GoFit Adjustable Weighted Vest

After searching the internet thoroughly, I decided to give the GoFit weight vest a try. I''m sure if you spent over a $100 on a weight vest, which many of them cost, you could find something that would be just a little better, and I mean just a little. This vest is comfortable, fits well and is adjustable for size, is weighted nicely and gives the back in particular a good workout just wearing it. There''s been research on weighted vests and osteoporosis. One source indicated that just wearing a 10 lb. weight vest an hour a day will prevent osteoporosis from progressing. That was important to me. I''m very glad I didn''t buy the hype and purchase a more expensive one.

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.

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If you are looking for a less expensive, functional weighted walking vest, this one will do. As with most "one size fits all" items, it doesn''t really. On me, a 5''1" woman, the top part of it is too large. At first it felt like it was slipping off my shoulder, but I got used to it. The velcro waist straps aren''t actually at my waist more like over my belly. The vest has 22 interior pockets for the 22 weight sacks 11 on the front and 11 on the back. The pockets are made of that stretchy, rubbery material that is often used for canned drink insulation sleeves. Each pocket has a slit that runs crosswise in the middle of the pocket. That is how the weight pouches can be removed. If you did that a lot, I would think eventually that slit would rip, because you have to stretch it quite a bit to get the weight pouches in and out. Each weight pouch contains what is described as metal shot. It looks like dirty sand. The sandy stuff is first sealed into black plastic. Then that was sewn into a synthetic fabric pouch. The sewing on the fabric pouches was very sloppy. I decided to remove the fabric it just seemed to make it more difficult to get the weight sacks in and out of the vest pockets. A few of the plastic pouches weren''t completely sealed, allowing the sandy material to leak out. This was easily remedied with some duct tape. I only wear my vest at home, indoors, on my treadmill and elliptical, so the look of it wasn''t a big deal. As I believe someone else mentioned, it looks something like a bullet-proof vest. I think I would feel silly wearing mine outdoors, especially since it is rather ill-fitting. In summary, this vest gives me the extra 10 pounds to wear on the treadmill and elliptical, but it''s not pretty and it''s definitely the economy version of one of these things.

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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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I''m 5''4" and I walk 6 days a week between 1-2 hrs each trip and find this vest pretty comfortable to wear. Because the weight is evenly distributed it doesn''t feel like I''m walking around with an additional 10-lb''s (that''s nice!). The vest has padded extra wide shoulder straps, but I don''t use them much:) After sinching the waste I find I''m so short in the torso that the vest actually rests on my hips and lifts the vest off of my shoulders. This is ok by me since I don''t like weight pulling on my shoulders anyway. The dual stomach Velcro waste tabs are nice for making a snug fit, but I have a smaller chest and find it has a tendency to gap and look/feel bulky up top. I wish it had a second set of straps for the chest area. The placement of the weights is nice too (front and back only-none on the sides). I really only have one major complaint...I wish it had an easier way to pull the weights out (little sand bags). This vest has very small slits and it''s a pain to remove all the bags when I want to wash the thing. I think a single Velcro flap covering the tops of each row for quick removal would be a huge time saver. All-in-all a good product and I''m glad I bought it.