Gear and gadgets: Are you walking with a weighted vest?

I’m experimenting with walking with a weight vest. I wrote about the weight vest in a product review.

An article about walking with weight vests suggested the jury was still out regarding some benefits of walking with weight vests.

Main point: “A new randomized clinical trial, led by a team of researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Wake Forest University, did not find evidence that wearing a weighted vest or engaging in resistance training prevented bone loss in older adults undergoing intentional weight loss.”

More about it:

• “The study, published in JAMA Network Open, underscores the persistent need for alternative strategies to protect skeletal health in aging populations with obesity.”
• “While weight loss is commonly advised to enhance cardiovascular and joint health in older adults with obesity, it may also lead to bone loss, raising the risk of fractures that can diminish both quality and longevity of life.”
• “…the benefits of weight loss must be balanced against potential harm to bone health and need to consider alternate or adjuvant countermeasure strategies.”

Why it matters:

• Nordic walkers can’t assume adding load solves skeletal health—especially if losing weight.
• Improving endurance and body composition may come with hidden structural risk unless managed intentionally.

Takeaways:

• Treat weighted vests as a supplement, not a solution.
• Consider cross-training by pairing Nordic walking with targeted resistance training.
• If pursuing weight loss, proactively protect bone.

↓ See below for Nordic walking coaching, experiences, and shopping ↓

Gear and gadgets: Check these items out and browse more ideas for enhancing your capabilities (commission earned by Afoot Nordic walking on purchases)

Explore Nordic walking experiences to to enjoy the world of Nordic walking.