighs on each rep. The weighted bricks allow you to increase the weight incrementally, so this need not be for the advanced only, but the heavier weight and full range of motion make it perfect for the calisthenics lovers of the world.
Weighted Vest
If you’re looking for a 10kg weighted vest but would prefer it to be on the sleeker side of the spectrum then you may appreciate the tapered design and low profile of this one. Less bulky than most vests of this weight, it also has adjustable side straps to keep it close to your body. At the end of the day, your vest may be heavy but your conscience won’t with this affordable, no-nonsense buy.
Corength Adjustable Weight Training Weighted Vest
Decathlon stocks a selection of weighted vests, among other fitness essentials no matter your preferred workout.
The Corength Weighted Vest is adjustable to ensure a perfect fit for the wearer, when completing any workout, even if its a walk.
The vest is fitted with weighted plates, which have been evenly distributed across the body for balance, but also for a comfortable, yet effective, training session.
Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Workout Equipment, 4lbs/6lbs/12lbs/20lbs/25lbs Body Weight Vest for Men, Women, Kids (4 Pounds (1.81 KG))
How much? £41.11
Weight: 4lbs to 30lbs
The Aduro Weighted Vest comes in numerous variations depending on your weight preference and strength, as shoppers can select a 4 to 30lbs weight.
The vest has adjustable straps, as well as the option to adjust the weight baring too, as there is a mesh pocket at the bottom to fit your valuables or added weights.
Viavito Weighted Vest
How much? Was £25.99 now £20.79
Weight: 2.5kg
Type of weight: Sand-filled pouches
Perfect for running, this light weighted vest has an even weight distribution, reflective detailing to keep you visible should you be prone to a little exercise pre-sunrise or post-sunset and a mesh back pocket that can fit a water bottle, gels or other workout essentials you deem worthy of bringing along for the run.
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