Top questions about a weight vest for osteoporosis
Is a weighted vest for osteoporosis good?
Using a weighted vest long term is just as effective as drug therapy in building bone mass, according to research reports. And based on my personal experience I can tell you that with regular use you will enjoy better balance, experience fewer falls and build both full body strength and bone strength.
With these amazing results, a lot of you have more questions about how the vest works, what you need to do, and if it is safe for you to try. Here are answers to the top questions I receive about wearing a weighted vest:
Q: Will a weight vest really help me build bone?
A: Several clinical studies (see references below) have demonstrated how regular use of the weight vest helps to build bone density by adding extra weight and a greater impact to your steps. This is especially critical for thin women, who have less of a weight-bearing effect on their bones when they walk.
As you use the vest over time, you’ll note that you are building muscle strength. Remember, studies show that as you build muscle, you also build bone.
Q: How often should I use the vest?
A: It’s best to use the vest daily or at least every other day. The most bone-strengthening benefits are seen with regular, long-term use over the years.
Personally, I’ve worked up to putting 19 pounds in my vest — and I really like to wear the vest when I walk my dog. Each time the dog stops to smell a mail box, I do a few small hops giving additional impact to the hip.
Q: How much time should I wear the vest?
For most healthy individuals the answer is the longer you have it on the better. Various studies used the vest for at least 1 hour, 3 times a week. Remember, it is important to build up strength and work up slowly on the weights. And, take the vest off when you find yourself getting fatigued.
Q: How much weight do I start with?
A: You should start with 1 to 2 pounds of weight. The vest itself weighs 1 pound, so a gentle start is to add 1 extra pound (which equals 2 of the flexible weight packets) to get started. You’re working toward a goal of loading the vest with 10% of your body weight. For example, a woman who weighs 100 pounds would work up to 10 pounds in the vest.
Q: What is the maximum amount of weight I can use in the vest?
A: The vest has pockets to hold 18 pounds of flex-weights, plus the vest itself which weighs 1 pound.
Q: How do I put the weights in the vest?
A: The unique soft flex metal weights are very easy to manipulate in and out of the pockets on the vest. They are even easy to use for anyone with arthritis.
Q: What activities can I do in this vest?
A: Most all activities! It is great to wear the vest while doing a wide range of activities — from walking to housework to strength training, Pilates, and yoga. Wearing the vest is a great way to accomplish more during your exercise time.
Q: Can I jog while wearing this vest?
A: Yes, if you like to jog and jogging with the vest is comfortable for you, this would be a great way to get extra bone-building impact with each step. This particularly strengthens the hip.
Q: Does the vest adjust to fit my size?
A: This vest is fully adjustable and fits most everyone from very petite women to larger-boned women. It adjusts on the shoulder for women who are short in the torso or for those who are tall (from under 24 inches to over 50 inches). In addition this vest adjusts around the waist for a snug fit. This high quality Women’s Zipper Front Vest™ can quickly be adjusted to fit women from below 5 feet to over 6 feet tall.
Q: What is the vest made of?
A: The outer shell is nylon with a knitted nylon stretch neoprene chest. The vest has soft double stitched bound edges with Lycra and neoprene stretch pockets for the weights. There is comfortable padding in shoulders with the back and waist shoulder adjustments.
Q: Is the vest washable?
A: The Women’s Zipper Front Vest™ can be hand washed with the weights inside or machine washed with the weights removed.
Q: Where can I get additional weights?
A: Extra flex-metal weights are available here.
Q: Will the extra flex-metal weights from my existing vest also work with this vest?
A: Yes, you can add other weights you have as long as they fit into the pockets.
Q: I have pain issues. Can I use this vest?
A: This really depends on the sort of pain you have. You should always check with your physician or physical therapist before beginning any exercise regimen if you have pain. Take special care to seek professional advice before using the vest if you have any sort of back pain.
Q: What if I don’t like, or can’t use, this vest after I buy it?
A: You can try the vest for two weeks from the date of delivery. If in that time you decide it is not for you, we will refund you the cost of the vest minus the shipping.
Q: Do I need my doctor’s permission to use this vest?
A: The vest is very safe because you are in total control of the amount of weight you put in it. By itself, or say, with one weight in it, it is like wearing a jacket. If course, if you have a special health concern, or a back issue, it is wise to discuss the use of this vest with your doctor.
You can learn more about my weight vest here.
Q: Should I use a weighted vest or a belt?
References:
Jessup, J et al., 2003, Effects of exercise on bone density, balance, and self-efficacy in older women, Biol Res Nurs 2003, 4:171-180.
Snow, C et al., Long Term Exercise Using Weighted Vests Prevents Hip Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women, Jr of Gerontology: Medical Sciences 2000, Vol. 55A, No. 9, M489-M491.
Snow, C, Marcus, R et al., 1991. Exercise, Bone Mineral Density, and Osteoporosis, Jr of Exercise and Sport Sciences 1991, Vol. 19:351-388.
You might have heard the common suggestion that we strive for 10,000 steps a day to enhance overall health. Looking specifically at bone health, however, the daily step recommendation looks a bit different — and the news is not good for thin women.
