Military Fitness Tool Goes Mainstream, Raising Alarms
A fitness trend sweeping Australia, which involves using weighted vests to accelerate fat loss and build muscle, is now facing scrutiny from health professionals. Experts are cautioning that this popular training method, borrowed from military regimens, may not be suitable for everyone and could pose significant health risks.
The weighted vest, once a niche piece of equipment, has exploded in popularity to the point of becoming a common subject for online jokes. One social media user quipped, "Weighted vests help menopause and so every single mum is now obsessed," highlighting its widespread cultural penetration.
The Trainer's Perspective: Versatility with Caution
Karl Innes, a CrossFit gym owner, has been incorporating weighted vests into training sessions for years. He champions their versatility, stating they allow individuals to add load while performing dynamic movements. "So you can add load to the movement but continue to move dynamically like push-ups, pull-ups, air squats, even walking or running," Innes explained.
However, the promises of supercharged fat loss and improved bone density come with a major caveat. According to University of Queensland exercise physiologist Donna McCook, these benefits may primarily apply to those who are already physically fit. "Someone that's perhaps heavy or deconditioned then you've got a lot of joint stresses," McCook warned.
Hidden Dangers and Expert Recommendations
The potential risks extend beyond simple joint stress. Health professionals are particularly concerned about individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Health professionals are specifically cautioning anyone with osteoarthritis, curvature of the spine, and disc degeneration against using the vests. McCook pointed out a startling statistic: "Twenty per cent of the population have got discal injuries without even knowing that they have them," making unsupervised use of weighted vests a potential ticking time bomb for back health.
Despite the risks, a US study did find positive outcomes. Women who participated in weighted vest workouts for five months showed improvements in:
- Blood pressure
- Insulin sensitivity
- Inflammation markers
- Body composition
For Australians eager to try this trend, the advice is to proceed with extreme caution. McCook's primary recommendation is to start with just 2 per cent of your body weight. She advises, "If your goal is to increase the level of fitness that you have now, great idea and just move into it slowly." And as a final, lighter note, she suggests users prepare to be called 'cringe' by their own children.
