Weighted Vests Gain Traction in Fitness Studios and Streaming Classes
Peloton’s addition of weighted-vest workouts and a rising market forecast reflect growing consumer appetite, while experts note benefits and safety considerations
Peloton’s decision in May 2025 to add weighted-vest classes to its streaming exercise offerings highlighted a rising fitness trend and drew enthusiastic responses from members. Instructor Rebecca Kennedy said the addition answered a longtime demand among users eager to intensify bodyweight workouts by adding external load.
Strapping additional weight to the torso is not new: the practice of rucking — walking with a weighted backpack — has roots in military training and has been linked to improvements in endurance, muscle power and stamina. The practice of wearing weighted vests, however, has surged in popularity among recreational exercisers in recent years, and market analysts project global sales to climb from about $199 million in 2024 to $313 million by 2031.
Advocates and some fitness professionals say the primary appeal of a weighted vest is its ability to increase the mechanical load on the skeleton and musculature without changing movement patterns. "Our metabolic output naturally increases, because the load is heavier," Kennedy said. "We’re getting higher use of oxygen, we’re burning more calories, we have more strain over our entire body, and especially because it’s on our trunk, our postural muscles are working quite a bit more."
Scientific and practical accounts of load-bearing activities indicate that adding weight requires muscles that support posture and movement to work harder, which can translate to greater strength and endurance gains over time. Because the added resistance is distributed across the torso, proponents say weighted vests can be an efficient way to increase workout intensity while keeping hands and limbs free compared with dumbbells or kettlebells.
At the same time, fitness and medical professionals caution that added load changes the stresses placed on joints and the spine. Individuals with preexisting musculoskeletal conditions, balance problems or certain cardiovascular issues may face increased risk when using weighted vests, especially if they add weight too quickly or use poorly fitting equipment. Experts recommend progressing gradually, ensuring the vest fits securely and consulting a healthcare professional when there are underlying health concerns.
Manufacturers and trainers emphasize proper fit and programming. A well-fitted vest centers weight on the torso and reduces shifting during dynamic movement; improper fit or uneven loading can alter gait and posture, increasing the likelihood of strain. Trainers also advise programming that allows the body to adapt, using lower weights and simpler movements initially and increasing load as strength and technique permit.
The rise of weighted-vest classes on mainstream streaming platforms and the market forecasts reflect both consumer interest in new ways to increase workout intensity and the fitness industry’s rapid adoption of trends that blend convenience with measurable progress. As use expands, researchers and clinicians say more study will be useful to clarify long-term benefits and risks across different populations and exercise modalities.
For now, users and instructors say weighted vests offer a practical tool for intensifying workouts, while underscoring the importance of cautious progression and attention to individual health status. The trend’s momentum in studios and at-home programming suggests weighted loading will continue to be a visible element of fitness offerings in the near term.