Add the weight that I lose?

hdrenollet
hdrenollet Posts: 147 Member
edited November 11 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I had this really interesting thought this weekend and wanted to get others' opinions on it.

I have lost 12 lbs so far, and I was thinking about getting an adjustable weight vest and/or adjustable weight ankle/wrist weights to add the weight that I have lost. For instance, I would start by adding 10 lbs to the vest, and 1 lb to each leg, just as I go about my normal routine, including my walks and exercises.

My theory is that if I add the weight that I'm losing, then it may actually help me lose more weight, or at least lost at the same rate since I'm going to be carrying around my original weight with me all the time. At very least, it should help improve my overall fitness level since I'm going to be carrying more than my current body weight - and it shouldn't hurt me since I'll be carrying what I used to weigh. I hope all this makes sense.

Has anyone tried something like this, or have any opinions on it?

Replies

  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    edited February 2015
    A few pounds' addition really won't make that big of a difference in extra calories burned, only a negligible increase, if anything. It might make you a little stronger (a little) and increase your stamina by a little, but you'd be a lot better off lifting heavy weights along with eating at a deficit if you are interested in getting fitter faster.
  • hdrenollet
    hdrenollet Posts: 147 Member
    AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »
    A few pounds' addition really won't make that big of a difference in extra calories burned, only a negligible increase, if anything. It might make you a little stronger (a little) and increase your stamina by a little, but you'd be a lot better off lifting heavy weights along with eating at a deficit if you are interested in getting fitter faster.

    I am actually doing that which is how I've been able to lose 12 lbs in the past month. I have a workout routine that I'm sticking to really well and I've been sticking to a 1500-1600 calorie diet and I've seen amazing results. I was thinking it may help a little, or at least couldn't hurt, to add some extra weight to my daily routines and especially when I do cardio - it may help improve my stamina a little faster.

    Thanks for the feedback!
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    edited February 2015
    Ive seen people usie this technique during walking, but tbh id just focus on intensity and endurance during cardio as well as doing a seperate lifting/resistance routine.

    http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/increase-intensity-weight-vest
  • superzeret83
    superzeret83 Posts: 12 Member
    Technically your body doesn't have to burn energy to maintain the weights like it did body weight. The extra resistance would help, not sure if it's worth it if you have to buy a vest and weights. I don't see the crazy fitness guys at the gym do it, and they do anything for an edge lol.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    The extra resistance could help you burn more calories while walking, but I’d be careful about what other exercises you do with a weighted vest. Ten lbs might be okay, but start with five. Also, many of the vests tend to chafe, so be prepared to adapt.

    I would avoid the ankle weights. The only value you’d get from them would be with hanging leg raises or flutter kicks. Beyond that, they’ll just be too much stress on the ankles and knees to be worth it.

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