Weighted Vests for Osteoporosis Exercise

by Margaret Martin on April 5, 2011

in Osteoporosis Exercise Equipment

Weighted vests are an excellent supplement to an osteoporosis exercise program. A number of my clients use them to add extra weight to their body as they do their weight bearing exercises. This article is a follow up to a blog article I wrote several months ago on the benefits of weighted vests.

Since the publication of that blog post, I have had many people (both clients and health professionals) ask me to recommend a specific weighted vest. I cannot recommend just one brand of weighted vests. Each has a different design and some are more suitable for certain people than others.

The selection that is right for you depends on a number of issues:

  • Your build (do you have a long or short trunk?).
  • Your concern about the look (some are more stylish than others and can be worn in a public setting such as a grocery store).
  • How much weight can you bear? Most of the weighted vests I examined supported 4 pounds of weight although several will go to 8 pounds. You need to determine how much you need and can comfortably carry.

Recently, I tried five different weighted vests. Here is my review of each brand. Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars unless indicated otherwise. But … Please confirm price points with the vendor!

If you have used either of the weighted vests reviewed below or others I have not covered and want to share your experiences, please use the Comment box at the bottom of this post. Please share your ideas and personal experiences.

And finally, I did not receive compensation for the review of these products.

Walkvest

  • Website: www.walkvest.com
  • Material:
    • Made of washable cotton.
    • Weights are coated iron plates.
  • Features/Comments:
    • All weighted vests are long.  “Small weighted vests” are too long for someone under 5’4”.
    • The construction could be better. One of the snaps broke off the day I received it.
    • Weights are potentially uncomfortable if you have wide hips and a short waist.
    • Weighted vest is fairly attractive except for the large logo.
  • Costs: $69.95 for weighted vest plus shipping.  Price includes 4 pounds of weights (8 times ½ lb) and a CD.
  • Note to Canadians: Add $34.00 to $39.00 for shipping.

Walkvest

NYKNYC

  • Website: www.nyknyc.com
  • Material:
    • The type of material varies depending on the style of weighted vest. NYKNYC offers a weighted vest made of neoprene (shown in the photo) and a different weighted vest made of a quilted fabric for the spring and fall season.
    • Weights are bars. I was unable to determine the material used to make the weights.
  • Features/Comments:
    • Depending on your individual taste, the weighted vest could be stylish enough to wear when doing errands, etc.
    • Bars are roughly finished and have pointed corners.
    • The small weighted vest accommodates 4 pounds.
  • Costs: $79.00 plus shipping and handling. Price includes 4 pounds of weights (8 times ½ pound)

NYKNYC Vest

Wasatch Weight Vest

  • Website: www.wasatchweightvest.com
  • Material:
    • Weighted vest is made from a stretchable cordura and is washable.
    • Weights are lead beads in individual one-pound pouches.
    • Pouches are made of canvas and have a lip for easy handling in and out of the pockets.
  • Features/Comments:
    • Stylish enough to wear when doing errands, etc.
    • The small weighted vest accommodates up to 16 pounds.
    • The staff in Utah are very friendly and will ensure to send you the best suited for you.
  • Costs: $125.00 plus shipping. Price includes 8 pounds of weights (8 times 1 pound).
  • Note to Canadians:  Shipping was $27.  In addition, I was charged an extra $20 for HST (in Ontario) by the delivery man.  This made the weighted vest a bit too pricy for me.

Wasatch Vest

Mir Weighted Vest

  • Website: www.mirweightedvest.com
  • Material:
    • Weighted vest is made of 1200 D-Nylon compressed and is washable.
    • Weights are solid iron bars.
    • Belt is made with soft but strong enhanced rubber.
  • Features:
    • Adjustable straps around the shoulders and bottom of the weighted vest ensure that it will not move or shift.
    • It looks like a workout weighted vest and would appeal more to men and younger athletic women.
    • Belt is one size fit all.  Smallest circumference is 32 inches.
    • 30 days money back guarantee and 60 day exchange policy.
  • Costs:
    • MiR Air Flow Short Vest with 10 pounds of weight is $129.95.  Maximum weight limit is 50 pounds.
    • Women Adjustable weighted vest with 10 pounds of weight is $89.99. Maximum weight limit is 30 pounds.
    • Belt with 10 pounds of weight is $89.95. Maximum weight limit is 36 pounds.
    • Weights are also sold separately.
  • Note to Canadians: It will be more economical for you to order from the Toronto-based supplier, Warrior Fitness at 416-926-1222.

MIR Vest

Weight Vest 4 Osteoporosis

  • Website: www.weightvest4osteoporosis.com
  • Material:
    • Weighted vest is made of a breathable nylon.
    • The weights are made of lead pellets encased in plastic and then nylon – giving them a softer feel than regular weights.
  • The small size holds up to 10 pounds, medium and large size holds up to 16 pounds of weight.
  • Features/Comments:
    • Padding is provided under the weights in the shoulder region for added comfort.
    • Weights sit just over the front of the shoulder and in the mid to upper back.
    • The position of the weights encourages improvement in postural alignment.
    • The long weighted vest would appeal more to the 60 plus age group – while the shorter one might have more appeal with a younger group.
  • Costs: $132.00 includes 10 pounds of weights.
  • Note to Canadians:  Add $20.00 for shipping.

Weight Vest 4 Osteoporosis

Health Professionals: Building Better Bones Online Course

Learn the Prevention, Treatment and Management of Osteoporosis.

MelioGuide Building Better Bone Online Course for Health Professionals

MelioGuide Building Better Bone Online Course for Health Professionals

Women and Men: Exercise for Better Bones Program

Osteoporosis exercise program that strengthens bone, reduces fracture risk, improves balance and builds confidence.

MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones Program for Women and Men

MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones Program for Women and Men

 

 

  • Liz Melling

    Make your own. Buy drapery weights from a fabric store and cover them with fabric/foam pads. Insert in the pockets of a vest or create ‘shoulder pads’ with the weights. The weight should not excede 5 % of your body weight.

  • Sumathy

    Thank you Margaret for sharing the information with us It was very informative. I was actually looking for a weighted vest.
    Day 1 and 2 lessons were not displaying on my computer

  • Juta Perry

    Hi, I’m a small-framed, petite woman, 4’10″, 95 lbs. and wonder why Size XS is not readily available as smaller individuals are especially at risk for osteoporosis. Is there any vests out there that would suit me? Reply appreciated.

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Hello Liz, I love practical suggestions. Rolled up coins is another one I have heard and you can cash them in if it you find you don’t use them anymore! I did not realize that drapery weights weighed so much. If you have the details could you tell me how many drapery weights make a pound? What is their cost and do they come in different sizes. If you have a sample of one you have made I would love to see a photo. You can send it to me at: info[at]melioguide.com (replace the [at] with @ and the email will work. Trying to avoid spam – if you can!)

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Hello Sumathy, You’re very welcome. I will do a follow up in a couple of weeks with a video – I am still waiting on two of the styles. Richard has taken care of the Day 1 & 2 lessons for you. Be well.

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Hello Juta, Patty in Utah: wasatchweightvest@me.com has personally told me that they will make adjustments to vest to ensure a good fit. They are also the only company, to my knowledge that make a size XS. I am sure that if you contact them they will make their XS even smaller just for you!

  • Pingback: A new, cute weight vest! « The Bone Architect

  • Farida Tavares

    Thanks, Margaret for the above analysis. Since I was experiencing trouble with my mail in Florida this winter, I did try to find them at fitness stores, but there were no women’s sizes!! I will now attempt to obtain one online.

  • http://www.cthiessen.com Cherie Thiessen

    These vests look excellent. I do have a concern, however. I have recently undergone a hip replacement and was told at that time to keep my weight constant and not gain weight, as it would add stress to the new hip. Perhaps this is OK as it is not a constant weight? I’d love to know. I also love to backpack and am wondering whether carrying a 25 lbs knapsack for a week as I hike is something I can still do. Thanks for an informative site.

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Hello Cherie, You are very welcome! You are correct when you say that it is not a constant strain on your hip. Should you decide on getting a weighted vest I encourage you to wear it when you go out for a walk or when your doing your exercises. You should only start with a pound and gradually build up. You could also use your back pack for the same purpose as long as it is a good quality pack with the strap across the sternum. If you build up the weight in your backpack you will know when your ready for your hike. The earth is a wonderful shock absorber and it will be easier on your hips and other joints to walk on trails rather than pavement or cement. You can also consider using walking sticks to take some of the weight through your hands and off your hips. Be well.

  • Lauferein

    I bought as a present for my wife NYKNYC weighted vest and she not only looks fabulous in it but also wearing it is very good for her bones as she has a touch of osteoporosi.

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    What a thoughtful gift! It was a very supportive of you and clever – keeping her strong to last a lifetime!

  • Peter

    Do not buy MiR Weighted Vest online !!!
    I bought 2 vest online. Not very clever people sent it in 5 (!!!) different parcels (Dont ask how!). On the end I had to pay:
    A) Delivery charge on Mir Vest website
    B) 5 x customs duty
    C) 5 x flat rate £8 clearance fee from British Royal mail (kind of office fee)
    D) 5 x delivery charge by parcelforce
    E) Waisted my time and nerves trying to explain that it was just one order. No one was interested in that.

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Hello Peter, Sorry for your unpleasant experience. I picked mine up in person on a trip to Toronto, so I had no idea. Thank you for sharing and possibly avoiding the same situation for another. If any one knows of a good weighted vest available in the UK or Europe please feel free to let us know.

  • Nina Germeyer

    Is something like the MIR weighted vest appropriate for planks? I have been trying to increase the challenge of my planks but have achilles tendonosis so the usual strategy of creating instability is hard on my joints. Would increasing the weight load with a vest be a solution? Or is the MIR vest not meant for horizontal loading of the spine? Nina

  • http://www.melioguide.com Margaret Martin

    Nina,
    Yes the MIR weighted vest would be appropriate for planks. You can also consider resting your shins on an exercise ball. From speaking with you I know you have the upper body strength to support yourself on your hands as you position yourself onto a ball ( this is an alternative way of getting onto the ball not shown in the book Building a Stronger Core). I do not see a problem with the horizontal loading – as long as you are mindful of your alignment. Keep it up – you’re an inspiration!

Previous post:

Next post: