Weighted clothing

Weighted clothing is any form of garment or footwear that includes added weight, usually in the form of pieces of metal, sand, or other substances. This clothing is often worn by athletes, dancers, and others involved in physical performance careers or activities to increase the intensity of their training and produce greater strength and endurance. Weighted clothing is also sometimes used for medical purposes, such as increasing bone density. The clothing can also be part of a sensory-training protocol for people with autism or who have issues maintaining focus.

Background

The origin of the use of weighted clothing is unclear, but it is likely that various forms of weight added to the body have been used by athletes for centuries. Training with weights became popular in the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of the fitness industry. As aerobics, dance exercise routines such as jazzercise, and fitness gyms grew in popularity, people who were not athletes in training began working out for their health. Ankle weights, wrist weights, weighted gloves, and weighted vests began to move into more general use. Other types of weighted clothing, such as vests, arm sleeves, thigh weights, and weighted sneakers, were also developed as interest increased.

The use of weighted clothing has also been part of martial arts training for many years. The rise of anime, a Japanese style of animation, also contributed to more widespread knowledge of the use of weighted clothing. Several popular anime characters are depicted wearing weighted garments.

Athletes, dancers, and others striving for excellence in physical performance often use weighted clothing as part of their training regimens. Working out while wearing extra weight works the body harder, increasing the person’s level of stamina and strength. When the person who has trained while wearing weighted clothing participates in an event while not wearing it, his or her body is able to perform at a higher level because it is accustomed to the added effort of moving the weight.

Overview

Athletes often find they can run farther and faster and they can use their arms with greater force when using weighted clothing in their training. Dancers can jump higher and move longer without tiring. Wearing weighted garments can also help dancers and others who perform in costumes prepare for the additional effort of moving while in costume.

Weighted backpacks and other items are also part of the training regimen for the military and many first responders. Military recruits march with heavy packs and other weights to prepare them to carry equipment into battle. Firemen train in weighted coats and vests to condition them to manage the equipment they need and to perform rescues. Special police units often perform exercises while wearing weights to increase their strength and endurance. In these cases, the additional strength gained from the weighted clothing enhances the person’s ability to save lives.

Weighted vests and other garments have been used for patients who have issues with bone density. Weight-bearing exercise has been shown to increase the thickness of bones and prevent breaks. Broken bones can cause catastrophic and permanent loss of mobility in those with osteoporosis, a condition that results in thinning of the bones. Some osteoporosis patients have shown better retention of bone density after working out while wearing weighted vests or other clothing.

In 1999, therapist Tina Champagne began using weighted blankets as part of a sensory treatment process for people in psychiatric facilities. The blankets, specially designed to spread additional weight of five to twenty or more pounds over the body, were thought to address a sensory need for pressure. The weighted blankets also helped to passively restrict movement, allowing some patients to relax and remain still and restful. Over the next several decades, the use of these blankets expanded to other weighted items, such as vests and wraps that covered the shoulders. These items were increasingly used with children with sensory-processing issues resulting from autism or other conditions. While the technique does not work for all patients with sensory issues, some find it easier to remain calm and focused when wearing a vest or other item with weights.

No matter what type of physical activity a person wants to undertake, there is likely to be a weighted garment designed to help improve performance. From head harnesses that allow a weight to dangle in front of the training athlete to increase neck strength to weighted gloves used by boxers and others who want better wrist strength and faster hand movements, garments are available for nearly every part of the body. Among the most common are the following:

Ankle weights range from less than a pound to about twenty pounds and strengthen ankles to help prevent injuries.

Wrist weights allow for upper-body workouts without the need to hold dumbbells and free the person to do other activities that require the use of the hands.

Weighted vests have either a set weight or pockets that allow the user to add as much or as little weight as desired. The vests allow the person to train with various amounts of weight, increasing the effectiveness of the workout. Weighted vests allow the person to develop overall strength and endurance with less strain on any particular body part.

Weighted shorts also often have adjustable weight levels. These are used to help develop the muscles in the hips and thighs, and to strengthen hip and knee joints.

Weighted sneakers or other footwear help the person develop greater leg strength, improving the ability to run, dance, kick, or perform other lower body activities.

In addition to the weighted clothing worn for athletic purposes, there are versions made specifically for therapeutic uses by those with sensory-processing issues. Children with autism may wear a colorful vest with cartoon characters that appeal to them but that also have pockets for weights. Older children and teens may wear a garment that is less noticeable but still includes weights to help them with focus. Some people also use weighted wraps that go around the neck and provide gentle pressure on the shoulders. These can resemble a travel pillow or be designed to look like a snake, cat, or other animal draped across the person’s shoulders.

Bibliography

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“Benefits of a Weighted Vest for a Child with Autism.” National Autism Resources, www.nationalautismresources.com/benefits-of-a-weighted-vest-for-a-child-with-autism/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

“Bonesense on Weighted Vests for Bone Health.” American Bone Health, americanbonehealth.org/bonesense/bonesense-on-weighted-vests-for-bone-health/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

Schultz, Rachel. “Why (and How) You Should Work Out with a Weighted Vest.” Men’s Journal, www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/why-and-how-you-should-work-out-weighted-vest/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

Tolentino, Jia. “The Seductive Confinement of a Weighted Blanket in an Anxious Time.” New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2018, www.newyorker.com/culture/on-and-off-the-avenue/the-seductive-confinement-of-a-weighted-blanket-in-an-anxious-time. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

“2007 American Occupational Therapy Association’s Annual Conference Presentation.” OT Innovations, www.ot-innovations.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/aota2007weighted‗blanket‗web‗final‗607.pdf. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

“Weighted Clothing.” Real Anime Training, realanimetraining.com/weighted-clothing/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

“Weighted Clothing—The Ultimate Guide.” Just Health and Lifestyle, justhealthlifestyle.com/weighted-clothing-guide/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.