- Who Are Gravity Fitness
- First Look At the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests
- 10kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
- 20kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
- 30kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
- Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests Pricing
- Weighted Vest Alternatives
- Conclusions About the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests
- Frequently Asked Questions about Gravity Fitness and Weighted Vests
Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests are a splendid option for adding weight to your training. We bought all three versions (10kg, 20kg, and 30kg) to review and show you the results. This company’s original vest is now a ubiquitous sight in Calisthenics Parks and gyms around the world. Iβve been using Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest for years and recently completed the set with the addition of the 10kg vest. This gives us a complete understanding of what these vests have to offer. That means itβs time I review them all and tell you what I think of the best Weighted Vests from the UK.
You can also watch my Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest Review on YouTube:
Who Are Gravity Fitness
Gravity Fitness is a UK-based company and a giant in the Calisthenics Home Equipment industry. We are usually fans of their products, which are hallmarked by excellent craftsmanship, fit and finish, and durability. Their products are typically top-of-the-shelf and not for the penny pincher, but they are not the most expensive brand, either. This combination of quality and a fair price has made the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest a popular choice for Calisthenics practitioners to start doing Weighted Calisthenics.
First Look At the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests
I like the look of the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests. They are functional, strong, and high-quality. The crisp logo at the front is the cherry on top regarding aesthetics.Β
The vests come with pouches on the front and back for weights. For both the 10kg and the 30kg, these are 1kg weights, so there are 10 and 30 pouches, respectively. Our 20kg version uses 1.25kg weights divided over 16 pouches. The weights can be easily removed and sit securely behind heavy-duty Velcro covers.
Metrics to Imperial
Iβll refer to the vests by their Metric weight capacity as given by Gravity Fitness. For your reference, hereβs what they weigh in pounds.
- 10kg Weighted Vest = 22lbs
- 20kg Weighted Vest = 44lbs
- 30kg Weighted Vest = 66lbs
10kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
The lightest and also smallest version covers the chest only. The 10kg limitation means youβll quickly outgrow its capacity when youβre getting more into Weighted Calisthenic.
Fit and Feel
The 10kg vest sits comfortably on the chest and back. I didnβt feel encumbered, and my arms could move freely. The shoulder width and padding are enough for a comfortable fit. I felt no undue pressure putting it on or during my exercises.
Exercising
I could do all my exercises without trouble, and the vest never got in the way (except with Muscle-Ups). This light and nimble vest could also be used for weighted walking and short jogs if you can stand the bouncing around. It is a nice and comfortable vest to wear and exercise with, but the low weight capacity means youβll outgrow it in weeks. In my opinion, the price tag on these 10kg vests doesnβt justify the time youβll be using them (that changes with 20kg, though).
20kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
The 20kg vest is slightly larger than the 10kg version, but not even by that much. The extra material added is mostly still on the upper chest and back. A 20kg vest is usually also enough for most Calisthenics Athletes.
Fit and Feel
The extra weight is more noticeable on the shoulders but doesnβt feel uncomfortable. The shoulder straps are wide and padded enough for prolonged wear. I could move my arms freely as if I wasnβt wearing anything, so this is still a very manoeuvrable vest.Β
Exercising
Exercising went just as with the 10kg vest. I could do all my movements (except Muscle-Ups) and never felt encumbered. Itβs just the added weight of the vest thatβs making my exercises harder and not the wearing of the vest itself. That is, of course, precisely what the vest should do.Β Iβve used this 20kg vest for a couple of years, and it is my favorite. It offers the same range of motion as the 10kg vest but with double the weight capacity. The only thing the 10kg vest might be slightly better at is jogging.
30kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
The 30kg version is noticeably larger. The extra weight requires an additional row of weights, meaning this vest hangs over your abdomen quite a bit. Its weight capacity starts to reach the range of using a Dip Belt.
Fit and Feel
The full 30kg is very noticeable on the shoulders. At this weight, it would make sense to start carrying the weight on your waist below your center of gravity. My arms were still free to move despite the added bulk.
Exercising
The vest performed well during my exercises, and I could do all my exercise sets. However, I noticed that it starts to sag when doing Push-Ups and Dips. There will be a noticeable gap between your chest and the vest, and the vest can hit the floor before you complete your Push-Ups motion. After a while, you will also notice the extra weight bearing down on your shoulders. I prefer wearing this weight more on my waist and hip than my shoulders.
Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests Pricing
Here is a pricing overview of all Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests:
| Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 10kg (22lbs) Capacity | β¬94.95 |
| 20kg (44lbs) Capacity | β¬124.95 |
| 30kg (66lbs) Capacity | Β£139.95* |
* Only available in the UK
Weighted Vest Alternatives
As I mentioned, vests heavier than 20kg tend to sag when doing Push-Ups, and the pressure on the shoulders becomes uncomfortable. Carrying the weight on your waist makes much more sense at weights above 20 to 30kg. A popular alternative, which I prefer at these weights, is a Dip Belt.Β
Regular vests bounce around too much for jogging or running. Form-fitting vests, like the excellent Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro, are ideal for walking and jogging.
Conclusions About the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests
The conclusion should be obvious now. The 10kg vest is comfortable and nimble, and the 10 increments give you some growth potential. However, 10kg isnβt much; most people will quickly outgrow this vest. The 30kg vest is also pretty comfortable, and you retain most of your range of motion. However, at this point, I prefer a dip belt as it puts weight on your hips instead.Β
Best Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest β 20kg
That leaves the 20kg Gravity Fitness Vest as our favorite pick. This is the weight range where a Weighted Vest shines and makes the most sense. More weight means more bulk, which should be situated on the hips. Less weight means youβll outgrow the vest too soon. The 20kg Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest hits the sweet spot between nimbleness, comfort and growth potential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gravity Fitness and Weighted Vests
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests and Weighted Vests in general.
How do you use a gravity fitness weighted vest?
You slide the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest over your head and then tighten it with the Velcro strap around your chest. The design of the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest is very slim, allowing for easy wearing and taking off, as well as allowing for a free range of movement. The vest is also breathable and sits quite comfortably on your shoulders and chest.
Do weighted vests really work?
Weighted Vests cause more significant muscle overload while doing Calisthenics. Calisthenics depends on the movement and momentum of your own bodyweight. At some point, you will become so strong that no amount of repetition will increase your muscle mass and make you stronger. You can bypass this natural limit by adding weight to your body from the outside, for instance with a Weighted Vest.
What is the difference between a Weighted Vest and a Dip Belt?
A Weighted Vest is worn around your torso, like a vest. The vest contains pouches in which you add weights. A Dip Belt is a belt worn around your waist and from which you suspend a weight or weights, usually by a chain. Weighted Vests offer you more mobility since you don’t have a chain with weights hanging from you. Dip Belts on the other hand can take a lot more weight.
Does wearing a weighted vest all day build muscle?
No, it does not and may sooner lead to injury and stagnation than it will build more muscle. There is an ongoing myth that weighing your body down all day long will yield easy or spectacular results, most likely derived from popular entertainment like Anime. The opposite is true; you’re not allowing your muscles to properly rest and recuperate and with that, ongoing instead of intermittent muscle atrophy will occur. This phenomenon is called Super Compensation; You’ll become gradually weaker and injure yourself. Our muscles aren’t meant for continues exertion.
What is the best weighted vest from the UK?
The best Weighted Vests from the UK are produced by Gravity Fitness, located in Canley, Coventry. The Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest is known for its durability and comfort. Shipping is very fast, taking 1 to 2 days inside the UK and only 5 to 7 days worldwide.
Should I buy a 30kg or a 20kg weighted vest?
We recommend buying the 20kg Weighted Vest for just about anyone who’s doing regular Weighted Calisthenics. This amount of weight (equating to 44lbs) is sufficient for any exercise for which the Weighted Vest is meant. If you’re looking to add more weight while still retaining enough mobility to do Push-Ups or go jogging, the 30kg vest is a suitable option too while adding more weight to your body.
