Thoughts on weighted cardio?

[Mombow111]

I'm talking about ankle, wrist and weight vests. Do these do more harm then good, or does it hinge on the nature of the exercise?

[SWells_TheMachine]

Im not a big fan, they can do some serious damage to ligaments and joints.

[sneezingstardust]

Originally Posted by Mombow111

I'm talking about ankle, wrist and weight vests. Do these do more harm then good, or does it hinge on the nature of the exercise?

I think the real question is...


What's the point?! Lol.

They put a lot of unnecessary stress on your joints/ligaments, and they're damn uncomfortable. If you need to lose fat, focus on your diet, and add cardio in only where needed.

[SWells_TheMachine]

Stardust has a good point, im sure as you know by now weight loss is 80% diet anyways!

[onetiredkris]

For the sake of burning fat, yeah its not the best option. But for increasing general athleticism they can be quite useful.

the vests that is... screw ankle and wrist weights

[MMA Max]

I love my weighted vest!

[Bodybygamma]

If you want real cardio, in the sense of making your body more fit and increasing aerobic conditioning, there is no harm in adding extra weight.

If you follow progression in your weight training, there is no reason not to apply it to your training.

What makes strongman athletes, is the ability to lift a heavy amount of weight and still be mobile enough to move around with it.

on the other hand if your just looking to burn fat or lose weight in general it may give you problems down the line.

It all boils down to purpose and goal

Pros for those looking for :
+Aerobic Conditioning
+Increased cardiovascular endurance

Cons for those looking to lose a dramatic amount of weight
-Joints get worn out and beaten down
-Higher risk for over-training or injury.

[sneezingstardust]

Originally Posted by Bodybygamma

If you want real cardio, in the sense of making your body more fit and increasing aerobic conditioning, there is no harm in adding extra weight.

If you follow progression in your weight training, there is no reason not to apply it to your training.

What makes strongman athletes, is the ability to lift a heavy amount of weight and still be mobile enough to move around with it.

on the other hand if your just looking to burn fat or lose weight in general it may give you problems down the line.

It all boils down to purpose and goal

Pros for those looking for :
+Aerobic Conditioning
+Increased cardiovascular endurance

Cons for those looking to lose a dramatic amount of weight
-Joints get worn out and beaten down
-Higher risk for over-training or injury.

I agree, it mainly depends on the person's goals. Though if you're not training for strongman I really don't see it being necessary. Vests are one thing...but ankle weights? Nah.

[MMA Max]

We use Ankle weight in MMA Training. We clip them on and Throw ass loads of M.Thai Kicks

[Trevor Lane]

I know everyone would wine about how bad for your back it was to run with flack vests when I was in the Army... I always had the same 2 responses for people that criticised me for doing it... "My run time is better than yours" and "Combat is bad for your back"


It probably is tougher on the body than is necessary for folks that are not kicking people repeatedly in the face or yolk dragging airplains for time.