Overview

• Peloton and major gyms have embraced weighted-vest workouts, and the global market is projected to grow from $199 million in 2024 to $313 million by 2031.
• Vests increase mechanical load on the torso to make movements more demanding, which can raise metabolic output and intensify walking, hiking, and body-weight strength work.
• A 12-month INVEST trial in about 150 older adults found daily vest use did not prevent hip bone loss during weight reduction, and researchers are pursuing follow-up studies on muscle outcomes and sex differences.
• Experts advise starting with roughly 5–10% of body weight, limiting initial sessions to brief periods, progressing gradually, and avoiding Pilates, yoga, inverted moves, rapid twisting sports, and loaded stretching.
• People who are pregnant or have heart, breathing, neck, back, or joint problems—and those with obesity, metabolic disease, or osteoarthritis—are urged to seek medical clearance, as too-heavy vests can strain joints and the spine or lead to stress injuries.