Customer Reviews
Weighted vest 
2008-03-01
Gaiam Walkvest Kit by Debbie Rocker (Previous Design)
makes workouts more challenging - amazing how just 4 additional pounds can affect one's workout! You can add up to 16 pounds (I ordered the extra weights from the walkvest website - Amazon had a better price for the vest but did/does not offer the extra weights). The vest has been borrowed by several friends who like the additional challenge it provides while doing their cardio at the gym.
Getting in Shape QUICK 2008-02-17
I've been a walker for years. Walking had helped me to stay fit and in control of maintaining my weight and size. However, for the last year I started gaining weight so I increased my walking time but I still couldn't drop those extra pounds. I had almost given up and accepted those extra pounds. But I heard about Debbie Rocker walkvest and decided to give it a try. Though I've only had my walkvest for several weeks I've already seen a MAJOR change! I've only lost one pound but my clothes are fitting more loose. I'm really excited and more motivated to walk since I''m actually seeing a change. I highly recommend Debbie Rocker's Walkvest to anyone who wants to get rid of those extra pounds and inches. In fact, I'm ready to buy more weights. I may actually get back into a size six!
walkvest is great 2007-10-17
This product is very good for anyone wanting to take their walking routine up a notch. I didn't think an extra 4 - 8 lbs would be that heavy! Just one word on the fit of the product. I didn't know until I received the vest that it should fit snugly. I ordered a size that was too big so I will have to alter the size somehow to make it smaller. Other than that the vest is very well made and the dvd was good too. I haven't had the chance to use the cd yet.
Walkvest is Great! 2007-10-17
Walkvest is a great addition to my every day workout. Haven't had it long enough to know if it makes a difference or not, but I'm looking forward to good results!
gaiam walkvest 
2007-10-13
I like the concept and the vest if comfortable. I only warn people about using too much weight at first. Remember to start off slowly with the weights.
Walkvest improves posture while it revs metabolism 2008-05-22
The walkvest is comfortable and has contributed to improved posture (by placing weights in balanced positions). I found it easy to use, and got an extra set of weights - currently using 6# (and have 2# reserve weights).
My only complaint is that it is not proportional for petite bodies, so I either have to wear it blousy above the waist, or with waist clasp and weights below the waist. It is managable and I do recommend it.
Walkvest Kit 2008-04-11
I really like the vest. I feel like I'm getting a good workout when I wear the vest. It would be nice if they could add Velcro to the front for a tighter fit.
Awesome workout! 2008-04-06
I really enjoy walking outdoors as a work out and thought I was doing good. Using the walkvest & the guided audio cd really showed me how to get a better more effective work out! The only thing I didn't like about the vest is the pockets where you insert the weights aren't sewn - so the weights tend to go sideways. Otherwise great vest! I also tried the Walkvest Workout DVD - great workout! Price is very reasonable.
Great idea, imperfectly executed 
2008-04-04
The idea is great: adding evenly distributed weight close to your body's core, to make it work harder without adding stress in any one place. An ergonomic advantage of this particular vest is that the thin weights lie flat against your body. It's lightweight, the cut is comfortable, and the look is almost stylish, so I don't feel too dorky wearing it for a walk in public. The shoulders are nice and wide -- also good for weight distribution -- so I haven't felt tugging or pressure there.
The disadvantages: because the weights are tallish, their tops hit my ribs in an uncomfortable place, so when I move there's friction and poking. (And I'm long-waisted, so I wonder how it fits on shorter waists.) I can slide the weights around some and move them to different pockets, but it's still a problem. The other major problem is that I have looked everywhere for additional weights (the starter kit is just that, including only four out of a possible sixteen pounds) with no success: nothing has turned up in local stores, or on Amazon, Google or the Gaiam site. The Walkvest site has been out-of-stock for weeks. So I'm stuck with four pounds, which is really frustrating. I'll be interested to see if it becomes more or less comfortable with additional weight.
One other note: I found the vest runs a bit large. I usually wear a medium or bigger, but my WalkVest medium is quite loose on me.
Advice: Before you buy, see if you can find additional weights. And since a good fit is critical, best to try on different sizes first.
Gaiam Walkvest Kit 2008-03-26
My vest arrived promptly. It is very sturdy and seems durable. I ordered a size SM and received a Medium. The armholes were large and I've had to use safety pins to make them small enough but otherwise the vest fits well. I'm using it several time a week and while I can't say that the weight loss is rapid, the vest adds to the cardio effectiveness of my walks.
