When you want to increase the intensity of your calisthenics workout you may consider using a weighted vest. However, choosing the best weighted vest for calisthenics can be challenging. I mean, there is an assortment of options out there, and it’s common to get confused on which is best.
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Fortunately, you are here, and I’m going to walk you through some of the best options available. The goal is to help you choose the best quality weighted vest among the endless variety.
A Quick Glance at the Best Weighted Vest for Calisthenics
1. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest
2. CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
3. Aduro Sport Adjustable Weighted Vest
4. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest
5. North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest
Our Reviews of Best Weighted Vests for Calisthenics
To ensure that you select the best weighted vest for your calisthenics workout, we have compiled detailed research of some of the best choices.
1. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest
I picked this vest as my top choice for the best overall weighted vest for calisthenics and Murph training.
For starters, it’s the best when it comes to adjustable weights. 5 different weight options are available to choose from. You can choose the 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 lbs
What’s more?
This vest comes with padded shoulder pads which provided much needed comfort while doing my resistance training. The pads make it a fantastic choice for a better workout experience.
The Velcro straps are adjustable as well, which is great for people of all sizes. After using this vest for an array of bodyweight exercises and strength training, I maintain that it’s one of the best there is.
Pros
• Weight options available up to 5
• Machine washable
• Lifetime warranty
• Solid iron weights
Cons
• Straps are behind which can be difficult to put together
2. CAP Bar(HHWV-CB020C) Adjustable Weighted Vest
This is the best budget weighted vest. This vest is made by the CAP brand which is a reputable company in the fitness equipment industry.
With a track record of making premium-quality equipment over the years, you can rest assured that you are getting the best deal for your bucks.
It was designed to cater to a variety of persons. You can easily adjust the vest’s total weight by adding or removing individual weight packets, up to a total of 20 lbs.
The size is small enough to get you through core exercises and resistance training. Speaking of resistance training, the vest comes with anchor hooks that allow you to add parachute run training.
Another interesting angle to this vest comes in its adjustable waist belt, so you can tighten it properly to your body.
Pros
• Affordable
• Made from premium quality materials
• Reflective straps for night visibility
• Shoulder pads for optimal comfort
Cons
• Tight pockets make adding weight packets a bit difficult
3. Aduro Sport Adjustable Weighted Vest
This vest is unique in design but that’s just one of its numerous highlights. It’s the best weighted vest for women thanks to it’s X-Shape design that is designed to fit a woman’s curves.
This vest is made from a neoprene material that makes it super soft on the body, odorless, and highly breathable. All this makes it an ideal option for anyone.
Furthermore, you have 3 weight options to choose from (4-10 lbs, 11-20 lbs and 20-32 lbs). With these options, it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or you’ve been into calisthenics for a while, one of the weight class levels will be suitable for you.
Pros
• Offers 3 weight options
• Unique design and can be worn beneath clothes
• Includes 2 large storage compartments
• Extremely soft, comfortable, and breathable
Cons
• Not machine washable
4. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest
The Hyperwear vest is streamlined and thin, which makes it the best weighted vest to wear under clothes while you train and work out.
It comes with a full zipper and snuggles up to your body like a jacket making it easier to perform different kinds of exercises. Unlike other weighted vests you can choose from 4 size options to ensure the perfect fit.
This vest is comfortable and is the most versatile on the list. It can be used for strength training, tactical training, regular fitness training, walking, and professional training.
It’s adjustable with a side lacing to fit any body size. This professional-grade vest is also odorless, breathable, wicks moisture away, and comes loaded with thin galvanized steel weights.
Pros
• Can be worn underneath clothing
• The stretch fabric is breathable, odor-free, and comfortable
• Side lacing adjustable to fit any body size
• Weights can be evenly distributed around the body
Cons
• May be restricting with lateral exercises
5. North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest
While this vest is most times seen as a one-size-fits-all model, it’s our best weighted vest for big guys considering its relatively large size.
The North Gym vest comes in 2 weight options – 14 and 20 pounds and is available in a variety of colors. Its design is unique with adjustable straps by the sides and shoulders so anyone can fit into it, especially the big guys.
Now the part I like most – comfort. The shoulders of this vest are padded for premium comfort while you train. The durable quality of this vest is also impressive. The material used is an oxford 600D nylon which is strong, durable, water-resistant, and tearproof.
The weights used in this vest are 3D body shaped plates. This design ensures that the vest fits to your body like armor.
Pros
• Comfortable and adjustable fit
• High-quality material is used
• Padded shoulders for comfort
• Very durable
Cons
• Not suitable for small frames
Weighted Vest Calisthenics and Murph Benefits
Calisthenics is a classic fitness exercise that involves strength training for the whole body. It’s not limited to just the muscles on your arms, thighs, or any distinct part of your body.
You’ll be using your body weight as resistance while you exercise. Calisthenics can improve body strength, flexibility, balance, agility, ease of movement, and general body fitness.
It involves the use of less fitness equipment, so you’ll be doing more running, walking, jumping, pulling and pushing, etc.
Benefits of Calisthenics
Here are some of the benefits of one of the oldest exercises in the world.
- You Can Build Massive Strength
This is one of the goals of weighted vest calisthenics: to help you build an incredible amount of strength, and – surprise yourself.
It doesn’t have to involve dumbbells and other heavyweights; your body weight can help you increase your strength.
Now add these weighted vests to your body weight and you can improve your resistance levels for increased strength.
- You Build Every Single Muscle Up
Since weighted vest calisthenics doesn’t limit your training to a single body part, you have the advantage of building every single muscle in your body.
- It Preps You for the Bigger Workouts
This kind of calisthenics gives you the prerequisite training to advance into more competitive strength building. If you can lift your body weight comfortably, machines and free weights will be easier.
- Move with Grace and Maintain Balance
When you perform calisthenics, an added improvement is better balance. Combine that with the use of a weighted vest and you can move confidently even as you get older..
- Cut the Fat
Adding weighted vests to your routine training will help burn calories quicker, and cut the fat faster. If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, this is a great way to get faster results.
Buying Guide for Best Weighted Vest for Calisthenics and Murph
When it’s time to buy a weighted vest for calisthenics, there are certain factors you need to consider before staking your hard-earned cash on it.
Here are the Top Three Factors You Need to Consider
- Length
- Weight
- Overall Design
- Length (Shorter vs Longer)
There are two kinds of length for a weighted vest; the short and the long type. The short type can only cover your chest region and fall slightly above your stomach in some models.
For their longer counterparts, it can cover your torso (the main part of the body excluding arms, legs, and head). Therefore, the choice you’ll be making will depend on what you want.
The longer vests will limit your movement and your ability to perform a variety of motions, especially when it comes to bending and exercises around your core. While the shorter vests will allow you all the freedom you want as you exercise.
- Weight
Just like the length factor, there are two kinds of weight you have to consider. There are fixed weights and adjustable variants.
With adjustable weight, the heaviness of the vest can be changed. However, you can’t change the weight of the fixed option.
If going for the adjustable weighted vest, you can start out with lower weight and increase as you get stronger. With a fixed weight vest you cannot adjust the weight but the bonus is that these vests can give you a better workout experience as you won’t have to deal with the feeling of removable weights jostling around.
The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is a great fixed weight option which I consider the best weighted vest for walking and running.
- Overall Design
When it comes to design, I’m very conscious. Some weighted vests are designed to be compact and comfortable with padded shoulder pads, while some aren’t designed this way.
The material used in the design is also important. Some materials are lightweight, moisture-wicking, easy to wash/dry, tearproof, waterproof, and odorless.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. How Heavy Should My Weighted Vest Be?
Ideally, a weighted vest should not be more than 10 percent of your overall body weight.
There are no scientific backings for this rule, but therapists and fitness experts agree that this should be the standard. Any figure from 4 to 10 percent of your body weight is enough.
B. How Long Should I Wear a Weighted Vest?
The maximum amount of time you can wear a weighted vest is 1 hour 30 minutes. This is because prolonged usage can cause you to have back and shoulder pains depending on the weight. If you are running or jogging, then 30 to 45 minutes should be enough.
C. Are Weighted Vests Bad for Your Spine?
This depends on your state of health. If you are having back or spine pains, then weighted vests are not to be used. They can mount pressure on your spine and entire back region. This can cause your back problems to worsen.
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Conclusion
Calisthenics is beneficial for everyone and even more so with the inclusion of weighted vests. With the tips for choosing and our top recommendations, you can find the best weighted vest for calisthenics and get started.
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