I Tried A Weighted Vest—Here’s What Changed In My Body
Walking has taken center stage in fitness culture — especially on social media.
From the viral “12-3-30” treadmill routine, made famous by Lauren Giraldo, to the 10,000-steps-a-day trend, walking is having a serious moment.
Unlike high-impact workouts, walking offers a low-barrier, high-reward alternative that still promotes cardiovascular health, weight management, and even improved mental health.
I can’t deny that watching videos of Tiktokers hitting their 10k step milestones has also influenced me. Walking 10,000 daily steps has become an essential part of my daily routine.
It has improved my running stamina and has done wonders for my mental clarity.
Whether I’m heading out first thing in the morning or winding down in the afternoon, I make sure to get my steps in because it gives me the space to process whatever emotions are lingering from the day.
But building the habit hasn’t been smooth — some weeks are easier than others. Some days I struggle just to put on my sneakers, but since moving to the Bay Area from Southern California, walking feels less like a chore and more like a natural part of my daily life.
Since building the habit of walking 10,000 steps daily, I decided to challenge myself by adding weight.
The idea came from a TikTok creator I follow, @/wheresbecca, who is training for the Camino de Santiago, a demanding pilgrimage across Spain.
She was using a weighted vest to prepare, and I was intrigued. I figured, if it helps her get ready for a month-long trek, maybe it could give my daily walks (and runs) a boost too.
Becca isn’t the only person raving about weighted vests. Countless fitness influencers on TikTok tout them as an easy way to intensify everyday movement, especially for those who want to turn a walk into a workout without jumping into something more extreme.
So I became curious and started my research.
Most of the vests I found were similar in build: breathable, adjustable, and functional. I chose one in pastel pink, and opted for 15 pounds — a step up from the 5-pound ankle weights I’d previously used.
It felt like a good middle ground: enough to challenge myself, but not so heavy that it would overwhelm my body.
Testing the Vest:
Day 1: Getting Acquainted
I kept it simple. I walked a mile to get used to a feel. At first, it felt heavier than I expected, but once I found my rhythm, I forgot I was wearing it. The vest fit snugly, didn’t shift much, and didn’t restrict my breathing or movement.
Day 2: Stepping It Up
I steadily increased my weighted workout to four miles. I even jogged for a block just to see how it felt — and surprisingly, it felt good. The added weight didn’t slow me down; if anything, I felt more grounded and stable.
Day 3: A Running Reset
Running is a key part of my step routine, and I logged three miles this day. I decided to skip the vest and just observe how I felt. That’s when I noticed something unexpected: my breathing was more controlled, and I was able to maintain a faster pace without tiring as quickly.
That improvement made sense. Weighted vests are known to build endurance by increasing cardiovascular load, essentially training your heart and lungs to work harder under pressure, then perform more efficiently when the load is removed.
Final Vibras:
After a week of walking, I’m sold. I plan to keep the vest in rotation, especially as I begin training for my third marathon next April. I also appreciate its versatility — I’ve started using it during deep core workouts too, and it feels more natural than holding dumbbells.
Turns out, 15 extra pounds may be exactly what I needed to feel stronger, faster, and more in tune with my body.
For those interested, this is the vest I purchased.
