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Weighted Wearables and Osteoporosis

“My osteopath suggested this weighted vest, and I have gotten much stronger and more confident on my daily walks.”
Rob M.
“I have low bone density and swear by adding a weighted vest to build strength during my daily routine!”
Jim J.
“...by far the most comfortable weighted vest I have ever tried. I can go about running my daily errands while improving my physical health.”
Joan F.
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Improve Balance & Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a progressive medical condition that attacks the bones, making them weak and brittle and susceptible to fractures. In Canada approximately 2 million people are affected by osteoporosis; worldwide, that number is closer to 200 million. And if that statistic alone isn’t enough to capture your attention, here’s another: it’s estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 years will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

“1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 years will break a bone because of osteoporosis”

Before we can discuss interventions to combat osteoporosis, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the processes at play. The human body is made up of trillions of cells, each with their unique function. In order to keep the body healthy and resilient, old, worn-out cells are constantly being recycled in favour of newer, stronger ones. In the bones, when this process slows and enough new cells aren’t being built, mineral density decreases leading to a condition that’s a precursor to osteoporosis—osteopenia.

“low bone density can lead to osteoporosis”

As is often the case, by examining the cause of a condition we can come up with a clear and concise counterattack plan. Because osteopenia (that is, low bone density) can lead to osteoporosis, increasing bone density should be job number one. Thankfully there’s a basic and effective way to do this: resistance training. It turns out that along with building muscle mass and burning fat, lifting weights encourages the body to build bone mass too.

“walking, running or jumping while wearing a weighted vest can significantly increase bone density”

Treat Osteoporosis Naturally

Unfortunately, cardiovascular exercise alone isn’t enough to prevent osteoporosis; there needs to be a weight-bearing element to the exercise for the positive adaptations to take place. But don’t worry, even if you haven’t done a push-up since high school there’s still light at the end of the tunnel. Studies have shown that performing simple movements such as walking, running or jumping while wearing a weighted vest can significantly increase bone density. The trick is making sure the weight is great enough to trigger this response. Adding 4–10% of your total bodyweight seems to be the sweet spot. Of course, not all bodies are built the same. This is why Power WearHouse is proud to offer an equally effective alternative to our weighted fitness vest — the Power Weighted Fitness Belt. By placing resistance around the waist, compressive forces are diverted from the top of the spine, making for a more comfortable exercise experience. Not only that, for those with hand and grip issues a weighted belt removes the need to struggle with heavy dumbbells. Just strap it on and you’re all set.

“taking charge of your health has never been easier”

Because it affects so many people in such a slow and deliberate manner, osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent epidemic. But aging doesn’t have to mean suffering the indignity of shattered bones and invasive surgeries. In fact, taking charge of your health has never been easier, thanks to Power WearHouse and the Power Weighted Fitness Belt. It’s your natural treatment for osteoporosis
Couple walking with vest and belt
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