How to Make a Weighted Vest

People are always looking for new ways to get in shape and lose weight. Some people opt to wear weighted clothes during a workout. While bracelets and anklets filled with sand are no longer popular, wearing a weighted vest is one of the most effective ways to add a little extra burn to your routine.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk or washable marker
• Measuring tape
• Weights
• Cloth
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing needle
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Buttons (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide on the shape of your weights (square or round). Either will work fine. Measure the dimensions of the weights.

2. Decide on your vest. If you will be installing several small weights, the material can be lighter. Heavier weights should only be put on heavier material like denim or cotton twill. Try and find a vest with a high neckline.

3. Mark the areas on your vest for the weights. Put equal weight on the front and back. There should be no more than four areas on each side: one over each side of the chest, and one on each side of the stomach, with corresponding places on the back.

4. Cut patches of cloth that correspond to the measurements of your weights. Make the patches large enough to hold your weights like pockets. To strengthen the patches, fold over the cut edges before sewing.

5. Pin the patches of cloth to your vest. They can be put on either the inside or outside of the vest--whichever is more comfortable. If you're adding a significant amount of weight, consider putting mirroring patches on the inside and outside the vest.

6. Sew the patches onto your vest to create pockets. If you will be changing the weights at any time, sew a button to the top of the pocket. Otherwise, you can sew the pockets closed.

7. Test your vest to make sure the weights are held securely. Begin exercising slowly until you're certain that the weights won't tear the pockets.