Ed Mir Women’s adjustable weighted vest prices on Amazon.com.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects 54 million Americans, mostly women. Millions more Americans are estimated to have osteopenia (low bone mass), putting them at risk for osteoporosis. Many of my clients with osteoporosis need to make a difficult decision of whether to take medication, and risk possible side effects, or try to manage it with exercise and supplements. This video compares the efficacy of medications versus supplements to help in your decision-making process.
We typically reach our peak bone mass density around the age of 30 and then spend the rest of our lives trying to maintain as much bone density as we can. Adding to our “bone bank” is critical for long-term bone health and function.
From an exercise perspective, we know that weight-bearing exercises can help to stabilize bone density. I recommend all of my patients participate in a regular, progressive load-bearing strength training program. If they have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, it is non-negotiable, you must strengthen! Not sure which exercises to include? Don’t worry, we have you covered in this series of videos, the 5 Pillars of Fitness.
Another way to add positive “weight” is to exercise with a weighted vest. Many of my clients like to walk, hike, or jog and I recommend an adjustable weighted vest to create additional weight without the adverse effects of excessive body weight.
Benefits include better balance, stronger legs/hips, and improved long-term bone density stabilization.
Weighted Vest Guidelines:
- Consult with your physician to see if it is appropriate for you and your current state of health.
- Your goal is to have an additional 15% of your body weight, but you must start slowly. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs, your goal weight is about 20 lbs (~15%). You would then purchase a 20 lbs adjustable weighted vest and start at 4-6 lbs and let your body adjust to the new weight.
- Do not add additional weight until your body adjusts to the weight
- Be sure to have a properly fitting vest as you want it to fit snuggly and make sure you have the weight equally distributed front to back.
- If you are not a runner, try to “power walk” as bone density is related to impact.
- You can also wear your vest during daily activities around the house.
Do your homework and research different brands but many of my patients have purchased the “Mir Women’s Adjustable weight vest” and have been very happy with the purchase.
Click here to shop Amazon.com for your weighted vest:
Please let me know if you have any questions. For more information about healthy aging after 50, make sure to join our Facebook group today!
