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.

Expert Advice on Weighted Vests

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
• 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.

Tips for Using a Weighted Vest

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
• 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.

Final Thoughts

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.