What's Happening?
Weighted vests have become increasingly popular among American women, with the market generating $205 million in 2024 and expected to grow further in 2025. A political pollster found that 1 in 6 American women owns a weighted vest. The vests are marketed as a way to enhance productivity by turning walking into a workout, suggesting that walking alone is insufficient for health benefits. Joan Grossman, PhD, a registered dietitian and associate professor at the University of Scranton, emphasizes the importance of daily body resistance training for health and longevity, noting that strength training is crucial for bone, heart, and metabolic health. While weighted vests offer cardiovascular benefits, a study by Thai researchers found no difference in bone health between those who walked with weighted vests and those who did not.
Why It's Important?
The popularity of weighted vests reflects a shift in societal views on middle-aged women, who are now seen as capable of being sexually attractive and deserving of attention. This change comes with pressure to maintain fitness and health, even as women age. The trend highlights the growing market for fitness products targeting older women, who are encouraged to optimize their time and health. However, experts caution that weighted vests may pose injury risks, especially for those inexperienced with resistance training. The trend underscores the broader societal pressure on women to continually work on their fitness and health, even as they age.
What's Next?
The continued growth of the weighted vest market suggests that more women may adopt this fitness trend. As the popularity of weighted vests increases, there may be further research into their long-term health benefits and risks. Fitness experts may explore alternative methods to achieve similar health benefits without the potential risks associated with weighted vests. The societal pressure on women to maintain fitness and health may lead to the development of new products and marketing strategies targeting this demographic.
Beyond the Headlines
The trend of weighted vests among women highlights the cultural shift in how society views aging and fitness. It raises ethical questions about the pressure on women to conform to certain beauty and health standards. The popularity of weighted vests may also reflect broader changes in the fitness industry, where new products are constantly marketed as solutions to aging-related health concerns. This trend may influence how women perceive their own health and fitness, potentially leading to increased self-awareness and empowerment.
