New Training Tool... comments welcome.

[BigAlski]

Good morning crew.  I just ordered this little puppy...

http://abc.eznettools.net/weightvest2//images/2006/100_side_2006.jpg

I haven't hit my legs for 3 months BC I had some irritation with the Patella and some other nonlifting issues and decided to do a royal job on them this spring/summer.  I have been riding bicycles and running and plan on a full leg routine once a week including squats, front squats, stiff legs, good mornings, smith squats, extensions, curls, and deads from the floor every other week. 

The vest loads from 10 to 100lbs, the bottom part is detachable (25lbs).  My plan for the vest is as follows:

1. Power walks with a "stop and low squat" for 50 reps every 5 minutes.  I might also incorporate calf raises or exagerate the stride with a calf raise.
2. Additional resistance (maybe 20-25 lbs) for high speed sprints and/or treadmill work.  Not long runs mind you.
3. Additional resistance (40-80 lbs) for the bicycle, but I am going to check w/ my bike mechanic about compromising the frame's structural integrity.
4. Some hill running work with some friends.

What do you all think?  Any others cross your mind?

[lilwoday09smb]

i have one of these but mine is only 25 ilbs. i use it on the stair stepper and for sprints to get ready for the fire academy. its brutal, have fun. also works good with pull ups and dips easier than hanging plates

[Mike]

to get ready for the fire academy

Great for athletic and overall conditioning but not usually that helpfull at bodybuilding.  It's definetely a great weapon in the arsenal.

[jpm101]

As BigAlski suggested, if you want to see the calves grow, try 40 yd sprints with a weighted one. Does not have to be that much weight either. Though BA should be mindful on those knees at the beginning. Great for stamina (endurance & strength) also. May want to stay on a fairly soft and flat surface when walking/sprinting. Good Luck.

[Redwingenator]

The biggest benefit is that you can take a bullet to the chest while you workout.  You can workout in the most dangerous parts of town confident that you will remain unscathed.

[overcome]

my vest
http://www.usmedicine.com/images/body_armor.jpg
my weights, but mine are XL
http://images.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_Armor9.jpg
i'm starting sprints with them next week

[danielson]

Works for 50 cent!

[BigAlski]

Updates on my vest...

Well I am happy with the quality of this piece of equipment and the overall fit, especially for a "universal" size.  Currently I am running in it on a treadmill at 25lbs to start...today 20 minutes at 3-4% grade at 6mph, so pretty moderate.  Then I do 5 minutes or so with higher speed or incline and I am done.  I'll work up with it. After the first day I really had some serious pain/soreness between my toes and on the arch of one leg and a deep nerve pain in the calf of the same leg.  Both have went away though, in a day so no biggie.

I walked in it at 75lbs for an hour as well.  Suprisingly the "pull" was in the shoulders and lower back, the leg motion was nothing more than a regular walk.  It seemed a little too light as well to get much benefit from stopping and squatting every 100 yards, I tried that but it seemed more of a yoga or pilate move than helping me build leg strength.

I also talked to my bike mechanic and he says I could ride in it at 100lbs with my Trek frame but I really wouldn't see the benefit in that except for the hills.