Hello all
I am interested in getting a weight vest soon to up the ante on my workouts. I was pretty shocked by the prices.
Two questions:

I weight about 143 right now - how much is a good weight for workouts? I am primarily interested in a vest for running (sprints and distance), pullups, pushups, situps, squats, dips, and lunges. I read somewhere that said no more than 15% of bodyweight, which is about a 20lb vest for me. Yet somehow 20 lbs doesn't seem like it will do much for me. I think 40-50 lbs would be better. Am I wrong?

Also, what should I do to save money? The cheap ones are like $50-60 for a 20 lb vest, but anything over 20lbs costs like $100 at least (I don't understand it). Which should I buy, and where? Or should I make my own?

Any help is much appreciated

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shane S,

I am also considering a weight vest. I would appreciate input on this as well.

I dont know much about weight vests but my initial reaction would be go lighter than you think you need. Just like anything else you have never done before you dont want to over do it and cause injury. To me it seems like you should add weight gradually.

I got a new one about 4 months ago from www.weightvest.com
It was expensive but I ran into the same problem. The good ones are all expensive! I originally had a cheap 20 lb. that didn't last at all. It also moved around a lot. So, I bought a new one that goes up to 50 lb. I am on 25 lb. right now. The two things that I would suggest in trying to find a vest is to pay the money for one because it will last longer than a cheaper one and to find one that doesn't jump around on you when you are running. It can get pretty annoying.

weight vests are ok. if u want a cheap alternative go get a weight belt from a dive shop and use that. the weights are interchangable so u can adjust if needed. wouldnt recommend running with it though but the soft weights u can put in something else.

I was going to make the same suggestion...a cheapo weight belt with some suspenders/additional straps will probably do the trick....and then if it works you can go to a full vest, if needed.

There are also ways to do weighted pullups (belt, ankles) and other excersizes without a vest.