Use a Walking Vest to Burn More Calories and Fat on Every Walk!
Wearing a weighted walking vest is a great way to achieve better results while walking. The added weight pushes your body to work harder, which burns more calories and fat. In fact, you can burn as many calories walking as you would running by simply wearing a vest. Benefits A study from the University of Iowa in 2006 found that wearing a weighted walking vest can raise caloric burn by about 7 percent and increase exercise intensity. Debbie Rocker, fitness walking expert and creator of the
walkvest,
conducted studies on her walkvest and found that individuals who wore one while listening to her coaching CDs and walking on a treadmill burned up to three times more calories than those who didn’t wear the vest or listen to her CD. It can also strengthen your stomach muscles and improve bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which is critical for the maintenance and development of bone mass. Adding extra weight only improves the effectiveness of this weight bearing exercise. Safety Weighted walking vests are safer than carrying hand weights because the weight is evenly distributed on your torso, which is the best place to carry extra pounds. Adding pounds to your hands or ankles can throw off your natural stride or cause strain to the muscles in your arms, shoulder or legs. Getting Started Begin with a low amount of weight, about two to four pounds. Most come with incremental weights so that you can add more pounds when you are ready. You’ll know it’s time to add more weight when you’ve grown comfortable with the current weight you are wearing. It is common to feel a little sore at first, but stop using the vest if you experience severe pain. It is best to check with your doctor before wearing the vest. Purchasing a Vest Here are two great sites to purchase a vest:
Walkvest.
This vest was developed by walking expert, Debbie Rocker and is extremely popular with women. It also comes with a beginning workout on CD.
Allegro Medical
is also a great site to purchase a vest. Using this handy fitness item will help you lose weight and get trim quicker than just walking alone. It is a safe and easy way to carry extra weight to make your walking more effective.
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