Are weigted vest safer than ankle weights?

Question

i am currently training in track and feild and one of my coaches told me to try ankle weights. However, a lot of people have been telling me they are not safe and then again, some disagree. i thought maybe the safest think would be to use a weighted vest. i really what to improve in track and feild but safely, with some definate advice

Answer 1

Neither the Vest nor the ankle weights are good. when you run the with vest and the ankle weights they are going to prevent you from running with good form. You will have to adjust the way you run to compensate for the extra weight. If a parachute is put on correctly I believe that is the best way to go with resistance training. because it will pull back on your entire body and makes you run with a good drive phase.

Answer 2

Andre, my vote and the majority of others is NEITHER.

Ankle weights could put mess up the knees, vest could cause back problems.  And as one suggested, your form goes away compensating abnormally for the awkward changes in weight.

Why not just try hard work and refining your natural abilities?

Good Luck

Answer 3

Simply running with weights, whether attached to your extremities or in a vest, is likely to acheive little benefit for you. As you will see in the attached articles, there are studies that have been done in which there is mention of ankle weights possibly causing tendon and/or ligament damage to the ankle joint if employed while running. They also indicate that most athletes utilize weighted devices in resistance and plyometric training. That being said, a vest is the way to go if you feel the need to bear extra weight while out on a run.  

Best of luck in your training!

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0001.htm

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lh_general...

Alex

Answer 4

ankle weights are strictly for your feet to feel lighter when you take them off.. weight vest is for the whole body....just wear heavier shoes while you are practicing

Answer 5

Use a weighted vest, because ankle weights mess your feet and ankles up and then you won't be able to run.

Answer 6

Neither...

heres an interesting article:

http://www.coachr.org/vests.htm