Should You Get a 10 lbs Weighted Vest?

Considering that the standard for getting a weighted vest is that it should be between 10-15% of your body weight, a 10-lb weighted vest is rather on the lighter side for the average adult in the United States, where the average adult weighs between 190 lbs.

However, it is precisely because a 10 lbs weighted vest is relatively lighter that makes it ideal for certain situations and for certain categories of workout enthusiasts. 

Who is a 10 lb Weighted Vest For?

Put simply, a 10 lbs weighted vest is ideal if you are at a beginner to early-intermediate fitness level. In other words, you already have a basic workout routine and decent body weight control, but you are not ready for heavier resistance yet.

Consider a 10-lb weighted vest if:

• You are a beginner who would like to expand your exercise beyond bodyweight-only workouts.
• You are an early-intermediate fitness enthusiast who wants  decent challenge, but are cautious about wearing out your joints
• You are new to weighted vests, and your priority is endurance, bodyweight strength, or calorie burn.

If you have advanced beyond this stage, you might want to go for a heavier weighted vest. 

How to Use a 10-lb Weighted Vest

The manner in which you would use a 10 lb weighted vest is vastly different from the way another person would use a 20 lb weighted vest, for example.

Since it is relatively lighter, a 10 lb weighted vest is best for exercises that are designed to steadily and slowly build strength and endurance without overwhelming the body. It is best for less intense, and more beginner-friendly exercises like:

• Walking, light jogging, or going on incline hikes
• Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups, etc.)
• Low to moderate intensity circuit training
• Functional fitness or HIIT sessions that are focused on movement rather than maximum strength.

Benefits of a 10 lb Weighted Vest

The main benefit of a 10 lbs weighted vest is that it strikes a perfect balance between beginner-friendly and effective: it provides just enough resistance to help build strength and endurance, but not so much that your body gets overwhelmed or adversely affected in any way.

If you are a beginner, for example, the benefits of a 10 lb weighted vest would include most, if not all of the following:

• It will help you build muscular endurance and moderate strength
• It is also effective at burning more calories and improving your cardio
• It is a great foundation for gradually increasing your workout intensity so you can smoothly transition to heavy lifting and other intense workouts

Buying a 10 lbs Weighted Vest

Whether you are buying a weighted vest for walking, running, jogging, or strength training, it is important to look out for certain key features to ensure that it fits, it's comfortable, and durable. Consider these 5 factors when buying  a 10 lb weighted vest

1. It should fall within 4-10 lbs of your body weight. That's the range experts recommend for beginners
2. It should not be bulky or too large as to impede your movement
3. It should come with flexible straps to secure it so it hugs your torso snugly. The weight should also be evenly distributed at the front and the back, or sides, depending on the type of weighted vest
4. Look for a weighted vest that is made of a comfortable material( at least on the inside) with shoulder pads.
5. The material must be solid enough to resist wear and tear over time. 

Best 10-lb Weighted Vests for Walking, Running, and Strength Training

Best Weighted Vest for Walking

The Zelus 4-10lb Vest For Men and Women is the ideal 10-lb weighted vest for walking. It comes at a base weight of 4lb and with 6 iron Weights, so you can adjust the weight up to a maximum of 10 lbs.  

With an adjustable ergonomic design and a front and back shape that equally distribute the weight, the vest prioritizes comfort, ergonomic fit, and ventilation. The removable weights also help you start lighter and build up, and it is a good 10 lb option for calorie burn, posture, and core engagement while walking.

Best 10-lb Weighted Vest for Running

The Zelus Z-Fit Ultra-thin Weighted Vest is a perfect 10 lb weighted vest for running. Because running adds impact, you’ll want a very secure vest (minimizes bounce), fits snugly and doesn’t shift.

The Z-fit weighted vest is made of soft iron material, which evenly distributes the weight to prevent shifting and reduce friction. Its ultra-thin, flat design ensures a snug and comfortable fit, giving you more freedom of movement compared to a traditional iron and vest. Hence, its suitability for running.

Final Thoughts on 10-lb Weighted Vests

When buying a 10 lb weighted vest, you’ll want to make sure it fits well, suits your activity (walking vs running vs strength work), and is comfortable and safe.

For walking, you might prioritize comfort and fit; for running, you prioritize stability and minimal bounce; for strength training, you prioritize adjustability and durability. And as always, start lighter, make sure your form is solid without added weight, and increase gradually.

Here is how to wash your weighted vest for long-term use.