Benefits of Using a Weight Vest to Maintain Bone Density

Benefits of Using a Weight Vest to Maintain Bone Density

Maintaining bone density is an important concern for many postmenopausal women. I am a proponent of using weight vests for training in a variety of professional and ultra-athletic sports. In my research of using weight vest for extreme training I have found some interesting data I thought I would share about how weight vests are also helping postmenopausal women maintain bone density and reduce bone loss.

Exercise has long been one of the ideal ways that people can maintain vitality and keep or improve a great calibre of life. It is also one of the ideal ways to maintain bone density in post menopausal women. Using a weight vest will further enhance the benefits women receive from exercise and help to maintain bone health. In Might of 2000 Oregon Say University conducted a study that found postmenopausal women who participate in a long-term fitness regimen that includes jumping and “resistance” exercises using weighted vests can prevent significant bone loss in the hip.

The results of the 5 year study showed that exercise can wage a natural substitute to estrogen and other supplements for women seeking to prevent bone loss after menopause, stated Christine Snow, director of the Bone Research Laboratory at OSU and principal investigator in the study.

Not only did study participants reduces the amount of bone lose some actually increased bone density in the femoral neck of the hip. While the control group lost 4.4 percent of its bone mass the group that exercised with a weighted vest increased bone density by 1.5 percent. This is significant because more than 50 percent of all bone fractures in the U.S. occur in the femoral neck of the hip.

As you can guess, participant of the study felt quite a bit superior as well. Some of the benefits the participants pointed out were;

 

Reduction of bone loss Increased stamina Improved balance Better joint stability

 

Weight vests themselves have come a long way. They are no longer bulky and uncomfortable devices. Many are comfortable, fully adjustable, stylish and thin enough to be worn under a shirt. Probably the ideal weight vest on the market can be found here. Quality weight vests can typically be found for around a starting price of 9. There are cheaper ones on the market but you often get what you pay for.