Weighted Vests

[K87]

Looking at getting a weighted vest to use for some of my running training. Thinking it might be a good idea to train with more weight then come race days I can run without it and go quicker.

Plus theoretically if i can increase the weight gradually I hopefully won't notice it and I won't notice it too much whilst running.

Anyone used one before or recommend a good one. From what I can find so far they come around 10-30kgs.

[GingerWizard]

i have had a go with one before, i found them problematic as they shifted up and down my body causeing some pretty rapid chaffing.

Decent ruck sack/ burgon with bags of sand/flour etc proved much better.

[ShadownINja]

I used to train with ankle weights. When I took them off, I felt like I was walking on the moon.

[Halb]

I have considered a weighted vest before. Seen the Reebok one and the x-vest as two likely candidates.

Chafing doesn't sound good though!

Anybody seen these things that you can wear under your clothes?
http://www.pro-xsports.com/detail.asp?c_urn=36&amp...

[996 sps]

GingerWizard said:

i have had a go with one before, i found them problematic as they shifted up and down my body causeing some pretty rapid chaffing.

Decent ruck sack/ burgon with bags of sand/flour etc proved much better.

Yep decent day sac bergan makes more sense and is what I use when running with weight.

[ShadownINja]

That reminds me. When I was helping someone to train for the Himalayas, I made her carry 10kg of metal gear in a rucksack and then hike up and down hills in the countryside. Did the trick, apparently!

[bales]

I don't actually think there is any proof that running with weighted implements actually improves performance.

I have never seen any of the runners at my club using any type of weighted vest or wrist or ankle weights. I would imagine it messes up your running mechanics and probably isn't good for joints etc...

[996 sps]

bales said:

I don't actually think there is any proof that running with weighted implements actually improves performance.

I have never seen any of the runners at my club using any type of weighted vest or wrist or ankle weights. I would imagine it messes up your running mechanics and probably isn't good for joints etc...

Depends what your training for, on some of my endurance events it was the only way I could carry food and fluids, it was part of the training process and logic to train with weight.

I know a lot of boxers use ankle weights and wrist weights, but I agree would change your bio-mechanics and on hard surface would increase pressure on your joints but hey ho better to have lived and pushed the body rather than to worry about an injury.

[bales]

996 sps said:

Depends what your training for, on some of my endurance events it was the only way I could carry food and fluids, it was part of the training process and logic to train with weight.

I know a lot of boxers use ankle weights and wrist weights, but I agree would change your bio-mechanics and on hard surface would increase pressure on your joints but hey ho better to have lived and pushed the body rather than to worry about an injury.

I completely agree it depends what you are training for, if you have to run with added weight then obviously it makes sense to get your body used to it.

Though I wouldn't agree about doing something when you know there is an increased risk of injury thats just asking for trouble especially if you compete and need to be fit for the season.

[Halb]

I plan to run in a few 10k this year. And I plan to run with extra weight on the body (edit in training). When running regularly last year, I rank with 2kg handweights in each hand. And I liked it when I ran without them. BUt carry more weight in the hands isn't feasible, I have tried with 3kg
I do not want weights near my ankles when I run. Prefer to leave my Achilles tendon alone thank you.
I don't like the idea of this jumping around and chafing though on my schoolgirl soft skin.
This looks solid
http://www.pullum-sports.co.uk/strength-training-e...
But I cannot test, and don't like faffing aboot returning goods. Would like to have a good go on one over 3 miles ideally.

Edited by Halb on Tuesday 12th January 12:03

[K87]

Thanks for all the replies. I have tried running with a ruckack but found it starts getting too uncomfortable with higher weights as all the weight is concentrated on your back. This is where the danger of injury comes from. The idea of the weighted vest is it spreads it all over the upper body so keeps your running the same.

The ankle and knee weights I think are a big no-no for running definitely.

That last link does look very good, but extremely pricey.

[996 sps]

Pack the day-sac properly and don't use solid weight use equipment, small softie sleeping bag in the bottom and pack it properly.

Far better than a weighted vest, it will just jump and down and chaff you to death.

Berghaus Dart 35 litre is what I used on Ten-Tours and 30 milers.

[K87]

Is that running or walking though?

I'm planning on wearing this over a t-shirt, surely that would eliminate chaffing?

[996 sps]

bales said:

996 sps said:

Depends what your training for, on some of my endurance events it was the only way I could carry food and fluids, it was part of the training process and logic to train with weight.

I know a lot of boxers use ankle weights and wrist weights, but I agree would change your bio-mechanics and on hard surface would increase pressure on your joints but hey ho better to have lived and pushed the body rather than to worry about an injury.

I completely agree it depends what you are training for, if you have to run with added weight then obviously it makes sense to get your body used to it.

Though I wouldn't agree about doing something when you know there is an increased risk of injury thats just asking for trouble especially if you compete and need to be fit for the season.

I presume you mean for a field or track athlete?

If so thats the difference a season for another athlete could comprise of endurance events/rugby etc were the option of training without equipment or being contacted are far greater, thats there season and chances of injury I would suggest are far higher.

[bales]

To K87

You were the guy who posted a few weeks ago about wanting to get serious about your running if I remember correctly and that you do run for a club and train with them.

If you are doing this because you want to improve your performance in terms of racing and times then I would research this thoroughly.

The key with running (imo) is to get a 'base' of fitness which you constantly top up and then get your body used to faster speeds (using intervals and track work etc etc...) not to just keep plodding on further and further. We have a couple of middle distance lads in our group and they do pretty similar sessions to us (400/200m) so do a fair bit of speed work still.

I am not saying not to do it but is this something your club does or are you doing it off your own back?

If you want some resistance and to gain some strength then you can't beat a bit of hill work! Or sand dunes are excellent if you have access to them.

Even as a distance runner you still need to be quick! If you are running next to a guy in a race who can run 100m in 12s and you can only run it on 15s then he is going to be putting in much less effort than you to run at the same pace and doesn't need to work as hard!

My coach always tells us how after a 5k he could still bang out a 54s last lap so speed is vital even as a distance runner!

Edited to remove confusion about who I was replying to

Edited by bales on Tuesday 12th January 14:25

[996 sps]

Think your barking up the wrong tree mate.

Your spot on a good marathon runner will have an awesome 10k run time, and yep I did guide someone to a club without doubt and why do you think i'm suggesting making someone run with kit? I'm not it will change your bio-mechanics (as i've already mentioned), I work in sports therapy its exercise rehabilitation, not to break people.

Speed is of utmost importance important, recruiting fast twitch needed, I teach here 3 steady long distance runs and at least 2 speed sessions to standard gym users, let alone good runners, do we do hill work? Of course and have I done hill work of course with and without kit, Have I used sand dunes of course with and without kit and interval sessions and track sessions etc etc.




You have the wrong idea I think, of what i'm talking about, i'm on about events were you have to reach point A to point B with your own safety equipment hence saying training with weight.

Edited by 996 sps on Tuesday 12th January 14:18

[bales]

996 sps said:

Your spot on a good marathon runner will have an awesome 10k run time, and yep I did guide someone to a club without doubt and why do you think i'm suggesting making someone run with kit? I'm not it will chance your bio-mechanics, I work in sports therapy its exercise rehabilitation, not to break people.

Speed is of utmost importance important, recruiting fast twitch needed, I teach here 3 steady long distance runs and at least 2 speed sessions to standard gym users, let alone good runners, do we do hill work? Of course and have I done hill work of course with and without kit, Have I used sand dunes of course with and without kit and interval sessions and track sessions etc etc.




You have the wrong idea I think, of what i'm talking about, i'm on about events were you have to reach point A to point B with your own safety equipment hence saying training with weight.

Sorry I think we have crossed wires, that was supposed to be to the OP not to yourself. Ishould have quoted him really but I thought my post would be directly under his.

From your responses you most certainly do know what you are talking about and I wasn't knocking your advice whatsoever.

[996 sps]

Apologies Bales crossed wires.

[Halb]

Anyone use a WV for non-running exercise?

[Ordinary_Chap]

Buggles said:

To be honest, I wouldn't bother mate. There are too many people around with bksed knees and backs from boot and bergen runs. Any extra weight you wear when running, is multiplied massively on your joints. Just my 2 pence like mate.

You're describing me and many other service dudes.

I still suffer from the problems I gained doing just such a think in the military.

I personally have horrible problems with my shins and ankles I gained in the military and I've been out for 6 years.

So my experience is not to do it! I'd listen to bales and 996sps who both seem to know a great deal on the subject!