Weighted vest when doing Calisthenics?

Calisthenics completely transformed my workouts and in turn my fitness level, improving my looks, confidence and social skills. Over the years I have found Calisthenics to be easier not to give up on compared to the gym which I write about here: How Calisthenics changed my life.

Weighted vests are a great option for those looking to take their Calisthenics journey to the next level. Whilst some may consider that using a vest shouldn’t be regarded as Calisthenics, as they argue that strictly speaking it is a form of exercise that uses body weight as resistance to develop strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Others find the vests to be a great option to build muscle whilst optimizing their training session.

I agree with the later, and I would like to answer questions that many people have when starting to use a weighted vest.

Are weighted vests safe to use whilst doing Calisthenics?

Most specialists agree that weighted vests are perfectly safe for those who aren’t recovering from injuries. So a good rule of thumb is to use common sense when working out with a weighted vest. If when working out you feel excessive discomfort it is good practice to reduce or remove completely the extra weight. I find that usually my workout will start with a weighted vest and take it of half way if I feel I might be straining some of my muscles.

When should I add a weighted vest to my workouts?

Many people have different opinions, but I find that once you are doing series of over 10 push ups you may add a weighted vest. At first you might have to reduce down the amount of repetitions to something like 5 or 6, but in the long run you will feel great improvements.

How much does a weighted vest cost?

The average price of a weighted vest is around 150$, making it a cost effective way to reduce the amount of time spent on your workouts.

But is it really that cost effective? Well, yes! especially if you compare it to a gym membership and its monthly installments.

Are there any you can recommend?

Personally I use the following vest, which is the one that Amazon.com recommended as good bang for your buck:

Amazon.com top selling weighted vest

I find it to be of good quality and with an average price, although I haven’t really compared with others.

In conclusion, incorporating calisthenics into my fitness routine has been a game-changer, leading to significant improvements in my physical appearance, confidence, and social skills. The introduction of weighted vests has been a pivotal step in elevating my calisthenics journey, allowing me to push my limits and achieve even greater results. While some may debate whether using a weighted vest aligns with the traditional definition of calisthenics, I firmly believe it enhances the overall experience, particularly for those aiming to build muscle and optimize their training sessions.