Walking is usually my go-to when I need to clear my head or squeeze in easy cardio. However, I decided to turn things up a notch for the past two weeks—I strapped on a 16-pound weighted vest for every walk. And when I say every “single walk,” I mean everything: strolling with the dogs, hitting the park, and even cruising through the neighborhood. I was ready to see if this extra weight would make a real difference in my fitness or if I was just in for a little added soreness.
My walking workouts varied, too. Some days, I took long, steady-state strolls that lasted 45 minutes or more. Other times, I cranked up the intensity with speed walking intervals or threw in some long intervals to push my endurance. And it wasn’t just for walking—I used the vest for HIIT workouts, dips, pull-ups, pushups, and whatever else I could get into. I wanted to see if this small change could deliver big results.
So, how did the two weeks with my weighted vest go? Let’s just say the extra 16 pounds added more than just weight to my routine—it brought on a whole new level of challenge and some surprising benefits.
The Weighted Vest Challenge: My Walking Routine
During this two-week test period, I mixed things up with my walking workouts. I started mornings with a steady-state walk—just me, my dogs, and the vest. These walks usually lasted 45 minutes or more, and while they weren’t super intense, that extra 16 pounds added a surprising amount of resistance. It wasn’t like carrying dumbbells, where the arms and back typically take the hit. With the vest, I felt the challenge all over—my core, legs, and even my posture had to work harder.
On other days, I switched things up with speed walk intervals. Picture this: a few minutes of fast-paced walking, followed by a minute or two of slower recovery. I repeated that cycle for the entire session, and let me tell you, that vest turned up the intensity. It felt like I was doing a mini-HIIT workout just by walking.
Then, there were long intervals—similar to the speed walks but with longer periods of sustained effort. These sessions weren’t easy, but they were incredibly rewarding. By the end of each workout, I felt the burn in my legs and glutes and was drenched in sweat.
Why Walking with a Weighted Vest Is a Game-Changer for Fitness
Walking with a weighted vest might sound simple, but the benefits are potent.
First, the added weight increases the intensity of an otherwise low-impact workout. This means you can burn more calories in less time without the joint strain of running or jumping exercises. My heart rate spiked faster and stayed elevated, even during steady-state walks. It was like turning up the volume on a workout that generally sits at a low hum.
Wearing the vest also builds strength in muscles you might not expect. My core was constantly engaged to support the extra weight, and my legs—especially my quads and calves—worked overtime with every step. Even my back muscles had to kick in to maintain good posture, preventing me from slumping forward under the weight. The result? A stronger, more balanced body overall.
And if you’re looking to improve your endurance, a weighted vest can do wonders. The longer I wore it, the more I felt my stamina increase, whether walking, performing bodyweight exercises, or even going about daily activities.
Unexpected Benefits of Wearing a Weighted Vest for Workouts
Besides the obvious physical benefits, I noticed some unexpected perks from using a weighted vest.
1. I became more mindful of my posture.
The vest made me way more mindful of my posture. With the extra weight pressing down, I couldn’t afford to slouch. I had to keep my shoulders back and my core tight, which translated into better posture even when I wasn’t wearing the vest.
2. I moved more efficiently.
I also became more efficient with my movements. The vest forced me to walk with intention, using each step to propel myself forward rather than dragging my feet. Intenful walking translated into a smoother, more powerful stride—something I didn’t know I needed to improve.
3. I stayed more focused and engaged during my walking sessions.
Finally, the vest made every walk feel like a mini workout. Instead of just going through the motions, I had to stay focused and engaged the entire time. This meant I got more out of my walks, even when they weren’t super intense. It was a subtle but effective way to push my limits without overtraining.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Weighted Vest Workouts
If you’re thinking about adding a weighted vest to your routine, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start light and work your way up. If you’re new to using a vest, begin with a lighter weight (around 10% of your body weight) and gradually increase as your body adapts.
- Focus on form. Good posture is vital. Keep your shoulders back, chest up, and core engaged to avoid injury and maximize the benefits.
- Mix up your workouts. While wearing the vest, alternate between steady-state walks, speed intervals, and strength exercises like pull-ups, pushups, or squats to challenge different muscle groups.
- Take it slow. Don’t rush into long workouts right away. Let your body adjust to the added weight, and pay attention to how you feel—especially your joints.
By the end of two weeks, my body definitely felt stronger, my endurance was up, and I even noticed an improvement in my posture. The weighted vest was a simple but powerful tool, helping me get more out of my walks and everyday activities. Whether you want to level up your cardio, build strength, or just add a new challenge to your routine, a weighted vest is worth a try.
