The best weighted vests for your workouts

If you practice CrossFit, you've probably come across weighted vests. Those tactical-looking accessories you see on athletes during demanding WODs aren't just for show: they have a clear and powerful function.

The same applies to the weighted backpacksused in the practice of ruckinga discipline that has also gained ground in the CrossFit world.

Whether it's a vest or a backpack, adding weight to your body during a workout can completely transform your physical capabilities. Today we tell you why you should consider integrating one into your workouts, how to choose the right one and the benefits you can expect.

What is a weighted vest?

It is an adjustable vest that includes weights distributed along the torso. It is designed to increase the body load, thus increasing the intensity of exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, squats, burpees or careers.

Benefits of using a weighted vest in CrossFit

A weighted vest artificially increases our body weight. With this we increase the difficulty of the exercise without having to add more volume.

It is a useful tool for overcoming deadlocks by incorporating a new stimulus.

1. Increased cardiovascular and muscular challengeCarrying extra weight forces your heart and muscles to work harder. This increases endurance and functional strength.
2. Improved performance without ballastTraining with a vest makes your movements feel lighter when you take it off. Ideal for preparing for bodyweight WODs.
3. VersatilityFrom running to pull-ups, the vest adapts to multiple exercises without limiting your movements.
4. Mental training: Carrying extra weight requires concentration and mental toughness, especially in long routines like Murph.

When to use it?

It is not for beginners. It is recommended to incorporate the vest once you have a solid foundation of strength and technique. Use it on specific training days or to vary the intensity of a WOD you have already mastered.

Surely there are only a few candidates in the box who are truly ready to wear the weighted vest.

In fact, we don't usually see it used too much in day-to-day training, it is usually reserved for special occasions such as a Murph u other heroes.

How to choose the ideal weighted vest

• AdjustmentIt should fit snugly to the torso, without moving during jumps or runs. One of the most important aspects is that the vest fits snugly to your body to avoid excessive movement and discomfort while training. This is especially important for those smaller people for whom not just any vest will do.
• Adjustable weight: Start with little weight (4-6 kg) and increase progressively.
• Material and ventilationLook for durable but breathable materials, especially if you train outdoors or in hot climates.

How much does the CrossFit vest weigh?

At CrossFit Games the weighted vest is 6 kg for girls and 10 kg for boys. At user level you don't have to follow those weights and you can adjust it to your needs.

Which weighted vest to buy?

5.11

This is one of the most famous, since for years it has been used by the athletes at the CrossFit Games.

This is a special vest, as it is not really designed for training, but is used in the military tactical field.

It has a quality above the rest and that is noticeable at the very moment you have it in your hands by the finishes and details, and you reaffirm it when you put it on.

• Offers a great support thanks to the velcro straps to adjust them to various sides of your contour.
• The ballast is fully secured in a way that avoids the bounce when you move.
• The quilting The material of its material prevents it from digging into the skin and causing discomfort.
• You can tell it's from high quality finishesis a robust vest.

On the downside, it may seem expensive, but a vest is an investment for life, as it is not a product that suffers wear and tear.

Other vests that replicate the 5.11 model and are somewhat less expensive are:

Picsil

TrainLikeFight

Buy weights for weighted vest

When you buy the vest you are actually buying the plate carrier and these are not usually included. Therefore, to complete the vest you will need to buy the weights.

Back in the day, when I got the 5.11 vest, I had to wait until I could compare plates that were only sold at Rogue USA.

Fortunately, we are now there are many more and cheaper options.

Where to buy patches or patches for weighted vests?

To get an official CrossFit patch you'll have to be at one of their in-person events, like the Games. At least that's the only place I know of that sells them.

Pack of shawl and ballasts

It is not usual to find a vest of these characteristics in a pack with its weights that you can gradually increase with 4 plates. Surely the complete vest with the most competitive price.

Where to buy the patches for the vest?

Wods with vest

Final tips to get the most out of it

• Use the vest only in certain segments of the WOD.
• Don't sacrifice technique for the extra weight.
• Listen to your body: more weight is not always better.
• Wash it regularly if you train frequently and sweat a lot.