Weighted Vest vs Dip Belt – Which Should You Choose?

Introduction
As you get stronger in calisthenics, bodyweight alone may not be enough to keep building muscle and strength. That’s when adding extra weight comes in. Two of the most common tools for this are weighted vests and dip belts. Both work, but which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Weighted Vest
The weighted vest adds resistance to moves like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and even cardio. I like this adjustable model because you can start light and add weight as you get stronger. This vest goes up to 150 lb, and at $110, it’s a solid investment even for serious beginners moving toward advanced calisthenics.

Pros:

  • Distributes weight evenly across your body

  • Great for exercises where you can’t use a belt (push-ups, sprints, handstand push-ups)

  • Feels natural for movements that mimic real-life loads (running, climbing)

Cons:

  • Usually limited in maximum weight (often up to 40–60 lbs)

  • Can feel restrictive during high-intensity or technical moves

Dip Belt
A dip belt hangs weight from your waist, usually between your legs, and is best for vertical pulling and pushing movements like pull-ups and dips. This heavy-duty dip belt is a solid pick, it’s comfortable and can handle more weight than most people will ever need.

Pros:

  • Can load very heavy (100+ lbs if needed)

  • Great for progressive overload in dips and pull-ups

  • Doesn’t restrict breathing or upper body movement

Cons:

  • Not suitable for floor-based moves or dynamic skills

  • Weight hangs low, which can feel awkward for some exercises

Which Should You Choose?
If you mainly want to make pull-ups and dips heavier, go with a dip belt.
If you want to add resistance to a variety of exercises, including push-ups, squats, and sprints, a weighted vest is more versatile.

Many advanced calisthenics athletes eventually own both, starting with one depends on your training focus.

Final Thoughts
Progressive overload is key to getting stronger. Whether you choose a vest, a belt, or eventually both, the important thing is to keep challenging your body in a smart and sustainable way.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Prevent Wrist Pain (and Other Injuries) in Calisthenics

Wrist pain is super common in calisthenics, but most injuries are avoidable. The most important thing you can do is warm up your body before every session . On top of that, use proper form (and spend a bit of time researching correct technique) and avoid sudden jumps in difficulty. If something hurts sharply, stop. Do not push through it. Quick Full Body Warm Up (5 to 7 Minutes) Warming up properly prepares your joints and muscles, increases blood flow, and reduces the risk of injury. A simple routine you can follow before any workout: Arm Circles: 30 sec forward and backward Wrist Circles and Stretches: 1 min Leg Swings: 10 per leg Hip Circles: 10 each way Cat Cow Stretch: 8 to 10 reps Bodyweight Squats: 10 to 15 reps Push Up to Downward Dog: 5 to 8 reps Tailor it: Add extra wrist and shoulder drills on upper body days, extra hip and ankle work on lower body days, or stick to basics if you are short on time. Remember, skipping your warm up is the fastest way to end up...
Read more

Why Every Calisthenics Athlete Should Own Gymnastic Rings

Gymnastic rings often get dismissed as equipment for elite athletes only. But here’s the truth: gymnastic rings are one of the best pieces of equipment you can buy, not just for calisthenics, but for fitness in general. Whether you want to build muscle, improve strength, or train skills, rings give you real results. And they cost less than most gym memberships. Let’s break down why you need them (and which ones are worth buying). Why Gymnastic Rings Are a Game-Changer Rings are powerful because they give you: Versatility  - With one piece of equipment, you can do push, pull, core, and mobility exercises. Instability  - The instability of the rings forces your body to recruit stabilizer muscles, leading to faster strength and muscle gains. Portability  - They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and can be set up almost anywhere (home, park, or gym). Cost-Effectiveness  - For $40-$60, you get years of training value. That’s cheaper than most monthly gym memb...
Read more