Nowadays, there are many techniques and equipment that you can use to increase the intensity of your workouts.
Many people use weighted vests or dip belts as part of their workout routines. Using these two tools can definitely further your strength, endurance, and cardio.
The question arises however, which of the two equipment is most capable?
At the end of the day, which is more effective for building muscles? Right?
One must surely be better than the other?
In this article, we are going to tackle these questions and dig deeper into their similarities and differences. Will give you the tools to you can effectively decide – weighted vest or dip belt?
Contents
Are weighted vests effective?
Weighted vests are made to help you develop strength, endurance, and cardio.
Doing dynamic movements such as pull-ups, cardio drills, planks, and intense box jumps? Dynamic exercises, weighted vests definitely get the nod.
But, are they really more effective? Well, using weighted vests lets you add more mass without restraining movement.
As you add mass to your dynamic movements, you increase the load – load, intensity, and variation are all factors that will shape you as you work out.
Stress your muscles and your body will resist and adjust to these factors. Your body responds by building your muscles, increasing your body’s strength, endurance, and cardio.
Verstality is key here.
Unlike dip belts, you can use weighted vests for more a larger variety of movements.
In fact, you can walk around wearing a weighted vest, jog, and do other fitness-related activities. With the extra weight strapped to your body, you are burning calories and decreasing fat without putting too much effort.
How does the dip belt add strength?
Dip belts are generally built for static strength, making them a better option to use for calisthenics exercises such as pull-ups, dips, muscle-ups, squats, and the like.
These exercises are ideal for hypertrophy and for gaining strength. By using a dip belt, the weight is more concentrated around your hips without restricting your upper body movements.
Dip belts allows excellent progression on exercises such as hip belt squats and chest dips, helping you grow fast!
When done right, dip belts can bring significant gains as it works more on your triceps, shoulders, and chest. While dip belts are less versatile than a weighted vest, this still offers a more specific targeted way to increase your gains.
How much weight can a dip belt hold?
The weight limit of dip belts depends on materials and construction.
Some professional weighted dip belts can hold up to 1000 lbs.
On the other hand, some nylon strap dip belts are capable of holding nearly to 30,000 lbs!
A few things that you might consider before getting yourself a dip belt:
- Chain and Length Attachments – There are many options to consider, simpler is better in our experience.
- Size – An important consideration, think about your space, your body size, etc.
- Maximum Weight – Whether you are just starting to work out with a dip belt or already into serious heavy lifting, investing in a dip belt that can hold a lot of weight is essential.
- Materials – know what your dip belt is made of? Whether it is nylon, leather, or vinyl, a dip belt’s material can make a lot of difference in your experience.
How much weight can a weighted vest hold?
We have gone into many details when reviewing weight vests here. That said, weight vests are more limited in the amount of weight that you can use during exercise.
On average you can easily acquire a weight vest that can adjust up to 50 to 100 pounds.
Of course, you make a trade off for the added flexibility here.
Are dip belts worth it?
Beginner?
Advanced Lifter?
Either way a dip belt can be a great investment. It really comes down to your goals.
Adding belt exercises to your fitness routines can provide great value when it comes to strength training. Once you find the right bodyweight exercises, dip belts can help you enhance your physique and accelerate the process of strength development.
Dip belts are affordable, convenient and easy to use….
Weighted Vest vs Dip Belt: Which is the better option?
Both weighted vest and dip belt function under a similar concept – increasing intensity by adding load.
Despite their similarities, both have differences when it comes to strength development, weight distribution, and versatility.
As mentioned earlier, weighted vests are more versatile.
Dip belts cost less than weighted vests, but may be a better option for weight trainers and those who are looking to save a little money.
Lastly, one of the most significant differences that weighted vests and dip belts have is that they are built for different purposes.
Some people may want to use these tools to gain or lose weight, some may be athletes or bodybuilders.
If you are an athlete who wants to focus more on muscle endurance rather than strength, weighted vests can be a more ideal option.
On the other hand, dip belts are preferred by CrossFit athletes and bodybuilders for body weight and agility workouts.
