SmartVest - CLOSEUPClick on "read more" to see multiple views of your SmartVest.....Read More SmartShorts - CLOSEUPThe quality view...... Read More |
| Frequently
Asked Questions |
| Why does SmartVest training work? When will I start getting results? How do I determine the correct fit or size? Why would I want to wear the SmartVest during the day? How long should I wear my SmartVest during a workout? My son is 12 years old. Should he use your vest? My daughter is 12 years old. Should she use your vest? How do I size my team? Should I wear my SmartVest the entire practice? Why don't you have weighted shorts? Now Available!!!! You sell a vest and short, which should I buy? Should I use them separately or together? What benefits can I expect by just wearing the shorts? My team has a limited budget. What sizes should I get? Can I use the SmartVest with my platform shoes? How about using it with a vertical jump program? I've seen a lot of different vests. Why should I get yours? Do you recommend other training products? |
Why does SmartVest training work? SmartVest sport and fitness loading builds on the principle that strength/resistance training includes the use of one's own body weight to build muscle and power. The ideal form of resistance is body weight. The human body is a marvel of efficiency, combining movement and energy through exercise to achieve optimum gains. The SmartVest gradually increases the amount of functional body weight used in your workouts. Let's look closer. Every workout can be defined by this simple equation: Work = Force x Time x Distance Work is the amount of energy you expend during your workout (e.g. calories). Force is the resistance your muscles work against, such as your body's weight. Distance is how far you move that weight (e.g. a 2-mile run, a 6-inch step in aerobic class). By increasing the amount of force, you maximize the amount of work without adding distance or time.
|
When will I start getting results? It is always good common sense to have a 4 to 6 week training cycle. Results are an accumulation of progressive skill training, conditioning, and strength training. But, the first time you use your SmartVest (playing basketball, sprint training, jumping rope, and so on) and then take it off - we call this contrast training - you'll realize good things are happening. |
How do I determine the correct fit or size? That is our responsibility. You just supply us with your height, weight, chest, and actual waist size. We've been fitting athletes for over 10 years. We've picked up a little bit of knowledge along the way. We know how important the fit is to your success. |
Why would I want to wear the SmartVest during the day? You don't have to. But...research confirms that by doing so you will have a positive effect on improving your vertical and overall strength. Tests have been done with long distance runners, basketball players, and collegiate women track "n" field athletes. Athletes confirm that it works. They wear their SmartVest under their clothes, 8 to 12 hours. To school. Shopping. Just hangin' out. Your body has to adapt to the extra body weight. It gets stronger. But this is weight you can take off in seconds. We include a formula for daily wear that will give you the how-to information. |
How long should I wear my SmartVest during a workout? Tough question. Fortunately, and sometimes unfortunately, we're all different. Some of us are stronger. Some are more motivated. We want to start with a resistance that is not too much, that you can handle easily. We recommend 2-4 lbs, which will get your attention during your workout. You will add weight, 1 to 2 lbs, when your current load becomes easy to handle. During your workout, when you really start to notice the vest and it's resistance on your body - that's usually a reminder from your nervous system that it may be time to take your vest off. Give yourself time to recover. Then slip it on later. We include guidelines for usage, amount of weight, and progression. It's your job to listen to your body. Key point---excessive weight and duration can overwhelm the athlete's movement system and lead to poor habits. |
My son is 12 years old. Should he use your vest? It depends on your son's comparative strength and skill level. The SmartVest is being used by quite a few 12/13 year olds. We'd have to say they are advanced when compared to their peer group. They are fundamentally strong. And we like to see a parent or coach oversee the training program. Strength training for young athletes is critical and your missing the boat if you don't have your son or daughter doing some form of it. The impact is dramatic. By the way …the fit is even more important for this age group. |
My daughter is 12 years old. Should she use your vest? The above answer still applies for young women. Unfortunately, there seems to be a negative attitude concerning strength training for young people. Some concerns voiced -it'll screw up her growth rate -she doesn't want to build big muscles - we've heard it will hurt her knees. Our practical experience and feedback from the experts say just the opposite is true. They'll avoid injuries. It promotes growth and functional strength. It may be a battle of attitudes at first, but once they experience the difference it makes - watch out. These players are easy to spot on the court or field. They make an impact. And, yes we know how to fit these athletes. We have a specific model and sizing for women of all ages. |
How do I size my team? Once again we can assist you with that. You just call us. You'll supply us with some basic information and we will make our recommendation. Remember, sizing is guaranteed. Need to exchange a size. No problem. You'll find our flex-fitting system ensures proper sizing from year to year. And, if you're lucky enough to get a 7 foot transfer who weighs 275, you might decide one more vest can fit into the budget. We've sized x-country teams, women's track and field teams, men's college basketball squads, and entire NFL football teams. It's our job! |
Should I wear my SmartVest the entire practice? You could and you can, but there are logical reasons to play it smart and get the greatest benefits. Don't exhaust your muscles. Your nervous system senses the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are tiring. They are told to slow down. You won't even notice it. Remember, you want to get quicker, not slower. We like to see you use your SmartVest when you are fresh. We want you training at top speed with your vest on. You'll be surprised what a relatively small amount of weight will add to your workout. Especially when it feels so natural, and you are moving and jumping as if it weren't on. Oh, yes. You won't be able to hide that smile when you take off your vest and continue to play. They call it ballistic. We call it pure fun. |
Why don't you have weighted shorts? Now Available!!!! CALL 1-888-797-8378 TO ORDER........and YES, THE NEW SMARTSHORTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
|
My team has a limited budget. What sizes should I get? Once again, that is our job. We understand the situation. With a little feedback from you, we can make a recommendation. You'll be pleasantly surprised that even with custom fitted sizing, just a couple of sizes may fit the majority of your squad. Especially at the high school level. The problem is that you don't have the opportunity to take full advantage of the SmartVest's application. Daily wear. Full squad workouts. Year-round training and multi-Sport application. This is why we have special pricing programs with volume orders. The pricing is available to the school and its athletes. Give us a call 1-888-797-8378. |
Can I use the SmartVest with my platform shoes? Yes. What are you using to supply the resistance when you use your platform shoes? It's your body weight. So if you increase your body weight, you will intensify the workout. But be careful of overwork. These shoes isolate very specific areas. They are not intended for total body movement training. So, don't overdo it. Before adding a weighted vest to your platform workout, make sure you feel comfortable with the program and you haven't experienced any negative effects. Start with light loads and ample recovery time. |
How about using it with a vertical jump program? We suggest using many of the same considerations mentioned with platform shoes. These programs stress a progressive, high number of plyometric based movements. Plyos are a great tool, but a high number of reps may not be the best answer for you. Once again, you will intensify the workout by adding the SmartVest to your program. |
I've seen a lot of different vests. Why should I get yours? This is what we do. We know how important the function of the product is to your performance. You need education, how-to-use guidelines, sport-specific skill development programs, and someone who understands what you are really trying to accomplish. Your complete satisfaction is our goal. It starts with solid recommendations, guaranteed sizing and fit, timely deliver, followup, and a passion for continued quality. |
Do you recommend other training products? Yes. Working with teams and athletes, we've discovered training products and tools that work well with our system. Bouncing medicine balls, agility ladders, foam hurdles, and stretch bands are a few. As always, we like quality and function. You can get an update on product offerings in MovemenTraininGear. |
You sell a vest and short, which should I buy? This question requires a two part answer. First it is important to understand how your body experiences the additional weight. Remember the goal of overload training is to enhance and strengthen the neuro-muscular response to your sport fitness activity specific movements. So, through progressively adding resistance (2.5% to 10%) of your body weight you can safely achieve these goals. Part two focuses on the specific location of the weight; vest weight is housed around core abdominal area, where as the short has the weight extended across the top of the thigh. Therefore with the vest your body experiences the over all weight more as its own, like an additional layer of skin. This result is a total body neuro-muscular response each time you strike the floor/surface you are performing on. While the short also does this, it is not experienced as one with the body as is the vest. The short focuses on the neuro-muscular response of the core muscles (hip flexors/abductors/adductors, gluets, hamstrings and quads etc.) each time you move. In summary, the two products work great together since they both have a different focus. Foot speed, quickness, lateral shuffle and other movements that require an explosive response from the core muscles are more enhanced through the use of the shorts. While overall speed, agility and sport specific movements are more easily performed with the vest. Use the following as our recommended purchase guidelines: Basketball vest/short Football vest/short Hockey vest/short Soccer vest/short Volleyball short/vest Track short/vest Baseball short/vest If you play a sport that was not identified, call or e-mail and we will give you our recommendations. |
Should I use them separately or together? Since they both have a different focus, using them together can produce optimum results. Monitor your weight load, too much weight can alter movement patterns and train your body to be slow. The other is sensing whether or not the short interferes with your rhythm while performing sport specific skills. Like shooting a basketball or running a wide receiver pattern in football. In summary, the shorts are excellent for conditioning drills that focus on quick explosive movements, while the vest has greater application toward sport specific skill/drills. The vest and shorts work well together in conditioning drills, but when it comes to skill/drills the vest works well alone. |
What benefits can I expect by just wearing the shorts? The shorts focus on the neuro-muscular response of the core muscles (hip flexors/abductors/adductors, gluets, hamstrings and quads etc.) each time you move. These core muscles are the power source for all movements. The benefits of training with the shorts will be enhanced speed and power, in all directions (vertical, running, lateral, agility, and back pedaling). In general, the athletes we train are achieving measurable results in reaction time. This has been accomplished through a combination of increased foot speed and acceleration. The end result: you beat opponents to the spot and outmaneuver them. The shorts are also ideal for young athletes and females who tend to be under developed in the core muscles. Terrific for shaping and strengthening thighs and hips. Great for power walking. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
