288. Weighted Vest Training for Runners: Helpful or Harmful? What You Need to Know with Coach Cat

Should you run or walk with a weighted vest to get stronger or faster? Or is it just another social media fitness fad that can lead to injury?

In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti sits down with Coach Cat from the Spark Healthy Runner team to break down the science behind weighted vest training for runners. 

Together, they uncover what fitness influencers often get wrong and explain when (and how) a weighted vest might actually be helpful — and when it can do more harm than good.

You'll learn:

- Whether weighted vests really help with bone density, weight loss, or speed

- Why runners over 40 should be cautious before adding extra load

- The truth behind "1 pound adds 4 pounds of pressure" on your joints

- Safe alternatives to build strength without increasing injury risk

- A simple, evidence-based way to strengthen your running body year-round

If you've ever wondered whether a weighted vest can take your training to the next level or just add unnecessary stress to your joints, this episode is for you.

 

🎧 Tune in and discover how to run stronger, faster, and injury-free…no gimmicks required.

 

There are six steps to growing in your trail running journey so you can enjoy it and stay healthy!  Learn them here!

 

Want to start running (the right way) without getting injured?  Download our blueprint here!

 

Get all of coach Cat's previous trainings here!

 

Follow along with coach Cat's 30-Minute Treadmill workout for runners here!

 

Listen to our previous episode on 6-Steps to get strong this winter here!

 

Listen to our previous episode on how to build a solid foundation with base training here!

 

Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? The Healthy Runner Academy provides you the step-by-step system to finally stay consistent, avoid burnout, and prevent nagging injuries — all with expert coaching and a supportive community behind you.

 

Perfect for adult runners who want to:

- Stop nagging injuries
- Build a resilient running body
- Get faster and stronger
- Enjoy pain-free, consistent training

 

Join the waitlist today and be first in line when doors open (only 3x/year) + get a special bonus to strengthen your running journey!

 

⭐️ Winter Strong Body Coaching Here! http://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/strong

 

Sign up for Free Healthy Runner Newsletter here! ➡︎ https://sparkhealthyrunner.com/newsletter/

 

A big thanks to Naboso for your support for this episode!

 

Want to know how I prioritize achilles and foot health to prevent & heal achilles tendonitis?  Kinesis board and toe splays from Naboso!

 

Naboso's product, the Kinesis board, features dual sensory stimulation, a micro-wobble system and a single-leg platform to improve my stability for running!

 

Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your entire Naboso order! 

 

Connect with Coach Cat:

- Email: [e-mail]

- Healthy Runner Facebook Community

 

Connect with Dr. Duane:

- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner

- .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}