Buying a weight vest? Advantages and tips for calisthenics

What is a weighted vest?

A weight vest is a specialized training device worn like a close-fitting vest on the upper body. It serves to increase the user's body weight and thus the intensity of the workout. Especially in calisthenics training, which is based on body weight, the vest opens up entirely new training stimuli and possibilities.

How heavy are weight vests? (Additional weight of 10 kg, 20 kg - up to 80 kg!)

Weight vests are available in various designs. Models weighing 10 to 20 kg are particularly common and offer an ideal entry point for many athletes: They are perfect for gaining initial experience with added weight, gradually increasing the load, and making training noticeably more intense. They provide a good additional challenge, especially for basic exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, or squats.

However, those who want to progress in calisthenics in the long term and train beyond the classic 20 kg will quickly reach the limits of conventional vests. This is precisely where our FITNESSKIT weight vest comes in:

• Load capacity up to 80 kg – far exceeding the standard.
• Compatible with 50 mm weight plates – maximum flexibility and easy handling.
• Robust, secure & comfortable to wear – thanks to Velcro fasteners and high-quality materials.

The big advantage: With our vest, you don't have to stop at 20 kg. You're investing directly in equipment that will last you for many years – a weight vest for life .

👉 Click here for the FITNESSKIT weight vest in the shop

Is a weighted vest for strength training or endurance training?

A weight vest isn't just a tool for strength and muscle building – it also boosts endurance and overall fitness . By intentionally increasing your body weight, your cardiovascular system has to work harder, your muscles are under greater strain, and every movement becomes more intense. Whether running, jumping, or doing calisthenics exercises like burpees and push-ups: with a weight vest, you train more effectively, burn more calories, and improve your overall fitness.

Advantages of a weight vest in calisthenics training

Especially for athletes who train with their own body weight, the weight vest is a game-changer. Here are the most important advantages:

• Progressive overload
  Anyone who can already easily do 20 pull-ups or 50 push-ups needs additional resistance. A weight vest allows you to precisely increase the load – ideal for getting stronger and more muscular.
• More strength & muscle building
  Exercises like dips, squats, or muscle-ups become significantly more challenging with added weight. This provides a new stimulus for growth and leads to better results.
• Explosiveness & Athleticism
  Plyometric exercises such as jumps, burpees, or explosive push-ups also become more effective when performed with added weight.
• Functional load
  Unlike dumbbells or machines, the weight is attached directly to the body. This makes the movement more natural and translates optimally to real everyday and sporting movements.
• Increased endurance
  Even simple running or mobility exercises with a vest put more strain on the cardiovascular system and muscles.

For which exercises are weighted vests useful? (Weighted Workout)

upper body

• Pull-ups
  A classic for increased back and bicep strength. Wearing a vest, 10 clean pull-ups suddenly become a real challenge again.
• Chin-ups
  Similar to pull-ups, but with a stronger focus on the biceps.
• Muscle-ups
  Advanced exercise – the vest makes it significantly more challenging and builds explosiveness.
• Push-ups
  From basic to strength booster. Variations like archer push-ups or one-arm push-ups benefit enormously from added weight.
• Dips
  Perfect for chest, shoulders and triceps – significantly more intense with a vest.
• Handstand push-ups
  Increased stress on shoulders and triceps, ideal for strength-oriented handstand training.

Lower body

• Squats
  Classic or pistol squats. The weight vest turns the bodyweight squat into a real strength exercise.
• Lunges & Bulgarian Split Squats
  Great for single-leg training, balance, and leg muscles.
• Box Jumps / Broad Jumps
  Plyometric training for explosiveness and speed strength.

What to look out for when buying a weight vest

Calisthenics athletes especially need a vest that is robust, flexible, and functional . Here's what matters:

1. High load capacity – The vest must grow with the athlete. Lightweight vests (10–20 kg) are quickly pushed to their limits. Anyone training seriously should opt for a model that can withstand significantly higher loads.

2. Adjustable weight – Different exercises require different levels of resistance. A good weight vest allows for flexible adjustment.

3. Secure fastening – no wobbling, no slipping. A weight vest must fit snugly without restricting freedom of movement.

4. Robust materials – sweat, pull-up bars, and tough workouts demand absolute durability. Tear-resistant fabrics and strong seams are essential.

5. Compatibility – It's practical if standard weight plates can be used. This allows you to work flexibly with weights you already have in your home gym.

Tips for use in calisthenics

• Increase gradually : Start with moderate additional weights and increase them step by step.
• Technology before weight : Clean execution always comes first – even (and especially) under load.
• Combine exercises : Use the vest for basics like pull-ups, push-ups, dips and squats, but also for core exercises or plyometric training.
• Create variety : Sometimes heavy for strength building, sometimes light for volume or endurance – this keeps the training versatile.
• Use in everyday life : Even walks or mobility sessions become more effective with a weighted vest.

Adjustable weight vest from FITNESSKIT (Premium Equipment)

Our FITNESSKIT weight vest is specially designed for ambitious athletes who make no compromises:

• Load capacity up to 80 kg – significantly more than conventional vests.
• Compatible with all 50 mm weight plates – full flexibility without special weights.
• Robust & durable – designed for intensive calisthenics sessions and the toughest conditions.
• Perfect fit – secure fit, maximum freedom of movement.

This will set new standards in your calisthenics training – whether for muscle building, skills or for more explosiveness.

👉 Click here for the FITNESSKIT weight vest in the shop

Conclusion

A weight vest is an unbeatable tool for sustainably boosting your calisthenics training. While models with 10 to 20 kg offer a solid entry point, our FITNESSKIT weight vest, with up to 80 kg of additional weight, opens up entirely new possibilities. This means you won't have to slow down at some point, but are instead investing in equipment for life – robust, comfortable, and designed for maximum performance.