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. Joan Grossman, PhD, a registered dietitian/nutritionist 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. Despite the popularity of weighted vests, research on their effectiveness in providing strength training benefits is limited. While there are cardiovascular benefits from walking with weighted vests, 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 rise in popularity of weighted vests reflects a broader trend in the fitness industry, where new products are marketed as solutions to age-related health concerns such as weight gain, loss of bone density, and muscle tone. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, a historian and associate professor at The New School, notes that the fitness market in the U.S. is constantly evolving, with products like weighted vests promising to maximize productivity by allowing users to work out while performing daily activities. This trend also highlights societal changes in the perception of middle-aged women, who are now seen as deserving of attention and capable of maintaining their health and attractiveness.
What's Next?
As the popularity of weighted vests continues to grow, further research may be conducted to better understand their health benefits and potential risks. Experts like Joan Grossman advise caution, as there is a risk of injury from strain or loss of balance, especially when weighted vests are used during other forms of resistance training. The fitness industry may continue to innovate and market new products aimed at addressing the health needs of aging populations, while societal expectations around fitness and health for middle-aged women may continue to evolve.
Beyond the Headlines
The widespread use of weighted vests among women may reflect deeper societal pressures to maintain fitness and health as they age. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela points out that while the visibility and attractiveness of middle-aged women have increased, there is also a constant pressure to work on oneself and maintain a youthful appearance. This shift represents a double-edged sword, where women are encouraged to prioritize their health but also face the burden of societal expectations to look and feel good at all times.
