Does anyone use weighted vest during workout?

Absolutely not ! The added weight causes undue stress on joints and back. Regular compression of the spinal disc from upper body weight can have long term effects. Extra weight also causes you to change running form, stride length, pronation of the foot, etc...
For many years I ran marathons ( before the Army) and if I wanted to make it challenging I either ran further, faster, or wore a small parachute.

Sir,

I discarded the vest and use the Mask instead, its a much better cardio improving device.

Call me cheap but I've used my IOTV with side plates for many workouts including PRT many times. I've also used an assault pack or ruck sack with weight for extra weight.

I've used a weight vest. It helps. To each their own.

Yes!

Weight=210 pounds, full body.

I bought it at numerous bars and I've lost track of the cost, can't say that it has helped my performance much but it also has not hurt it much!! :)

Sir I can tell you that while the added weight will give you a tougher workout, it will also wear down on your joints especially during running. There are ways to use weights in your workout without the high impact. When I work on my pushups or situps I'll use a 45lb plate for those purposes but as far as running workouts I find the best way to increase my fitness levels is sprints to increase speed and long runs for endurance.

Yes, today it was a few pounds heavier with both the front and back plate in during the 12 mile road march! Otherwise, why torment my body to such abuse.

I have used a weight vest. I loved it. It was a great tool but you have to know what you are doing with it. Back when I was in LRS we would carry heavy rucks, some times over 100 pds. It is extremely to train for that kind of weight. I would go on to buy a 40 lb vest and just wear it around. I loved it. It made my core a lot stronger and helped in rucking. It is great for doing a circuit. I would never run with that but in the military you will carry a lot of wait. Later on when the IOTV came out I was well suited for it as I was used to carrier weight in such a fashion. I ended up selling it to a buddy of mine that went to CAG. He used it and swore by it also. It is something that you use to focus on a specific purpose. I would not recommend it for anyone. A lot of soldiers here state they didn't like it. It is not about liking it or not. It is about needing it. I don't like carrying a ruck on my back for 12 miles but I have to do it.



http://www.weightvest.com

The weight vest is a tool like anything else, and has its pros and cons. I will sometimes run with a vest but not 5-mile time trial. Usually it will be a shorter, slow-ish conditioning run (2-3 miles @ 9min/mile), or intervals (200-400m). I also limit the weight to 10-20lbs, partially to mimic a fighting load, but mostly because with more weight than that you reach the point of diminishing returns. Other considerations are what running surface you have; asphalt should equal less weight and distance, dirt trail could allow for more weight and distance but perhaps a slower pace.

That said, running for distance is probably the worst thing you can do in a weighted vest. I would say they are better for increasing resistance for calisthenics such as push-ups (taking care to monitor your lower back), pull-ups, lunges, rope climbs, and plyometric stuff. I'd also recommend it for a rucking supplement, staying around 30-40 lbs and moving at fast walk. This will allow some variation and active recovery from regular rucking.

Personally I have little need for an altitude mask since I live and train at 4500 ft, but such a mask is also a good tool. But it doesn't do the same thing as adding to your body weight with a vest. As long as your smart about it, training with a weighted vest can give you benefits you can't get anywhere else. And moving under load is one of the things a soldier should be able to do well.

WEIGHT VEST - http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19577486&camp=CSE:GooglePLA:19577486:15271538:EXERCISE&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID= [login to see] 0182171&catargetid= [login to see] 0329554&cadevice=c

HIGH ELEVATION MASK - http://www.trainingmask.com/?gclid=CPW-6__ztb8CFQIT7AodnyoA9A

I felt it tremendously helped my workout; especially with a high elevation mask. I did a calisthenic/light free weight circuit with the mask/vest for 35 mins (continuous) and it took my workout to the next level. Great investment. If you don't have already, I would also suggest a high speed door frame chin up bar. Your form won't suffer so long as you spend your early days focusing on it rather than quantity of reps with the workouts. The vest/mask cost $220 (plus an additional $50 for the pull-up bar) - excluding shipping/tax.