Chances are that you’ve probably seen a weighted vest or two in your social media feed. Sure, it looks cool, but does it actually do anything? Well, wearing a weighted vest may help prevent bone loss, especially if you’re menopausal, and could improve your body composition, particularly if you’re new to fitness or exercise. And, if you’re like my mom, who is just over 60 and has osteoporosis in her family, adding resistance with this vest can make a world of difference. Even Oprah Winfrey is all for it—she recently featured the Omorpho G-Vest Icon in her 2026 Self-Care O-Wards, convincing me this trend isn’t going away any time soon.
My mom swears by her Zelus Weighted Vest, which has a simple, comfortable design with enough weight to strengthen her body while she walks miles each week. Your vest should be no more than 5% to 10% of your body weight to start, depending on your activity level,” says Lauren Geisbert, D.P.T. She got her friend hooked on one, too, along with me! Something to consider, however, is that a weighted vest might not be the best option for you if you have an existing health condition such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe respiratory disease, where a vest may cause too much strain. Additionally, if you have an injury, have just had surgery or struggle with balance, you may want to skip this one!
If you’re interested in investing in a weighted vest, you can grab one anywhere between $13 and $299, depending on your preferences. Shop our most recommended picks below, and feel the difference.
Best Oprah Winfrey and Editor-Recommended Weighted Vest Picks
- Oprah’s Pick: Omorpho G-Vest Icon, $299 at omorpho.com
- My Mom’s Pick: Zelus Weighted Vest, $25 (was $40) at amazon.com
- Editor’s Pick: Prodigen Weighted Vest, $16 (was $20) at amazon.com
- Adjustable Weight: Hyperwear Hyper Vest FIT, $114 at amazon.com
- Under $15: Tone Fitness Weighted Vest, $13 (was $17) at amazon.com
Omorpho G-Vest Icon
Omorpho
This is Oprah Winfrey’s favorite. The most expensive option on this list, it boasts some serious perks. They call this the “Rolls-Royce” of weighted vests because of its customization and nuanced fit: The front-zip vest has adjustable shoulder straps and can go from 6 to 12 pounds with weighted panels. Use it to run, train or even practice yoga.
Zelus Weighted Vest
Amazon
This vest is relatively affordable and is the vest my mom chose. After wearing the 6-pound version to keep resistance at just the right amount for her needs, she noticed an instant improvement in her muscle strength. The vest sits comfortably across your chest, with the majority of the weight distributed across your back. Not only did it make her walks harder, improving her cardio, but it also noticeably built muscle after a few months. I also own this vest in the 12 pound size, and I have never pushed myself more on a treadmill than with this on—it helped strengthen everything from my calves to my upper back.
Prodigen Weighted Vest
Amazon
Another team pick, Senior Editor Megan Ginsberg recommends this $17 weighted vest. This version has a double strap, which is great if you plan to work through more active cardio sessions and want it to rest more securely across your chest. The sizes range from 8 pounds to 30 pounds, though Ginsberg’s sweet spot is the 12-pound option.
Zelus Adjustable Weighted Vest
Amazon
My mom’s friend bought a weighted vest after talking to her about it and has worn it for workouts ever since, even nearly a year later. Taking the addition seriously, she invested in a vest that can be adjusted—she can add more weight when she was up to the challenge, or remove weight if needed. After walking upwards of 12 miles per week with the vest, she noticed positive weight and body changes, and she continues to adjust the weight to this day for cardio.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO
Amazon
Editorial Director Carolyn Malcoun has been wearing this vest for over six months and swears by it. Similar to Winfrey’s pick, it has a zip-up design that fits across your whole torso, rather than the typical open shape we’ve seen. It’s thin, helps distribute weight more evenly, and has a broad range of weight and fit options.
Tone Fitness Weighted Vest
Amazon
If you want to enter into the weighted vest life with minimal investing, this $13 option is a great starting point. It’s secure, thanks to the side straps, and distributes weight across your back and chest in a Y-shape, as opposed to the more common H-shape. At 8 pounds, this is a nice weight for a wide range of people.
