Judging by page views and reader response to this recent Healthy Headlines story about using weighted vests while exercising, we realized you were hungry for more information.
So, we went back to Dr. D. Landry Jarvis, an orthopedic surgeon at Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – Ballantyne in Charlotte for more.
Here, Jarvis addresses your most common questions about buying weighted vests and using them safely.
Orthopedic care to help you move freely.
How do you get a weighted vest?
They’re easy to find at sporting goods stores like DICK’S Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors or through online retailers like Amazon. They aren’t something that’s prescribed through medical practices at this point.
How much do weighted vests cost?
Prices vary quite a bit. Basic options start around $25, while higher-end versions can go up to about $200. Many people end up paying somewhere in the $50–$60 range. Some vests feature pockets for removable weights made from sandbags, steel bars or plates, which allow you to increase or decrease the weight you carry. Slim-profile designs often cost more because they require more sophisticated engineering.
Are weighted vests OK for walkers with back issues such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, stress fractures, etc.?
If you have a stress fracture, a weighted vest is definitely not recommended. If walking without a vest already causes pain, you shouldn't use a vest, because adding extra weight will only make things worse.
The working theory in the medical community is that regular use of a weighted vest might help slow development of osteopenia or osteoporosis, similar to how taking vitamin D and calcium supplements support bone health.
Take the first step to better back and neck health.
Is there a connection between wearing a vest and developing or worsening scoliosis? And should someone with scoliosis and/or kyphosis (a spinal condition that causes a curved upper back) wear a weighted vest while walking?
No, there isn’t a connection between wearing a weighted vest and developing or worsening scoliosis. Again, the main rule is simple: let pain be your guide.
Strengthening the back can actually help with conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis, but if wearing a vest causes pain, that’s a sign the weight is too heavy or the vest isn’t right for you.
If doctors tell you extra weight is bad for your knees, why do they also recommend using a weighted vest?
When orthopedists recommend weight loss, it’s usually because someone is carrying excess body weight and experiencing pain in the knees, hips, ankles or feet. A weighted vest is different — it’s meant for people who have no pain during regular exercise and want to increase the intensity of their workouts and add muscle strength.
Weighted vests are used for short periods (typically a maximum of 1-2 hours per day) and can be removed immediately if discomfort starts. Body weight, on the other hand, is constant and cannot be taken off, which is why it puts more strain on the joints over time.
Here’s the takeaway
Weighted vests can be a great way to add challenge to your workouts without breaking the bank — they’re easy to find and start at about $25. Just remember: Comfort and safety come first. If you feel pain, take the vest off and listen to your body. When used wisely, a little extra weight can go a long way toward building strength.
