#197 Weight Vests: Pros, Cons & Real Talk For Tactical Athletes

Welcome back to another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast!

Today, we’re diving into the growing trend of using weight vests for fitness and weight loss, especially among women.

With claims about increased calorie burn and improved bone density, we break down what’s real, what’s hype, and what you need to know before strapping one on.

We also get into smart ways to integrate weight vests into your training routine, including key considerations, risks, and benefits to keep in mind—whether you’re new to training or looking to take your workouts to the next level.

But we don’t stop there... We expand the conversation into the tactical athlete space, covering how weight vests are used in CrossFit, Tactical Games, law enforcement, military, and first responder training.

From performance to practicality, we highlight how different communities are using vests—and how it translates to the average gym-goer.

If you’re thinking about training with a weight vest, this episode is packed with useful insights, pros and cons, and real-world application tips to help you get the most out of your gear while staying safe and effective.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:28 Tactical and Practical Applications

03:07 Bone Density & Weight Loss Benefits

03:53 Pros and Cons

12:43 Caloric Burn: What to Know

17:22 Athletic Performance with Vests

24:14 Posture & Mechanics Impact

26:06 Weight Vests for Women

27:52 Picking the Right Vest

30:10 Best Training Practices

39:27 Breathing & Mobility Challenges

42:14 Practical Advice & Tips