Weight vest training

[IYAAYASwarrior]

So I have began to train with a weight vest that has insertable weight up to 20 lbs. I havent changed anything I do, just continuing my normal regimen of push ups on the hour and my 2 mile jog. The question I have is if anyone else has tried this out and what kind of results did you measure or notice? I know that this could put a tole on my joints over time, but to be honest it hasnt bothered me yet. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks-

Warren

[Ty_B]

I used a weight vest in high school to train for basketball and track, and the results were pretty amazing. I would do what I normally did, but with a weight vest, meaning basketball practice, pick up games, stadium stairs, etc. My 100m time went from 12.somthing to 10.9, and I ended up with a 37" vertical leap. The best thing was that since I would wear it to practice, it felt like I could fly when I took it off. It literally adds ressitance to everything you do, and I felt like my entire body was stronger and faster. I'm 6'4 and I could touch the rim with my elbow.

I need to mention that the results and improvements were over 1 to 1.5 years in high school, when you would normally get stronger and more athletic anyway, and I worked out like a maniac over that summer, but I do believe the vest helped. Also, my track training involved other thigns, like overspeed and underspeed training. I started with 4 pounds and worked my way up to the full load, which was 16 or 20 pounds.

[Grizzly16]

My 100m time went from 12.somthing to 10.9, and I ended up with a 37" vertical leap.

I'm gonna call bs on this one. That kind of vertical leap is NBA draft material. And a 10.28 100m sprint got people you into the 2008 olympics. With folks in the olympics running slower than 10.9..

[stinkyDrunk]

Twice a week I put 25 lbs in a backpack and spend 15 minutes on the treadmill @ 2.6 mph / 15 degree incline. My knees have been shot for a while (due to previous injury, no running or jumping, dr's orders), this is a great low impact workout. I do experience some soreness in the back towards the end of the workout, but nothing long-lasting. I suggest anyone trying this start with a lower weight and work up; did 35 lbs once and it was painful towards the end.

ETA: knee injury not caused by this workout.

[Grizzly16]

Twice a week I put 25 lbs in a backpack and spend 15 minutes on the treadmill @ 2.6 mph / 15 degree incline. My knees have been shot for a while (no running or jumping, dr's orders), this is a great low impact workout. I do experience some soreness in the back towards the end of the workout, but nothing long-lasting. I suggest anyone trying this start with a lower weight and work up; did 35 lbs once and it was painful towards the end.

Have you tried ankle weights? I think those are easier on your knees/back then carrying the weight in a bag.

[stinkyDrunk]

I started with ankle weights, well over a year ago. They were terrible on my knees. Took them off and strapped them around my midsection like a belt. Eventually moved to using the backpack, easier to scale up the weight.

[Ty_B]

I'm gonna call bs on this one. That kind of vertical leap is NBA draft material. And a 10.28 100m sprint got people you into the 2008 olympics. With folks in the olympics running slower than 10.9..

You can call BS, but with all due respect, you don't know what you don't know, and you probably shouldn't call someone out unless you do.

High school state championships all over this country are lost with sub 10.5 times. I lost mine spectacularly, but that's beside the point. I saw a district meet won with a 10.3. 37" is good, but not anything to write home about. I was at a basketball camp once where there were a few guys picking quarters off the top of the backboard.

I don't know why you think there is anyone in the olympic 100m running 10.9, but that is simply not true. Not men anyway.