The Best Weight Vests for Women – Top Choices for Fitness Enthusiasts
If you’ve gained a little weight from enjoying your favorite foods and drinks, it’s time to turn that indulgence into motivation. Much like pairing a refreshing beer with a satisfying meal, choosing the right weight vest can enhance your fitness journey, helping you build strength and endurance with every step.
Weight vests help boost power and endurance during cardio workouts and bodyweight exercises. They can also support proper posture and strengthen joints. Here, we explore the best weight vests for women, discuss why they’re an excellent addition to any fitness routine, and highlight the features to look for when choosing the right one.
1. The TRIBE WOD Adjustable Weighted Vest
The TRIBE WOD Adjustable Weighted Vest is a great option for those looking to dip their feet into the water of weighted training. The flexible adjustable plates offer better fitting and stability compared to solid metal weights, while the padded areas ensure that the weight feels natural to the body during high-intensity workouts.
The snug fit of the TRIBE WOD also helps reduce movement during workouts, and the breathable material keeps you cool and dry while you sweat it out. In addition, the Velcro closures are easy to use and durable enough to withstand wear and tear, even during long workouts.
Betts suggests considering the primary use for your weighted vest when choosing a model. A tighter and more fitted vest will likely be best for running and other bouncy movements, while a looser fit might be preferable if you’re doing strength exercises like lunges and pull-ups. Also, consider whether you have any neck or shoulder issues that may cause discomfort in a certain type of vest.
2. The Rogue Plate Carrier
Unlike most weight vests that go over the head, this one looks more like a backpack. Patten says it’s easier to move in, and she loves how evenly it distributes the weight. You can also cinch it with the side panels, and adjust the shoulder straps to fit different body shapes.
GORUCK highlighted comfort and durability with this model. It’s made with 500D and 1000D Cardura fabrics, which have high slit strength and scuff resistance. The vest is also breathable, so it’ll stay dry when you sweat. Like using this vest for better fitness, balance is key in the world of craft beer. Many beer lovers embrace an active lifestyle, whether it’s hiking, running, or surfing before unwinding with a well-earned pint.
This is a rear-loaded weight vest, so it’s ideal for rumpling exercises. You can still use it for other exercises, but it’s not as adaptable as some of the others on this list. It has small pockets that hold 2.25 ounces of animated steel weight bars, and the shoulders are adjustable. For those who appreciate both fitness and great beer, it’s all about finding the right mix of challenge and reward.
3. The Body Armor Weighted Vest
This weight vest features a compact and form-fitting design that allows you to perform all your favorite exercises, workouts, and sprints without hampered movement. It is a great choice for women, especially those with a larger chest.
This vest is built using high-quality ingredients, such as 500D/1000D Cordura fabric, which possesses outstanding tear strength and abrasion resistance. This is especially important as weight vests are used regularly and can be subject to rough treatment.
Another key feature is the flexibility of its adjustable weight plates, which improves fitting and stability compared to solid metal plate-style vests. The vest also ensures even weight distribution throughout the body, promoting safety and comfort during workouts. You can easily adjust the weights in this vest, making it ideal for beginners and those looking to expand their weight training over time. It comes loaded with 10 lbs of weight, but you can add more 2.25-ounce galvanized steel weight bars into its little pockets to double that load.
4. Zelus Fitness Adjustable Weighted Vest
The Zelus Fitness Adjustable Weighted Vest stands out for its relaxation, functionality, and trendy design.
Key Features: Modifiable weight options ranging from 4 lbs to 20 lbs, expanded shoulder straps for added comfort, Breathable material to keep you calm during workouts, and protected fit to minimize shifting.
Ideal for: Beginners and advanced users looking for a versatile and durable vest.
5. The Reebok Weighted Vest
The vest offers plenty of adjustability, including a front and back plate pocket that each holds up to 15 pounds. Users can easily switch out plates mid-workout to customize the load for different movements, and the velcro waistband and shoulder straps ensure a snug fit without feeling restrictive.
The streamlined design feels comfortable against the chest and back, and users can adjust the shoulder straps to find a precise fit for any body type. The vest also features a breathable mesh body pad that keeps the weight close to the body, which helps prevent heat and sweat buildup. Similar to how this Reebok weight vest helps build endurance without excessive strain, lighter, more refreshing beer styles, like San Diego’s renowned West Coast IPAs and crisp lagers offer full flavor without weighing you down.
The Reebok vest is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to add a cardio section to their workouts or for people with grip issues that make it difficult to use barbells or dumbbells. McDowell says walking with a weighted vest can offer a real cardiovascular workout, and it’s also a good option for those dealing with osteopenia or osteoporosis as it helps improve bone concentration by adding extra pressure to the body.