For those of you already in Meso 2-vest question
- Thread starter FrancesL
- Start date
spyrosmom
Cathlete
I used it in Disc 14 - the 1st leg disc of meso 2. It was nice. It is only 10 lbs, but to just take 5 lbs off of each hand is very nice. Gives the hands a nice break. I used for the squats and lunges. Not the side slide lunges, the calves, or the dead lifts. I suppose you could use it for the side slide lunges and calves, but the weights were light enough it didn't matter. NEVER EVER on deadlifts, it throws your form and center of gravity all out of hooey and isn't safe. Once I reach about 25-30lbs the dumbbells get hard to hold for any length of time, or repeatedly, so the vest comes in handy dandy. Not fair that my hands run out before my legs do!
I think I may have even used it on the last leg disc of Meso 1, my hands were tired that day, and it seemed like a good time to give it a try. I love it!
Nan
I think I may have even used it on the last leg disc of Meso 1, my hands were tired that day, and it seemed like a good time to give it a try. I love it!
Nan
I think the vest in totally optional in Meso 2, because you're still not as heavy as you will be in Meso 3 (unless you're super-strong in your lower body, which I sure am not). The vest is discussed more as an option for Meso 3, when you do go really heavy, but for those folks who a) don't have a squat rack, and b) aren't comfortable with a lot of weight over their back on a bar. The vest alleviates those two issues for Meso 3.
Hmm - I may have to order one myself now.
Hmm - I may have to order one myself now.
FrancesL
Active Member
Thanks everyone!! All your responses are very helpful. I now plan on getting one, but realize I don't need to run out and buy it tomorrow for Meso 2. Besides I now get a week off from weights and if the weather cooperates will focus on running for a change of scene.
Cheers,
Fran
and if the weather cooperates will focus on running for a change of scene.Cheers,
Fran
lorrayne
Cathlete
I am definitely using my weighted vest for Meso Cycle 2 legs. I used it for week 2 for the second tri-set. My heaviest weight is a 30 pound dumbbell. I was targeted to use a 40 pound dumbbell for the plie squats. So, I wore my 10 pound vest and used my 30 pound dumbbell. I adjusted the weights for the other exercises in this tri-set as well.
Hope this helps.
Lorrayne
Hope this helps.
Lorrayne
Shadowpup
Cathlete
Not yet in Meso 2 - doing Meso 1 on the six month plan - but ... I've needed my weighted vest for legwork from the start of Meso 1, for squats, and to help reduce the number of dumbbells I had to run out and buy! It's also been very helpful in letting my forearms/upper body build up to the heavier weights that the Legs workouts require. It seems to work well to start with more of the weight in the vest, and then move it gradually to the dumbbell.
Also, just in general, I'm finding that I greatly prefer using the vest for lunges to dumbbells alone. It seems to put less stress on my elbow and shoulder joints; at any rate, there is less of tug forward as I move forward. Anyone else noticed that? Perhaps I have a form problem - a checkup with a trainer may be a good idea - at any rate, shifting some weight to my vest from my arms really helped combat the bad stiffness in those joints that I sometimes used to get. And wearing the vest definitely increases my calorie burn during the workout (I leave it on for most of Legs, except deadlifts, and have started wearing it loaded very lightly during Triceps, except for deadlifts and pullups).
Side note, I worked up to a fully loaded vest before starting STS over several weeks, increasing both the weight and the length of time I would wear it, and am doing the same thing now that I've purchased one that goes to 40 pounds.
It's also been very helpful in letting my forearms/upper body build up to the heavier weights that the Legs workouts require. It seems to work well to start with more of the weight in the vest, and then move it gradually to the dumbbell.Also, just in general, I'm finding that I greatly prefer using the vest for lunges to dumbbells alone. It seems to put less stress on my elbow and shoulder joints; at any rate, there is less of tug forward as I move forward. Anyone else noticed that? Perhaps I have a form problem - a checkup with a trainer may be a good idea - at any rate, shifting some weight to my vest from my arms really helped combat the bad stiffness in those joints that I sometimes used to get. And wearing the vest definitely increases my calorie burn during the workout (I leave it on for most of Legs, except deadlifts, and have started wearing it loaded very lightly during Triceps, except for deadlifts and pullups).
Side note, I worked up to a fully loaded vest before starting STS over several weeks, increasing both the weight and the length of time I would wear it, and am doing the same thing now that I've purchased one that goes to 40 pounds.
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Dela
Cathlete
I also used mine even in meso1, lightening up on the dumbbells helps me keep better balance on lunges. I've been using even my heavy vest for meso 2, my dumbbells go up to 35 only, and some of my numbers have been upwards of 40. And honestly, those 35's are just still too rough for me for more than a set.
I got my Cathe vest on walmart.com, and I ordered a heavier (40lb) vest from sportsauthority.com.
I got my Cathe vest on walmart.com, and I ordered a heavier (40lb) vest from sportsauthority.com.
Melclear
Cathlete
vests on sale at Big5
I checked out weighted vests last weekend at Big5, and they had a 10# vest on sale for $20. I bought it, and it's working out well for me. They also had Cathe's vest there for $50. Hers looked smaller (it doesn't go down as far on the waist) and more comfortable, but I just couldn't justify the price. But I am definitely glad to have it for Meso 2. Good luck!
I checked out weighted vests last weekend at Big5, and they had a 10# vest on sale for $20. I bought it, and it's working out well for me. They also had Cathe's vest there for $50. Hers looked smaller (it doesn't go down as far on the waist) and more comfortable, but I just couldn't justify the price. But I am definitely glad to have it for Meso 2. Good luck!