Walking with Extra Weight: A Smart Fitness Hack?

Walking is a great way to stay fit, but adding a weighted vest can take it up a notch. Two friends, Lindsay and Ashley, decided to give it a try after seeing posts online about its benefits. They started with a vest that had 11 pounds of weight and noticed a big difference when they added just a couple more pounds. A fitness expert, Nick Parkinson, says it's important to start slow when using a weighted vest. He uses them in his training and says they can help with bone strength, core muscles, and stamina. But he warns that they're not for everyone. People who are recovering from injuries or just starting to exercise should be careful. The extra weight can put more pressure on joints and make things worse. If you're thinking about trying a weighted vest, you can find basic ones for around $20 to $30. Parkinson suggests starting with a lighter weight and slowly increasing it as you get stronger. Lindsay and Ashley felt a bit silly at first, even hiding their vests under sweatshirts. But now, they're proud to wear them and feel the difference. So, if you're looking to boost your workout, a weighted vest might be worth a try. Just remember to take it easy at first and listen to your body.