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From strength training tools to smart fitness technology, at-home equipment is helping people build sustainable fitness routines.
As people become more diligent in their wellness and fitness routines, they are looking for accessible fitness solutions beyond the traditional gym. Traditional home gyms often included basic workout equipment like dumbbells, stationary bikes, and treadmills.
In the home fitness space, among those who want to improve their overall health, there is a growing trend toward fitness tools that focus on functional movement and strength building.
One of these tools is a weighted vest that adds weight and resistance to everyday activities like walking, mobility exercises, strength workouts, and even daily chores. Weight-bearing exercise can be an important part of maintaining bone strength because bones become stronger under mechanical stress, according to The National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Weighted Vests Are Becoming Popular for Home Workouts
Weighted vests are a practical option for those who want to commit to an at-home fitness routine, or for those with limited space. Weighted vests don’t take up any space and can be easily used throughout a person’s daily life or existing workout.
A weighted vest can be used during:
- Bodyweight workouts
- Daily activities and chores around the home
- Stair climbing
- Strength training
- Walking
The weight of the vest adds resistance to regular movements without requiring complicated workout equipment. The appeal of using weighted vests is that they are effective when people are doing movements they perform every day.
Designing Fitness Equipment Around the Female Body
Most traditional weighted vests were not designed to fit a woman’s shape. Marie Berry, the co-founder and CEO of YVO Warrior, designed a vest specifically made for the female body.
“One of the questions that came up all the time was, ‘Which vests do you use?’ And I was like, to be honest, I can’t recommend any. That was really the beginning of starting to sketch and creating a weighted vest that’s specifically made for the female body,” says Berry.
Bone is living tissue. It constantly breaks down and rebuilds itself. From childhood to early adulthood, the body builds bone, influencing how much bone a person will have later in life. Since women in general have lower bone mass than men, they are at higher risk of osteoporosis as they age.
“Bone density peaks in your mid-20s and you start losing it in your mid-30s. I started strength training versus just doing cardio and runs, and also started walking with a weighted vest, because impact and carrying a load actually helps bones,” Berry says.
The weighted vest the company developed has weight pouches positioned closer to the hips to distribute the load so it supports alignment and comfort. Since bones respond to mechanical stress, weight-bearing activities such as walking and strength training can support bone maintenance. Weight-bearing exercise puts healthy stress on bones, helping them rebuild.
How Technology Is Changing At-Home Workouts
The digital age has had a significant impact on modern fitness. Apps, tracking tools, and supportive online communities help people maintain their wellness routines. Fitness technology has also made workouts more accessible at home.
Through a digital device like a smartphone or tablet, people can follow guided exercise programs and track their progress. They can also use wearables, like fitness watches, that allow them to track their steps, heart rate, calories burned, and distance walked.
“When something becomes routine, you’re more likely to continue to do it. So making it part of your routine is now getting a lot easier because of technology,” says Chiara Moore, the co-Founder and COO of YVO Warrior.
Some companies are now developing apps that will allow users to track the amount of weight carried during an activity.
Choosing Equipment That Supports Long-Term Fitness
Effective home fitness equipment doesn’t have to be the most expensive or largest on the market. Finding equipment like a weighted vest that fits easily into a person’s daily routine encourages them to stick to their fitness routines. Fitness tools that are easy to use help people stay consistent.
As people gravitate toward fitness routines that help them retain their long-term health, weighted vests are a valuable addition to their home workouts.
