Weighted Running Vests

Is a weighted vest beneficla for firefighter training

  • Yes

    Votes: 8 88.9%

  • No

    Votes: 1 11.1%
  • Total voters
    9
L

Littlea

0
What is the value in a weighted running vest? Does it help with speed when you aren't wearing it or is simply a strengthening device. I am leaving my corporate America job to become a fireman. At all of 5' 7" 150 LBS, I really need to work on my ability to lug a 150 lbs hose into a building or a 250 lbs women out.

Anyone think a weighted vest would be beneficial?

something like this?
 
I would have to say working with something weighted is helpful for firefighter training, if nothing else because as a firefighter you'll be wearing all that heavy gear... better get used to moving around in it. But instead of a weighted vest why not just... work out in the gear? Or something similar? I know as part of firefighter training they make you walk a certain number if miles with all your gear on.
 
yes. just be careful with your back and running too much with it.

i wouldn't mind having a 150 lb ff with me. you're easier to carry in an emergency. :)

funny...this thread is also going on at another forum i frequent...
 
Red_Panda said:
I would have to say working with something weighted is helpful for firefighter training, if nothing else because as a firefighter you'll be wearing all that heavy gear... better get used to moving around in it. But instead of a weighted vest why not just... work out in the gear? Or something similar? I know as part of firefighter training they make you walk a certain number if miles with all your gear on.
Click to expand...

as the gear likes the keep heat out, it also likes to keep heat in and i would not want to be running in it if i didn't need to be. you won't be running on the fireground anyways.
 
Instead of a weighted vest, have you thought about maybe getting hold of one of those military ruck sacks and running/marching with that?

I know when my DH was military they would carry anywhere from 40-70 lbs of weight around in the ruck sacks when they marched, and he said that was very helpful to build up strength to carry the weight when they worked.

As a Deputy, he now carried around 35lbs and working out is enough for him to easily manage to do his job, and believe me they are running, jumping fences, fighting, etc....so maybe something like that might help :)


Just to add:

also you will eventually get use to the weight, and the bulkyness of the equipment.
 
Last edited:
firefreak said:
as the gear likes the keep heat out, it also likes to keep heat in and i would not want to be running in it if i didn't need to be. you won't be running on the fireground anyways.
Click to expand...

Note the part where I said "or something similar" :p And I didn't mean necessarily the suit... they make them carry other stuff in the training. Oxygen tanks, backpacks, hoses over their shoulders. Anything heavy will do. A backpack filled with stuff.

NoLoveLost said:
Instead of a weighted vest, have you thought about maybe getting hold of one of those military ruck sacks and running/marching with that?

I know when my DH was military they would carry anywhere from 40-70 lbs of weight around in the ruck sacks when they marched, and he said that was very helpful to build up strength to carry the weight when they worked.
Click to expand...

My fiance is doing those ruck marches at his army AIT right now. And from all the marching and running they're doing his legs sure look goooood :D
 
Red_Panda said:
Note the part where I said "or something similar" :p And I didn't mean necessarily the suit... they make them carry other stuff in the training. Oxygen tanks, backpacks, hoses over their shoulders. Anything heavy will do. A backpack filled with stuff.
Click to expand...

I know :p I am a firefighter:SaiyanSmilie_anim:
 
lol. I'm glad that you know that I know that you know that I know that you know that I am a firefighter. I am also happy to report that I know that you know that I know that you know that I know you know about firefighting equipment.

Anywho...yes a weighted vest will benefit you.
 
I use a 20 lbs weight vest to go hiking with folks. I call it the "neutralizer" as I go at a decent speed for them to keep up and "talk" while still getting a workout. It's great BUT becareful of running down the hill, the whole bouncing motion of the vest going up and down bothers me. If I tigthen the vest too much, the arm motion while running is hindered.

Overall, the weighted-vest is worthwhile investment.
 
Off topic... but that man in the pic looks like David Hasselhoff. haha.

I am dying to get a wieghted vest. They are great for building stamina, endurance and bone density from what I have read. I have encouraged my mom to get one since she has osteoporosis. They seem a good tool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top