Why I Wear A Weighted Vest—And Won’t Walk Without One Now
Let’s rewind two months. I’m powerwalking around the park, listening to yet another wellbeing podcast, the only problem? I’m not actually doing anything that feels remotely challenging. My body’s cruising, but not changing. Enter: the weighted vest. A piece of kit that makes you feel instantly 10% tougher and suspiciously like you’re training for some kind of secret agent bootcamp – and I’ve never felt stronger—or sweatier.
Why I became that person in a weighted vest
I was after a simple, efficient way to turn my regular walks into full-body workouts—without joining a gym or running (sorry, not a runner girlie). I read that adding weight can boost calorie burn, improve posture, and support bone density. AKA: walk more, work harder, stay upright longer. SOLD.
So, I strapped on a 5kg vest and hit the streets. Literally, the first walk felt like I was hauling groceries up Primrose Hill. But I kept at it—and now I’m two months in, feeling stronger, leaner, and strangely proud of some (little) muscle definition in my arms.
I was after a simple, efficient way to turn my regular walks into full-body workouts—without joining a gym or running
The real-life results after 2 months
Posture Snatched. Carrying weight on your torso naturally pulls your shoulders back. I’ve accidentally turned into that mother who lectures her children to “sit up straight”.
Core strength Activated. Constantly. It’s like passive Pilates.
Calorie burn Legit. I’m clocking up to 12% more burn per walk, according to my fitness tracker.
Mood Lifted. There’s something oddly empowering about stomping around with extra weight and zero apologies.
My weighted walk diary at a glance
Week 1: “This is heavy. People are staring. Am I okay?” (Was not.)
Week 2: “Still heavy. No longer care who’s staring.”
Week 3: I swear my arms look more toned. Also: my backpack feels suspiciously light now.
Week 4: Upgraded to longer routes. Almost jogged. Didn’t. But almost.
Week 5-8: I’m in a committed relationship with my vest. Won’t go on a walk without it.
Top 5 weighted vests I’ve tried (and actually recommend)
Not all vests are made equal, and no—don’t just strap weights to your torso, or your wrists and ankles for that matter. Here are my faves:
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