- Buying guide
The complete guide to buying and using a weighted vest
Are you looking to push back your training limits, intensify your fitness sessions and maximize the benefits of every move? Look no further.
Discover not only what a weighted vest is, but also how it can revolutionize your training and the many benefits it offers. You’ll also find a detailed presentation of our GladiatorFit weighted vest.
What is a weighted jacket?
The weighted vest is a must-have accessory, designed to intensify your bodyweight workouts. Whether it’s a simple walk, a running session or agility activities, this vest can radically boost your training sessions. Adding an extra load increases the resistance of each movement, raising the difficulty level of your exercises. You also put your cardiovascular system and all your muscles through their paces.
Using a weighted vest isn’t just for professional athletes – anyone can use one for simple everyday activities. Carrying extra weight can help you burn calories and even increase bone density.
The aim is simple: to increase difficulty and push your limits. While weighted vests are useful in bodybuilding and street workouts (for pull-ups, dips, push-ups, etc.), they are also widely used in CrossFit and Cross Training to increase the intensity of workouts, also known as “WODs” for “Work Of the Day”. These workouts feature a variety of movements such as pull-ups, burpees, box jumps, squats, runs and more.
The benefits of training with a weight vest:
Intensified physical activity
Adding extra weight to your body during training amplifies the intensity of each movement. This increased resistance puts more strain on your muscles, stimulating their development and increasing the overall effectiveness of your workout.
Increased calorie burning
The extra effort required to perform exercises with a weighted vest results in higher energy expenditure. You burn more calories performing the same movements as usual, which effectively contributes to weight loss and improving your body composition.
Freedom of movement
The ergonomic design of a weighted vest keeps yourhands free during your workouts. This means you can perform a variety of exercises without being limited by the need to hold additional weights or equipment.
Optimal weight distribution on the upper body
The weight of the jacket is judiciously distributed over your entire upper body, encouraging good posture and balanced muscle use. This proper distribution helps to strengthen stabilizing muscles and improve coordination, while reducing the risk of muscular imbalances.
Enhanced strength and explosiveness
Using a weighted vest weighing 10 kg or more allows you to use your muscles more intensely, helping toincrease muscular strength and explosiveness. Muscles work against increased resistance, so they have to adapt and develop to meet these new demands.
Optimizing cardiovascular capacity
Training with a weighted vest intensifies your cardiovascular activity. Your heart and lungs have to work harder to supply oxygen to the working muscles. This strengthens your cardiovascular system, improving your endurance and your ability to sustain prolonged efforts.
Developing endurance through appropriate training
Gradually integrating a weight vest into your training program increases the load your muscles can bear. This leads to a significant improvement in your muscular endurance , enabling you to train for longer and with greater intensity.
Diversify your sports activities
Imagine the possibilities: with the weighted vest, your workouts open up to a wide range of exercises. From pull-ups to push-ups to running, every move becomes an opportunity to push your limits to a higher level of intensity.
How do I train with a weighted vest?
You can start by gradually adding the weight vest to your running, walking or strolling routine to increase the intensity. For the more athletic, you can also incorporate it into your crosstraining sessions, with a variety of exercises.
Find out how to integrate this equipment into your training routine to optimize your performance.
Exercises
What weights do I need for my weighted vest?
For disciplines such as cross-training or running, the general recommendation is that the weighted vest should not exceed 10% of your body weight. For example, an athlete weighing 80 kg should not exceed 8 kg of ballast for correct execution of exercises. Of course, there are exceptions: for short, intense efforts, a larger margin can be considered.
In weight training, weight restrictions are lifted. The aim is to work within the specified repetition range, while maintaining impeccable technique. The weighted vest should always be used to improve the execution of movements, without compromising it.
It’s important to note that weight standards for weighted vests have evolved in recent years. A few years ago, most vests available in Europe were 10 kg and 20 kg weighted v ests . However, the “standards” now established are equivalent to 6 kg for women and 9 kg for men. So, if your training focuses on dynamics or cardio, choosing a 6 or 9 kg vest (for women/men) will effectively bring you closer to the 10% of your body weight (BW) limit.
On the other hand, for muscle-building or strength-oriented work, using a heavier vest, such as a 12kg, 15kg, 18kg or even 24kg model, will put you more in the 20-25% range of your PdC. These load choices are aligned with your specific training objectives, guaranteeing optimal adaptation to your needs and adapted progression.
GladiatorFit weighted vest
Introducing the GladiatorFit weighted vest
The GladiatorFit jacket is designed to intensify your workouts. Equipped with two special pockets for weighted weights, it allows you to customize the resistance to suit your needs. The seams have been reinforced to guarantee strength, and the adjustable straps have been designed to fit all body shapes.
Product details :
Adjustable straps
The adjustable straps on the GladiatorFit weighted vest guarantee a perfect fit, providing maximum comfort during your workouts. This customization ensures a secure fit, allowing you to concentrate fully on your movements.
Anti-sweat mesh: excellent breathability
The anti-perspirant mesh gives the jacket excellent breathability. Even during the most intense exercise, your comfort is preserved thanks to optimal ventilation, allowing you to stay focused and determined.
Weight pocket
The specially designed weight pocket offers unrivalled versatility. It allows you to modulate the weight according to your goals and needs, giving you the possibility to personalize each training session.
Reinforced seams
The reinforced seams of the GladiatorFit weighted vest guarantee exceptional durability, even in the face of the most intense workouts. You can embark on your exercises with the assurance that your equipment will meet your expectations with every movement.
Shoulder pads to reduce friction
Designed to minimize friction, the vest’s shoulder pads offer enhanced comfort during repetitive movements. This keeps you focused on your training, without distractions or irritations.
Maximum freedom of movement
The GladiatorFit weighted vest is designed for maximum freedom of movement. Thanks to its ergonomic design, it doesn’t restrict your movements, allowing you to reach your full potential during every exercise.
How to put on the weight jacket
To put on your weighted vest, start by pulling it over your head. Then, to adjust it correctly, there are two adjustments to make: the shoulder adjustment and the waist strap adjustment. The shoulder adjustment is designed to quickly adapt the vest to different body shapes. You have the option of tightening it further for a smaller size, or pulling it further apart for a larger size, guaranteeing a fit that’s both comfortable and secure.
When it comes to waist straps, this adjustment plays a crucial role. It allows you to quickly adjust the tension of the weighted vest, providing optimum stability throughout your workouts. This adjustment is particularly important for movements such as squats, where you can tighten the straps for extra support or loosen them for greater mobility.
How to care for my weight vest
When it comes to maintenance, there are two common types of dirt: magnesia and perspiration. After an intense session, be sure to air-dry your vest. If you’ve been sweating a lot, you can use a water sprayer to moisten it slightly, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. Let it dry completely before next use.
To remove magnesia, also use a water sprayer or a cleaning product specially designed for magnesia. Apply the product to the affected areas, leave to work and wipe off. Be sure to let your open vest dry completely.
Discover a selection of GladiatorFit products suitable for these exercises
GladiatorFit offers you a whole range of products to help you perform these exercises. Below is a list of articles we recommend to help you carry out your session as efficiently as possible.
