Equipment: V-Max Weighted Vest

Bodyweight training is an excellent way to start of any fitness regime, especially for new comers. The need for few resources and equipment and the fact that it´s free (relatively speaking) is part of its appeal. There has been some snickering at bodyweight training by some gym purists who insist that bodyweight training is inferior to free weight training because with bodyweight training there is no variable resistance to keep your muscles are constant stress. In other words, if there is no weight to push other than bodyweight, then why would a muscle grow?

The argument has some merit. You need to constantly challenge your muscles in order for them to develop. But let´s not discount the efficacy of bodyweigtht training and its functionality...after all gymnasts are a prime example of superior bodyweight training. Plus if you´re a fan of bboys (breakin), you see how bodyweight training results in amazing strength fears. Martial artists and MMA fighters are prime examples of superior body control and strength coordination. Yet those are advanced athletes who have had years of training from a young age. For those who are breaking into fitness or those who are not specifically training for events, simple bodyweight training can do wonders for the physique. However, as one gets used to the training, they need to challenge themselves to keep improving their physique. That´s where a variable resistance + bodyweight training would equal a superior workout.

Introducing the V-Max weighted vest. A boon to all bodyweight trainers and utilized by everyone from the military, firefighters, athletes, gymnasts, bboys etc. A relatively simple concept, V-Max weighted vest was designed to give your bodyweight training a serious boost in intensity. The vests start from 25 lbs (which is good enough for most novices) all the way to 150 lbs! Imagine doing push ups or pull ups with that much amount of weight. It´s vest simple to use; just choose an appropriate weight, wear the vest, and do your activity.

It wouldn´t surprise me if people balked at the price of weighted vests (from $130 all the way to $360). Yes they seem to be costly but let´s look at it comparatively:

a) A gym membership would cost the average person anywhere between $500 to $1500 a year (depending on how trendy a gym is)

b) If you bought your own weight training equipment, especially the basics like a power rack ($300...if you´re lucky) plus 500 lbs worth of weights, barbells ($750-$1000), you would see that it far exceeds the cost of the vest.

c) A variable resistance dumbbell like Powerblock costs anywhere between $500 to almost a $1000!

So clearly, you can see that the weighted vest would definitely be cheaper in comparison to other equipment. Think of it as an investment in your health. After all, they will last you a lifetime.

So go ahead and give it a try. There are other companies that sell weighted vests but I recommend V-Max because of the extensive range of vests offered, their durability and ease of use, and  satisfactory user reviews.

Lift strong, Lift long!