For years, weighted vests and other types of clothing were only used by performance athletes. In recent times, though, you may have noticed that some clothing manufacturers started to make weighted vests that are lighter. These vests are meant to be more accessible to anyone who wants to boost the effectiveness of their workouts. Did you know, though, that there are even weighted clothes that you can wear in your everyday life? You may be missing out on quite a few health benefits if you don’t try them.
Types of Weighted Clothes You Can Try
Weighted clothing is generally made by adding metal plates or sand to garments and footwear. When it comes to gym clothes, there is usually less emphasis on style than with everyday wear. That’s because people tend to be more focused on how much weight they can use when working out. Everyday clothing is typically lighter because it’s meant for a longer, more comfortable weight without having obvious bulk.
You may already know that weighted vests exist that you can wear while being physically active. However, you have far more options than that, whether or not you’re working out. There are lighter, more stylish vests that look like everyday wear but can pack weights starting at four pounds or more. You can also opt for different types of jackets, T-shirts, leggings, shorts, skirts, polo shirts, crop tops, sports bras, shrugs, skorts, unitards, and scarves.
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Although you have a lot of options to choose from, there are a few things to bear in mind before you start shopping. The first thing you have to bear in mind is that weighted clothing isn’t advisable for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to see if they have any concerns or advice. As an example, weighted clothing isn’t recommended for those who are pregnant, dealing with tight muscles, dealing with unstable joints, or managing lower back pain. Since weighted clothes can put stress on the spinal cord, muscles, and joints, they can make inflammation and pain worse.
Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, you should choose clothes that fit well but don’t restrict your movements. The material should be breathable, so you’re not sweating too much while wearing the weighted clothes. Fitness experts also advise paying attention to how the weights are distributed. They should be balanced so that you don’t put pressure on one side of your body.
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7 Benefits of Wearing Weighted Clothes
1. They Can Improve Your Posture and Balance
When wearing weighted clothing, you need to engage your core muscles and maintain good posture. Over time, this good posture becomes the norm even when you’re not wearing them. You can also have a much better balance, which reduces your risk of having accidents.
2. They Can be Good for Your Heart
Weighted clothes can put your heart to work. While you may not see the big jump that you get with a cardio routine, the slight but consistent increase can strengthen your heart.
3. They Can Build Your Core Strength
As noted before, wearing weighted clothing can engage your core muscles a lot more consistently than going around without them. Aside from helping with your posture and balance, this can lower your risk of developing back pain.
4. They Can Boost Your Mood
Studies show that light resistance training can boost your mood. Interestingly, wearing weighted clothes can count as a form of resistance training because of the built-in weights.
5. They Can Improve Your Metabolic Health
According to recent research, wearing weighted clothes may help to improve the metabolic markers that are associated with inflammation and the regulation of blood sugar. It may also reduce your likelihood of developing insulin resistance and may lower your levels of resistin, a hormone that can lead to inflammation in the body.
6. They Can Help You to Focus
If you have trouble focusing, weighted clothes may be able to help with that. They have been known to calm and ground those who wear them. As a result, you’re more likely to focus better on the tasks ahead of you.
7. They Can Improve Your Sleep
A lot of people who have sensory issues find weighted clothes and blankets helpful for a good night’s sleep. The weight can help you relax at a time when you’re likely to struggle with falling and staying asleep. Of course, sleeping well has its own benefits. Getting the right amount of sleep can help you focus, have more energy for your daily tasks, boost your immune system, and reduce inflammation in your body.
Tips for Wearing Weighted Clothes
If you’ve never worn weighted clothing before, it’s a good idea to start with the lowest possible weight to begin with. You also shouldn’t plan to wear weighted clothes for a long period from the outset. The experts recommend trying it out for an hour or so–even if you’re only wearing something relatively lightweight. It’s hard to tell how something new will affect your body.
In the event that you can’t limit your time, you may opt for a removable piece of clothing like a vest or jacket. That makes it a lot easier for you to remove it when you’ve had enough. Once it starts to be uncomfortable, you shouldn’t ignore the discomfort. You might not feel the full effect of what you’ve worn until a few hours later or even the next day.
Finally, it’s not advisable to wear weighted clothes all the time. In fact, health experts recommend only wearing them two or three times per week. You need rest periods for your muscles and joints to recover. With that said, you should ensure that you’re carrying yourself well when wearing weighted clothes. Keeping your shoulders back with your core engaged usually yields the best results. You should also keep your movements controlled.
You can gain quite a few benefits from wearing weighted clothes, whether you wear them on an errand or in the gym. If you’ve never worn weighted clothes, it’s good to talk to your doctor before getting started. Even then, you should wear lightweight clothes for a limited time.
