How does Exerstriding compare to wearing a weighted vest?

While wearing a weighted vest might seem like a great way to make walking more work, it is not nearly as safe and effective as using light weight poles against which force can be applied. Research has shown that while using Exerstrider poles one can increase their energy expenditure by around 20-25% with no change in perceived exertion and at the same time take as much as 25% of the pain and injury causing stress of hips, knees and feet. To get 20-25% more energy expenditure with a weighted vest, you’ll need to weight it with 20-25% of your body weight. For a 150 pound person that means your hips, knees, and feet will be carrying (and your spine supporting) 30-37.5 more pounds of stress causing weight. In order to get the 30-50% increases in energy expenditure that are easily achievable with Exerstrider poles you’d need to wear a vest or carry a pack loaded with 45-75 pounds. Weighted vests and packs are high risk to benefit ratio options to walking poles and will do little or nothing to strengthen important core muscles.

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