Weight-vested hikes for fitness?

Andrew Huberman discusses the benefits of using a weight vest during long endurance activities such as hikes. He notes that incorporating a weight vest can increase the level of effort required, making the exercise more challenging and beneficial. This is particularly useful when hiking or walking with someone of a different fitness level, as it allows for a better workout without having to separate from them. Huberman emphasizes that the use of a weight vest can enhance long-form endurance training and fits well into a weekly fitness routine aiming to include long endurance work 1 2.

In detail, he often uses a weight vest for hikes to improve the intensity of the training, which can vary from using a light vest to heavier ones based on the desired difficulty level. The key is to gradually increase endurance by adding weight or increasing the hike's duration over time. This approach not only boosts physical stamina but also supports cardiovascular health 3.

For those interested in structured cardiovascular endurance, Huberman mentions aiming for 180-200 minutes of zone two cardio per week, describing how a weight-vested hike can contribute significantly toward this goal by providing intense cardiovascular workouts that improve overall endurance and health 3.