Body Building Equipment

Rating: - I love it!
The GoFit Weighted Vest is an excellent addition to my stash of exercise equipment. It really takes my cardio workouts to the next level! The fit is also great... and definitely fits all body types.

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Rating: - Use with caution
I have only been using this for a short time but find that it does have some value. I would have preferred to have a vest that opened in the front, instead of having to pull over my head, but couldn't find one and that's OK, I can live with it. Currently I have about six pounds of weights in my vest and it does make a difference. I have noticed some improvement in my core section. I wear the vest while Nordic-tracking, walking, and doing some chores and yard work. I would warn that adding weight is hard on the knees, I do not have knee problems of any kind but I notice a difference when I am wearing the vest which makes sense because people who have knee problems and are heavy are always encouraged to lose weight because every pound of excess weight adds approx. 12 lbs. (I think) of added pressure on the knees and I can see that it's true. If you have bad knees I think the vest would be a bad idea. 8/2008, now that the weather is nice I wear this outside on walks. I am constantly asked by passersby why I am wearing a bullet-proof vest (even though it says GO FIT on it!), it really does look like one. I still wish it looked more like a piece of clothing and opened in front.

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Rating: - GoFit Weighted Vest
Bought two vests a year ago (2006) for climbing team members. The vests are used and abused three days a week by climbers not interested in treating them kindly. They've held up to the punishment. Being able to remove all the weights is great as the climbers work with a percentage of their body weight. Being able to have all the weights in is great for mom who wears the vest on weekends (cleaning house, gardening, etc). Easy way to get exercise while doing household chores.

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Rating: - LOVE IT. Great training aid.
I am a pretty serious runner, averaging at least 40 miles a week (I've run two marathons) and I also do Hatha Yoga daily (with some unique modifications to make it more difficult). Formerly, I was a serious weightlifter. This information is provided to understand my review.

Most recommendations for first time weight vest runners is to start with about 2.5% above your weight for the vest. Clearly, this recommendation is to fend off litigous people who don't understand the increased difficulty when running with a weight vest and then have a problem and blame the manufacturer. I weigh about 150 lbs., and it is perfect for me.

I started with several easy five to six milers. During the run, I immediately noticed the effects after starting one route for my run which starts with a large incline. I would not recommend that. Rather, warm up slightly longer to get both your breathing and body used to the weight. Also, PLEASE be careful as the inevitable problems outdoor runners experience, i.e., rocks, curbs, or uneven sidewalks can be much more dangereous. Your achilles/ankle area will be very sensitive and any trip or loss of balance could be dangereous. Of course, I ran at a slower pace than I usually do, but overall found the normal run to be perfect with the weight vest. I stretched and did Yoga afterwards and I would certainly recommend you stretch afterwards, too. The next day, I did feel sore, but in a good, "long run of the week" way. I did not experience any pain. After several "normal" runs with the vest, I embarked on my twice weekly hill training session. It was AWESOME. Climbing the long hill that I normally do repeats on was intense. Going down the same hill was challenging as well. PLEASE be careful when going down a hill with the vest; you'll definitely notice a big difference on the impact on your body.

Going down hills is where I experienced my only complaint about the vest: for those who are thin, it is a little loose in the rib cage area. It doesn't bounce around on the waist at all where the straps are. It just could use an additional strap in the rib cage area. Women may notice this even more.

Overall, I absolutely love this vest. It doesn't require you to add the weights and is easy to wear. Also, the price is fantastic.

Finally, PLEASE be careful and be fit before you start running with this vest. KNOW YOUR LIMITS, please. Beginning by walking would probably be wise.

It will be a great addition to your training sessions.