Should You Run with a Weight Vest?

Summary

In this episode of Runner's High, Jesse Funk explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of running with a weighted vest. He discusses the intuitive appeal of using extra weight to enhance fitness, but raises concerns about long-term joint health, changes in running mechanics, and increased injury risk. Funk highlights the importance of cautious use, suggesting it may be beneficial for occasional runs but not daily training. He notes that professional runners rarely use weighted vests, indicating the need for careful consideration before incorporating them into a training regimen.

Takeaways

• 🏃 Running with a weighted vest is an idea based on the concept of added resistance to improve running speed once the weight is removed.
• 📊 A study suggests that losing weight can correlate with increased running speed, with every pound lost potentially adding two seconds per mile gained.
• 🎭 The host, Jesse Funk, humorously uses a dress vest as a prop to discuss the concept of weighted vests, as he does not own one.
• 🤔 There is limited research on the long-term effects of using weighted vests, especially for long-distance runners, with only a small study suggesting a possible 2% increase in speed.
• 🦴 A primary concern is the potential long-term impact on joints due to the extra stress caused by the additional weight.
• 🏋️ The non-functional weight of a vest, as opposed to body fat, is concentrated in the upper body, which could lead to uneven stress distribution.
• 👣 The use of a weighted vest may alter running mechanics, potentially leading to injury if not introduced carefully and adjusted to.
• 🔄 It is suggested to use a weighted vest sparingly, similar to how speed training is incorporated into a running regimen, to avoid constant additional stress on the body.
• ❗ The lack of professional runners commonly using weighted vests could indicate that the method is not widely adopted or recommended by top coaches.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to share their experiences with weighted vests in the comments, promoting community discussion and shared learning.
• 🏆 The script highlights the importance of considering the potential benefits and concerns of weighted vests in the context of individual fitness goals and levels.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Jesse Funk's video?

The main topic of Jesse Funk's video is the use of weighted vests in running and their potential benefits and concerns.

What are the purported benefits of running with a weighted vest according to Jesse?

According to Jesse, running with a weighted vest can increase resistance, potentially making runners faster when the weight is removed, and improve posture by making runners work harder to maintain good form.

What analogy does Jesse use to explain the concept of removing extra weight to become faster?

Jesse uses the analogy of Rock Lee from the anime Naruto, who removes his leg weights to become significantly faster.

What are Jesse's main concerns about using weighted vests for long-distance running?

Jesse's main concerns include the potential long-term effects on joints, the adjustment of running mechanics which can lead to injury, and the lack of substantial research on the benefits of weighted vests for long-distance runners.

How does Jesse suggest testing the use of a weighted vest in running?

Jesse suggests testing the weighted vest on a much shorter run, well within the runner's current range of mileage, to observe any adjustments or issues before incorporating it into longer runs.

Why does Jesse caution against using a weighted vest for every run?

Jesse cautions against using a weighted vest for every run because it significantly increases the workload and stress on the body, which can lead to injuries if used excessively.

What example does Jesse give to highlight the potential impact of adding extra weight on joints?

Jesse mentions that doctors often advise patients to lose weight to alleviate joint pain, highlighting that extra weight increases stress on the joints.

What does Jesse say about the pros and cons of using weighted vests compared to gaining fat?

Jesse explains that while a weighted vest concentrates weight in the upper body, gaining fat distributes weight more evenly across the body. This distribution is functionally better because it reduces the risk of joint and mechanical issues.

How does Jesse address the issue of running mechanics with a weighted vest?

Jesse mentions that using a weighted vest might alter running mechanics, leading to small adjustments that can cause injuries over time due to the repetitive nature of running.

What is Jesse's final argument regarding the use of weighted vests in running?

Jesse's final argument is that professional runners and their coaches, who aim to extract every possible performance gain, typically do not use weighted vests as a training method. He suggests that if it were highly beneficial, it would be more commonly adopted by experts in the field.