Want to get stronger without even trying? As a health editor, I'll never stop recommending these 6 weighted vests

Weight range: 6lb (2.7kg) to 20lb (9kg)
Adjustable weights? No

The ProsourceFit Weighted vest is the woman&home tried and tested favourite after Health Writer Kat Storr spent two weeks wearing the vest during her daily walks and around the house. At 10lb (4.5kg), it's the perfect starting weight for beginners - though options go up to 20lb (9kg) for those with strength training experience.

Kat said: "The adjustable straps make for a snug fit without rubbing, and the pocket on the back is handy to store keys and other essentials." She also noted that the vest has reflective strips, which can be handy for early-morning walks and adjustable straps on the front, making it a good option for those with a larger chest.

"However, perhaps an option with adjustable weights would have been better so I could build up gradually," she notes.

Weight range: 5lbs (2.3kg) to 30lbs (13.6kg)
Adjustable weights? No

When choosing a weighted vest for walking, my first suggestion would be to look for pockets. Many weighted vests are somewhat similar, so the pocket element is what makes one weighted vest better for walking workouts over another, especially in weather where you're less likely to want to wear a coat and bag to store your phone and keys.

The BAGAIL Weighted Vest has a large mesh pocket at the back. I'd recommend using this one for storing non-valuable essentials, as it is see-through, and a removable pouch you can affix to the vest or your arm, where you can store valuable essentials, as it's made from thick opaque foam.

The only minor downside is that it's not adjustable. The 15lbs (6.8kg) option – a weight that's suitable for most women weighing over 60kg - offers a challenge without being too much. To support you, the vest is padded, has adjustable straps, and the iron sand sits close to the chest, reducing the risk of lower back pain, even after many steps.

Weight range: 10/20/30 kg
Adjustable weights? Yes

A weighted vest can be one of the easiest ways to gently level up your squat, lunge, or jumping workout. The design of the HOMCOM weighted vest means the weights are held tightly to your torso with two wrap-around straps and evenly distributed, which will likely feel more secure than other styles on this list.

Inside the vest, you'll find almost 40 small weighted bags. These are removable as and when you like, and make this the most versatile weighted vest of the bunch as you can work your way up from two or three kilograms to the full 10 to 30kg, depending on the weight you've bought. It's the best way for beginners to start wearing a weighted vest, as you shouldn't start with more than five to 10 per cent of your body weight.

It's also comfortable, with soft padding against the body that cuts the risk of any weights chafing your skin.

Weight range: 5kg
Adjustable weights? No

The Stepforwarder weighted vest has two padded and fully adjustable straps going across the body, which you can customise to suit your chest. This is unlike many other weighted vests from what I've seen, where lighter resistances (up to 10kg) will only have one strap going across the middle.

The two supportive straps are padded too and wider than average, helping to spread the weight evenly across the body.

While most of my chosen weighted vests would also work for those with larger chests - fitting into this category myself, I know what to look for - it's best to avoid those that go over your head and tie around the waist,, as these can compress your chest uncomfortably. My top pick, the ProSourceFit weighted vest, would also work.

Want more support? Our guide on the best sports bras for larger busts has options covered up to an H cup.

Weight range: 10/20/30kg
Adjustable weights? Yes

Whenever I write about weighted vests, I always find myself recommending this one from Gravity Fitness. It blends two designs in this guide: the running vest style with the clips across the chest (like our overall top pick) and the over-the-head design of the HOMCOM vest.

Sliding it over your head, the Gravity Fitness vest doesn't have the same limitations as the HOMCOM around the waist, making it more of a crowd-pleaser for wearing around the house, walking, and stretch workouts. Some may find it less constrictive.

Each of the weights, up to 30kg, in this vest is fully removable, so you can work your way up as you get stronger. This is essential if you're new to weighted workouts, but you want to continue doing bodyweight exercises.

Weight range: 3kg
Adjustable weights? No

Any weighted vest on my list is suitable for women over 50, as you should choose one based on the kind of workout you want to do, your fitness experience, and what you want to achieve, rather than your age, as everyone is different. However, there does seem to be a favourite among women who wear their weighted vests often - including Davina McCall herself and Liz Earle.

Liz took to Instagram last year wearing a vest very similar to Davina's, sold exclusively at Argos. It's made of neoprene, so it offers a little more comfort, and it's relatively slimline, so it fits discreetly under any jumper or jacket. And, at 3kg, it's most suitable for those looking to walk with their weighted vest or work out at home.