The original Hyper Vest design process focused on athletes. But, later on, we were surprised to learn not all of our customers are athletes. We learned that our thin and comfortable weight vest was a favorite for those with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Sometimes big gains in wellness can come from simple, unexpected places. Years ago researchers studied weighted vest for osteoporosis. They found that wearing a weight vest while walking improves bone density for those diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Long-term exercise using weighted vests prevents hip bone loss in postmenopausal women was the most important study.
Other osteoporosis research at the time was able showed how heavy a weight vest should be used to maximize the potential for good bone density improvements. Research also studied how walking speed affects bone density improvements. The speed the that you walk is important in deciding how heavy your adjustable weight vest should be.
More recently a study proved that a routine of light repetition functional exercises with an adjustable weighted vest was effective in building bone mineral density after just six weeks. Effects of low-repetition and light-load power training on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with sarcopenia.
Weighted Vest Osteoporosis & Walking
What weight did the scientists recommend for walking with a weighted vest? If you walk at a slow pace, build up to a heavier weight of 15% to 20% of your body weight. If you walk at a brisk pace, you can work with 10% to 15% of your body weight and even small adjustments will have a greater benefit. The bottom line recommendation is to gradually increase the weight. The load of your weight vest should eventually reach 15% of your body weight. Your speed over time also increases. See: "The Effect of Weighted Vest Walking on Metabolic Responses and Ground Reaction Forces."
We are always checking on the latest weight vest research. It's remarkable how many benefits come from simple, functional fitness equipment. This Wall Street Journal article, “Extra Load on Your Back to Help Build Bones” by Laura Johannes, reminds us of that.
Many studies have shown that simply including an adjustable weight vest in your exercise for weighted vest osteoporosis will improve bone density. As the Wall Street Journal article points out, building bone mass is triggered more by higher impact activities like running or if you are walking you should power walk. Felecia Cosman, senior clinical director of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, is quoted as saying “bone responds to the magnitude of force put on it.”
Talk with Your Doctor First
Of course, you should ALWAYS consult your medical professional before starting any exercise. Talking with a doctor is imperative when considering any impact activity with a weighted vest to gain bone mass. The stage or severity of your osteoporosis is a big factor. Your doctor will help determine your training. Ask your doctor the amount of weight you should be using and your added weight curve. Choosing the Hyper Vest is your best choice for an adjustable weight vest. It allows you to very gradually increase the amount of weight used during a workout. Generally, the studies show that 4% to 10% of body weight is the range of load to use for a weight vest. Your physician may not recommend adding an additional load depending on your fitness and condition.
Learn How to Buy the Best Women's Weight Vest Here
Whatever you do, build a fitness habit. Get into a routine so you remember to include your weight vest in an activity that will help you build bone density. This is a slow and steady process. You have to stick with it to get small daily gains that will build into a significant improvement in your bone health. See your doctor regularly and get a scan to know your progress.
In the long run, it is about overall wellness. What you do for your osteoporosis will benefit your overall health. Better balance and a lower risk of falls is just one example. Do intervals of higher activity to get your heart rate up too. It’s all about a better life.
Added Benefits
Still, more benefit comes from improving balance from wearing a snug weighted vest osteoporosis during fitness activity. Do not use a loose fitting vest. If the vest is not holding tight to your core it can shift and throw off your balance. A study published in Rheumatology International provided evidence for improved balance. Study participants improved their balance by walking three times a week with a weight vest on a treadmill.
While a treadmill is great for controlled studies, make sure you include other fitness activities with your weight vest to improve balance. When walking, simply including some backward walking can be fantastic for keeping your brain in touch with balance. Find a trail to walk on and go for a hike. It is much better for you than walking on a flat, predictable sidewalk. Sedentary lifestyles and controlled environments cause a lot of our aged related health challenges. Get outdoors and into nature often. Use your weight vest whenever and wherever you can to test your balance and proprioception.
Women are especially prone to lose bone density and large numbers have been drawn to our vest for weight-bearing exercise. We introduced our weighted vest for women, the Hyper Vest FIT which has style, comfort, and is so attractive you can wear it anywhere. Our weighted vest osteoporosis is the perfect solution for a fitted, yet adjustable weight vest. It utilizes a patented design so that anyone can move, walk and run comfortably while wearing it.
Where to go for more information? Open a chat with Hyperwear. We have a lot of experience with people who have questions about osteoporosis and weight vests. Another popular option is rucking with a weighted backpack for osteoporosis. Check out rucking with the Hyperwear Hyper Ruck as another excellent option to add strength training and stimulate your bone health while walking or hiking.
Looking for exercises for osteoporosis with a weight vest?
Always start with your medical professional before starting any exercise program especially for osteopenia or osteoporosis so that you get advice specific to your condition. Here is some general advice from physical therapist, Margaret Martin:
You can also check out her review of the Hyper Vest weight vest for osteoporosis to learn more:
