I am an avid walker. Always have been and hopefully always will be. I enjoy strolling city streets, hilly parks, the beach—wherever my feet take me. One perk of walking is people-watching. And lately, in addition to bright Hokas and other stylish walking shoes, I noticed a lot of people sporting some new fitness gear across their shoulders. At first, I thought the bulky additions were hydration backpacks, but I was mistaken. It turns out the new trendiest walking accessory (that I’ve been seeing everywhere) is weighted vests.
After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, my doctor recommended I try wearing a weighted vest during my weekly workouts to improve my bone health. Not wanting to miss out on the latest health trend (and wanting to follow my doctor’s orders), I jumped at the chance to try one. Featured in our roundup of best weighted vests, I decided to sample the fitted OMorpho G-Vest.
What are the benefits of a weighted vest?
It’s not surprising my doctor recommended trying out a weighted vest. Numerous studies have shown that wearing one can be beneficial for bone density, especially fighting osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Ina 2007 study on postmenopausal women, researchers discovered that training with a weighted vest for as few as 12 weeks reduced bone loss. Another study found a significant increase in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women after following a six-month-long exercise program utilizing weighted vests.
Experts previously shared withPrevention that weighted vest benefits are maximized while doing weight-bearing exercises like walking, squatting, or lifting. Other benefits may include:
- Improved endurance and cardiovascular health
- Extra resistance strengthens muscles
- Burns more calories during a workout
- Encourages better posture
How I tested
I wore the weighted vest regularly over the course of two months. I wore it for my 45-minute strength-training workouts, which I do three times a week, and also added it to a two-mile walk a few times a week. In addition, I wore it around the house on the two days a week when I worked from home.
How Does the OMorpho G-Vest Work?
The vest, crafted with breathable, high-flexibility, washable neoprene, isn’t bulky at all. In fact, the fabric is so comfortable to wear and allows for freedom of movement while doing all types of workouts. And though the weights are not adjustable, the fit is. The G-Vest offers side cinch cord lacing and adjustable shoulder straps to fit your torso. It is currently available in five colors: red, blue, gray, white, and black. It fits most bodies with two different sizes: S/M and L/XL. It’s also easy to get on and off with a front zipper.
Where the G-Vest differentiates itself from competitors is its lack of adjustability in weight (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Using permanent micro-spheres sewn into the vest, it has a predetermined weight of 6 lb. The spheres are evenly spaced and well distributed to prevent strain and discomfort.
What I liked
Most weighted vests have “pockets” which allow you to load up on the amount of weight by adding packets that are usually filled with metal pellets or sand. Those vests give you the option of adjusting the poundage. I have worn this type of variable weighted vest and found that my preference is for the Omorpho G-Vest—it’s definitely a game-changer in the crowded weighted vest field.
I was nervous the 6-lb weight would be too light to be effective, but I found my strength-training sessions significantly more exhausting while wearing the vest than without. And it was never too heavy to be uncomfortable. I attribute that to the adjustable lace-up sides, straps, and body-conforming design, which allows a significant amount of freedom of movement during any workout. It never pulled or tugged and always stayed perfectly in place, even through a wide variety of exercises. I found it was the perfect vest to boost just about any of my workouts—including resistance training, walking, running, and cardio.
But most of all, I was so impressed by the stylish design. Unlike bulkier vests I’d seen around my neighborhood, the OMorpho G-Vest is cinched, lightweight, and looks sleek and chic—and fits great on top of any kind of athletic clothing.
Front view of the vest
One last thing…
The Omorpho G-Vest’s $299 price tag is a bit steep—but this is about a higher level of self-care aimed at ensuring optimal health. Every time I zip up the vest, it’s a reminder that I am seriously invested in building a healthier me. At the end of two months, I feel stronger, my endurance is higher, and even my posture is better.
I now regularly wear the G-Vest when I go out for walks, during my strength training for more efficient workouts, and even while running errands around town. My doctor has been waiting for me to give her an honest appraisal of the OMorpho G-Vest, so she can decide if it’s right for her to recommend it to other patients. I can definitively say I’d recommend it to anyone. There was nothing about it I disliked! I highly recommend this vest—regardless of your fitness level. You can look amazing while doing amazing things for your body.
SHOP THE G-VEST NOW
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