You may have seen people walking around your neighborhood or in the gym wearing a weighted vest. It can add more resistance to whatever you’re doing, even folding laundry.

But are they safe to use? And what considerations should cancer patients pay attention to? Clinical exercise physiologist Carol Harrison shares what you should know.

What are weighted vests?

Weighted vests are wearable pieces made of heavy materials, with a variety of weight ranges available. They are a form of resistance training that allows you to keep your hands free. 

These vests can be worn while you’re walking, running or resistance training. But Harrison says you should be cautious about using them during abdominal exercises if your core or back isn’t strong.

How do you select a weighted vest?

Many weighted vests allow you to add or remove different amounts of additional pounds. Harrison suggests starting with a low weight or an equivalent of 5% to 10% of your body weight. 

“Weighted vests can enhance your workout by increasing the calorie-burning aspect of exercise, since it requires you to use more energy to move your body,” says Harrison.  

Once you’re using the vest regularly, your body will adjust to the additional weight. If you are able to take a long walk and the weight makes no difference to you in your exertion, Harrison says it may be time to add more weight to your vest.

How can weighted vests improve your workout?

“These are great tools to enhance your workout because they increase your energy output and also improve your posture, since they cause you to hold yourself properly,” says Harrison.

She says weighted vests are preferable to ankle weights for walking, which can mess with your body alignment and back strength. If you’re just starting resistance training, you can also try hand or wrist weights while walking and work your way up. 

Adding weight to your exercise can also help your bones. 

“Resistance training causes muscles to strengthen, which puts demand on the bone and makes the bone stronger. Weighted vests can improve your bone density over time,” says Harrison.

What should cancer patients keep in mind?

In general, Harrison says weighted vests are safe to wear. But there are a few things cancer patients should keep in mind: 

• Check with your care team before using a weighted vest if you have a stoma or ostomy bag. Contact with the additional weight may be uncomfortable, so your care team can advise on what’s best for you.

• Start with a small weight in your vest if you have bone metastases.

• Have joint issues or chronic pain in your back or neck? Take precautions. A weighted vest may not be the best option for you.

• Take the vest off if you’re wearing the vest for a few minutes and your neck or back hurts. 

• Watch your perspiration levels. Not being able to catch your breath, having a high heart rate, or feeling faint or dizzy may be signs of dehydration.  

“For anyone starting out, wearing additional weight is going to make you tired in the beginning,” advises Harrison. “You only want to wear a weighted vest for about 20 minutes.”

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.