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Weight Training
Weight Training: Weighted Vest: The WhatEver Pockit kit can be used for sports weight training by inserting weights into the pockets of the chamber panel, and the attachment straps. The most popular configuration is the weighted vest. The weighted vest can be used for track and field, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, hockey and other similar sports weight training. What makes a weight vest so beneficial is the fact that it can add resistance to your workout without having to use hand-held weights.
Typical Weighted Vest
A typical weight vest includes adjustable shoulder and lateral straps that allow it to be customized to fit any torso. That way, the weight is properly positioned in the optimal center of gravity for each body type. This concentrates the weight in the chest and upper body, which works the abdominals and builds core muscle strength. Another benefit is that most weight vests allow you to add more weight as strength improves for greater workout intensity. Twenty pounds and fifty are the two most common weights to used with a weighted vest.
When To Add Weights
When adding a weight vest to your weight training program, start out light then gradually work your way up to a heavier weighted vest over a few months. Going too heavy, too soon can put excessive stress on your joints and cause injury.
Why Use A Weighted Vest
Weighted vests are used as weight training aids to boost metabolism, increase endurance and improve resistance for certain types of muscle training. There are definite benefits to training with a weighted vest, as well as disadvantages. Depending on the design of the vest and how it is used, weighted vests can cause discomfort, injury and other problems.
Difference In Design
Different vests use different design aesthetics and weight types. Some vests use weighted plates that are sewn into the vest material itself. Others feature pockets that the plates slide into. There are even vests that don’t use plates at all, instead using sealed packets of ball bearings to add weight to the vest. Unfortunately, these differences in design can make weighted vests difficult for some users to wear. Straps or pockets may be placed in locations that are uncomfortable, poor weight layout can lead to a feeling of being off-balance and some pockets may not close well and allow weights to fall out when the wearer is leaning over. The WhatEver Pockit kit overcomes these difficulties, by giving you the option of how you want to configure and use the vest comfortably on your body.
Weight Training: Back and Shoulder Problems
Weighted vests add weight to the torso, which is where the body naturally stores much of its excess weight. Unfortunately, the weight in a weighted vest must be supported largely by the shoulders instead of being supported from below by the hips like natural weight. This can lead to vertebrae compression, shoulder injuries and pinched nerves in the spinal column. Those with existing back or shoulder problems should consult a doctor before using a weighted vest to make sure the added weight of the vest won’t make the problems worse.
Weight Training: Joint Pains
People who use improper form or who continue exercising while tired can suffer from lower body joint injuries as a result of the increased weight that the joints are supporting. As with back and shoulder problems, those with existing lower body joint problems should consult a doctor before using a weighted vest.
Weight Training: Injury
Unfortunately, weight vests aren’t all good. In fact, using a vest improperly could be downright dangerous, putting you at risk for sports injuries. Because the added weight can throw off your balance, you could risk more falls. The added weight also means you’ll need to adjust your intensity levels and put more pressure on your joints, which could result in strains, sprains and overuse injuries.
Weight Training: Poor Posture
One of the drawbacks of a weight vest is that it could cause poor posture. If you choose a vest heavier than necessary, your back can stoop and strain under the added weight. Because posture and technique are paramount for safe exercise, hunching or straining could cause serious back, neck and shoulder injuries.
Weight Training: Safety Tips
Your weight vest should never be heavier than is comfortable. You shouldn’t have to strain your body in order to carry the vest, and you should always be able to retain a full range of motion. If you’re unsure of the weight amount or proper usage, talk to your doctor or trainer about safely adding a weight vest to your routine.
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