Weighted Vests: Health Hack or All Hype?? (the REAL science) | PD Podcast Ep.242

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLEWeighted vests… You’ve seen them everywhere, but is there any truth to the hype—or is this just another fitness trend that sounds too good to be true? In today's episode, Sue and Alex are cutting through the noise and diving deep into the actual research behind weighted vests. They're breaking down the studies, sharing their personal experiences, and revealing what the science really says about these claims.Sue and Alex discuss why certain populations—especially high-performing women—need to be particularly careful about falling for quick-fix solutions. They'll also share what actually works for improving bone density, preserving muscle mass, and achieving sustainable fat loss.Whether you've been tempted to jump on the weighted vest bandwagon or you're just curious about separating fact from fiction, this episode is a must-listen. Let's get into it!Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://bit.ly/podcastglutesAnd keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!Timestamps:(0:00) The weighted vest phenomenon(1:42) Our personal experience(4:36) The claims you've kept seeing(5:13) The research investigation(5:37) Studies being referenced... But misunderstood(7:29) Additional studies showing benefits... But with caveats(9:51) Studies that actually tested walking(14:56) The Peloton context(18:15) The opportunity cost(19:51) Fat loss claims(21:06) The gravitostat hypothesis & human trials(24:53) Tracking accuracy & compensatory behaviors(26:31) What *actually* improves bone density, muscle mass, & fat loss(28:18) Why bone density & muscle mass preservation matters so much(30:40) The reasons high-performing women are especially vulnerable(33:11) The things that *actually* work(35:41) The key takeawayStudies Mentioned:Shaw & Snow (1998) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9467434Snow et al. (2000) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10995045Klentrou et al. (2007) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17724395Jessup et al. (2003) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12585781Tantiwiboonchai et al. (2011) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22338922Roghani et al. (2013) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22441962Beavers et al/ (2025) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40540267Follow us on Instagram:Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainzPhysique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast----Produced by: David Margittai | In Post MediaWebsite: https://www.inpostmedia.comEmail: [email protected]© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.