New fitness craze born from military training methods sweeps social media, with experts urging caution

A new fitness trend inspired by military conditioning methods is sweeping social media, but healthcare professionals are urging caution over the workout.

The new found craze revolves around wearing weighted vests while walking or working out, a throwback to military rucking and athletic training.

Users are pushing it as a quick way to boost calorie burn, increase endurance, and fast-track fitness results.

On TikTok, the hashtag #weightedvest has racked up more than 30 million views, with influencers claiming the gear can help users shed weight and become 'unrecognizable.'

But while the sleek, modern versions of the vests may look trendy, experts say their sudden popularity comes with risks if misused.

'They've been used for decades in athletic and military training, but social media has helped reintroduce them to mainstream fitness,' Dr. Mark Kovacs, a sports scientist and longevity expert, told Fox News.

'The appeal is simple: You turn everyday walking into a slightly more demanding workout without changing the movement.'

Still, Kovacs recommends starting slow. The Atlanta-based doctor urged fanatics to use vests weighing no more than 10 percent of your body weight, beginning with 15-30 minute sessions, and prioritizing posture.

'Always listen to your body. Discomfort is a sign to back off,' he said. 'Weighted vests can be a great supplement, but they don't replace strength training or higher-intensity cardio.'

Inspired by the century-old military practice of rucking - marching long distances with a weighted pack - weighted vests are now widely available online and even incorporated into high-end gym classes, like Equinox's 'Fully Vested' treadmill workouts.

Prices for the trending fitness gear can range anywhere from $30 on Amazon to $375 for premium versions.

Certified trainer Sarah Fuhrmann explained the attraction is partly psychological.

'Just strap on and walk, and fitness ensues,' she said. 'Social media often makes old tools look new.'

Fuhrmann agreed, adding, 'They're not a shortcut to fitness. If the choice is between a vest and a solid strength program, choose the weights in the gym every time.'

The trend also taps into evolutionary ideas about fitness. On his popular 'Huberman Lab' podcast, author Michael Easter noted, 'Humans are the only mammals that can pick up weight and carry it long distances.

'We carried everything - food, tools, even babies - for most of history. Technology has stripped carrying out of our lives, but we were literally born to do it.'

Despite the hype, science on the long-term health benefits of weighted vest use remains limited.

While studies show they can increase calorie burn and improve cardiovascular demand, results on impacts like bone density are mixed.

One study found obese adults lost about 10 percent of their body weight using vests, but without improved bone health.

'This study's findings are counter to some research and consistent with others,' Dr. Colin Haines, a spine surgeon and research director at Virginia Spine Institute, said.

'The broader body of evidence includes both neutral and positive results.'

Other small-scale studies have shown promise - particularly for postmenopausal women - including improved leg strength and femur bone density.