Anyone out there have any experience with weighted vests. I’ve read the past articles of the “Stuff We Like” colum and the X-vest (recommend by Staley) looks pretty good, albeit expensive. I would consider using it for GPP workouts, weight workouts, and agility stuff, well, just about everything really. Any comments are appreciated.
I ordered the X-vest right after the interview with Charles Staley ran. I love it. I was doing a 20 minute EDT style workout, 3 nights a week, with weighted pushups and chinups… definitely an ass kicker. I’ve also been running intervals w/ it on the stairmaster. The coolest thing though, I strap in about 20 pounds and warmup for basketballs games with it on… (play 21, etc.) then when my name is up to get into the real game… I take that sonofabitch off and run that floor. Quick as hell. I’d definitlely recommend the X-vest if you’re looking for a change of pace. (you oughta see some of the looks I get the gym.)
I’m sure it’s wonderful and I’d love to try one but I’m too much of a tight-ass to fork out the money! I have “invented” all kinds of weighted implements though including strapping on a loaded up scuba diving weightbelt and running sprints with it…anything has got to be more comfortable then that.
Yes, the cost is an issue. However, if the X-vest is very comfortable then I would think it is worth the $200. Probably have to wait utnil Christmas though. One question though. On the X-vest site they say to NEVER train with more than 10-12% of your bodyweight and to do mostly around the 6% area. Well, that puts me at never using more than 20-25 lbs. but more like 10-15 lbs. So what’s the point of the 40 lb. vest. I mean obviously I would start out light, but eventually I can see myself working up to wearing 40 lbs. during my lift workouts and 20 lbs. during agility stuff. Any comments on that?
You could also make your own chainmaille hauberk. That’ll give you a workout. Plus, you can wear it to ren-fests!
This could be a great thing fo rme as a Track and Field guy… Hmmmmm… running hill intervals with a weighted vest… hmmm… Hard sprint repeats… Hey, this sounds like a great idea! Just make sure not to OVER train with it. You run the risk of getting shin splints, tendonitis, and knee problems. In theory it is a great item, but be careful…
I use a backpack filled with weight plates. Works great for chins, dips, push ups, fast walking.
The key to adding resistance is not to have some much weight added to your body that you alter your mechanics. Loading yourself down som uch that you struggle to sprint, or perform LSA training will cause you to develop inefficient movement patters. Train SLOW! BE SLOW!!