Customer Reviews

Gaiam Walkvest Kit by Debbie Rocker, New Design

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The idea is great: adding evenly distributed weight close to your body's core, to make it work harder without adding stress in any one place. An ergonomic advantage of this particular vest is that the thin weights lie flat against your body. It's lightweight, the cut is comfortable, and the look is almost stylish, so I don't feel too dorky wearing it for a walk in public. The shoulders are nice and wide -- also good for weight distribution -- so I haven't felt tugging or pressure there.

The disadvantages: because the weights are tallish, their tops hit my ribs in an uncomfortable place, so when I move there's friction and poking. (And I'm long-waisted, so I wonder how it fits on shorter waists.) I can slide the weights around some and move them to different pockets, but it's still a problem. The other major problem is that I have looked everywhere for additional weights (the starter kit is just that, including only four out of a possible sixteen pounds) with no success: nothing has turned up in local stores, or on Amazon, Google or the Gaiam site. The Walkvest site has been out-of-stock for weeks. So I'm stuck with four pounds, which is really frustrating. I'll be interested to see if it becomes more or less comfortable with additional weight.

One other note: I found the vest runs a bit large. I usually wear a medium or bigger, but my WalkVest medium is quite loose on me.

Advice: Before you buy, see if you can find additional weights. And since a good fit is critical, best to try on different sizes first.

Update 5/7/08: I just got an e-mail from Debbie Rocker saying the new weights won't be available for ordering from walkvest[dot]com until the middle of June.

Vest is a lightweight cotton/canvas comfortable washable material.
Vest has refective safety strip accents.
Seems somewhat stylish although I can't explain why!!
Sides are mesh for breathability with comfortable arm holes.
Has lots of small long pockets with snaps for weights.
One large pocket on the upper back of the vest.
There are two clips on the front that are easy to adjust while walking for fit and comfort.
Sometimes I clip the clips to pull weights into body and sometimes I open them to adjust the feel of the weight- I can do this as I am walking easily.
Weights are small and sturdy are easy to arrange- they snap into pockets.
*You'll probably want more weights soon.
You'll work up a sweat without the strain of carrying weights because of the overall distribution of small weights.
I was worried about possible strain in my back but haven't noticed any difference.
Easy to use straight out of the box.
**It would be nice if it had a larger pocket for keys/phone.

I just purchased this vest so I cannot make a judgement on how well it works, but I was very disappointed that I purchased this vest believing that I was getting a 20 lb. vest when in fact the only weights that were included were for a total of 4 lbs. The information included in the package said you can "purchase" weights when you're ready to add more. Great. I didn't realize I had to spend even more money to get what they said was included in the purchase price anyway. Very misleading.

Good concept and comfortable fit, but the buckles on the vest becomes loose very easily, so if you plan on also jogging/running, it will not stay secure. Also, some of the pockets that holds the weights are not consistent in size; some were stitched unevenly and hence I could not insert the weights in some of the pockets. If you want extra weights as this kit only comes with 4 pounds, you can buy extra but they sell them in 5 pounds sets that cost $30! I wouldn't have bought them if I knew these weights are so expensive as I now need at least 10 additional pounds for a whopping $60! The material of the vest is also pretty thin, so I'm almost anticipating that with more use and more added weights, the stitching will likely come apart.

I was amazed how simply adding four pounds to your walking can make a difference! When I first ordered it I thought I needed to buy additional weights right away (but none were currently available). But when the vest came and I saw how heavy it was I'm glad I didn't hurt myself and try to do too much weight at once (and trust me, I'm not new to walking OR lifting weights). Be sure to at least listen to the audio program that comes with it. I'm glad I listened on my first walk as I was planning on wearing the vest all the time. The audio says to only wear when walking for exercise or your body will get accustomed to the weight .... a good example of how you don't notice when you put on a "pound or two" (and keep on adding it on!) I'd DEFINITELY recommend this particular vest for anyone looking to amp up their walking program as it's well made and very comfortable to wear. Note: it runs a bit large so buy a size smaller (I'm an 6/8 and a small is PERFECT).

BTW... everyone's complaining about not being able to find additional weights. What I've done is buy 1 1/4" x 1/4" bar steel from a local metal supply house & have them cut it into the right length (6"). They fit perfect and weigh 1/2 lb each. To keep your vest from getting worn, make sure to sand down the rough edges and spray them with some Rustoleum to keep them from rusting. (Note: I only did this as the manufacturer has been out of additional weights since I've started looking for them. If the manufacturer had them available, I would have purchased them directly from them. Sorry, I just couldn't wait 'til they got around to making more!)

I have increased the weight of my vest to 8lbs. It is one of the best pieces of exercise equipment I have ever used. You can feel the effects of the weights on your body. I have had it for about 2 weeks, and have lost 2 inches and 5 lbs. I started with the 4lb weights that come with the walkvest and have increased to the 8lbs, today. I suggest that if you are not used to exercise you start with the 2 lbs and work your way up.

It's a lot easier then the 10lb free weights I am used to lifting. I use the dvd that comes with it and also wear it when I am walking outside or using my Gazelle air walker.

It's a great way to use weights and fight the bone loss of aging. I am 57 yrs young.

Delivery and service were great; however, the walking vest was bulky, even when tightening the straps. The weights were vertical and were uncomfortable for a 5'4" female--they didn't fit the curve of the back. Perhaps horizontal weights might work? Bottom line, I like the idea but the product needs some work for looks and comfort. Thanks

As an over-45 gal fitness-minded gal, I bought the walk vest to ease into walking instead of running for a workout - (less stress on the joints) - and I must say I LOVE IT. I have been able to maintain my ideal weight by walking, whereas I used to have to run to get enough of an aerobic workout.

The walkvest is great for making you keep good posture while walking. It is also wonderful for building strength when you are retired like I am. I especially love the MP3 player pocket. It is a little hard to get to but at least you have music while walking. I ordered the L and found it to run large. I have now ordered the S and hope it works.I have also found that my body adjusted to the 4lb weights and need extra weights, however you cannot find them on the internet to purchase.Great price for a great workout.

Very disappointing product. The price was so high and the product is way too hot and flimsy to use. I used the size chart online, but it was way too big. Good idea, but waste of money. Maybe if it fit better, it would work.