To use the Ergorilla Weighted Vest properly, assemble the rear strap system, balance the removable weight blocks, adjust the vest so it sits close to your body, then test a few easy movements before training.
This guide shows you how to assemble, fit, wear, remove and maintain your Ergorilla Weighted Vest for comfortable home workouts and calisthenics training.
View the current Ergorilla Weighted Vest options.
How to avoid imbalances from using a Weighted Vest?
Having a proper weight distribution is crucial for your health, body and fitness. Your vest should not have an uneven or asymmetric weight distribution. This may lead to a body imbalance, asymmetry, and injuries.
A 1 kg (2.25 lbs) difference may lead to muscle imbalances. Your posture may also be undermined, causing spinal issues, pain, and discomfort.
Additionally, the quality of your workout will be reduced, diminishing the benefits and growth you could potentially reap from each workout.
As such, an adjustable Weighted Vest, precisely designed for home workouts is key to a healthier and fitter you.
Proper weight distribution improves comfort, balance, and movement quality.
Key rules:
- Always keep left and right sides symmetrical.
- If there’s a block on one side, there should be one on the same row on the opposite side.
- If using an odd number of blocks, place one in the center and balance the rest.
How to balance the Front & Back of the Weighted Vest?
Ideally, keep the weight on the front and back equal.
We recommend not exceeding a 2 kg difference, as uneven loading may cause the vest to slide forward or backward.
This setup keeps the vest stable during push-ups, pull-ups, and calisthenics movements.
By using a combination of weight placements, you can tailor the resistance you need for your level and goals, while maintaining an ergonomic setup for your body. Your body will thank you greatly for it as you become stronger and healthier, without injuries.
How to Assemble the Ergorilla Weighted Vest? (2 Minutes)
This setup is designed for busy Singaporeans. Everything here takes minutes.
Your Ergorilla Weighted Vest comes with the weight blocks pre-inserted, so setup is pretty quick.
What you have:
- 1 × Long Velcro strap
- 2 × Buckle straps
- 1 × Vest body
Step-by-step assembly
1. Loop the Velcro strap through the D-Rings of both buckle straps. Make sure the buckles face the same direction.
2. Adjust the strap length to your chest size and press the Velcro firmly to secure it. This determines how snug the vest fits during workouts. Now you have assembled the belt.
3. Next, open the Velcro flap at the back of the vest body.
Ensure the buckles face upwards and the belt is centered.
4. Press the belt firmly into the Velcro flap and close it securely.
Just 4 steps and your weighted vest is now ready to use.
How to Wear and Remove the Weighted Vest?
With the right technique, putting on and removing the heavy vest takes seconds.
To wear:
- Hold the vest with the inside facing you
- Lift it over your head
- Adjust position and secure the buckles
If you wear glasses or head accessories, remove them before wearing the vest.
To remove:
- Unbuckle the straps
- Pull the vest slightly forward
- Lift it over your head, swing it to the front, and place it down
Simple, quick, and hassle-free. Simply ideal for efficient home workouts.
How to Adjust Strap Length for the Best Fit?
For small adjustments, use the buckles on the front straps.
If the vest feels:
- Too tight to buckle
- Too loose and not hugging your body
You’ll need to re-adjust the belt length.
Simply open the rear Velcro flap and repeat the assembly steps, adjusting the strap length until the vest fits snugly without restricting breathing or movement.
A snug fit reduces chafing and improves performance.
How to Maintain & Clean Your Weighted Vest?
Maintenance is intentionally simple, which is perfect for busy professionals.
Storage
Store the vest in a dry, ventilated area.
Avoid airtight containers, which trap moisture and can shorten fabric life.
After each workout
- Lay the vest flat with the inside facing up
- Allow sweat to evaporate naturally
- Optional: wipe down or sun-dry outdoors
Washing
Washing is not required due to the vest’s odour-resistant materials.
If necessary (spills or stains), hand wash only.
Machine washing is not recommended as it may reduce fabric and Velcro lifespan.
Why is proper Weighted Vest usage important?
If you use it correctly, your weighted vest:
- Feels comfortable and secure
- Doesn’t restrict movement
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Fits easily into a busy Singapore lifestyle
A quick note before training
Choose a load you can control for the movement in front of you. Start with a manageable setup, keep your form steady and make small adjustments when needed.
The vest should make training more challenging without making your movements feel unstable, painful or unnecessarily restricted.
If you have an existing injury, persistent pain or a health concern that could affect exercise, seek advice from a qualified professional before training with added load.
Before Your Weighted Vest Workout
Before training, check the blocks, straps, fit and closures. Your weighted vest should feel secure without restricting breathing.
| Check before starting | Quick action | If it is not right | Common question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight is balanced | Place the blocks evenly between the front and back compartments, while keeping the left and right sides balanced. | Reposition the blocks so the load is balanced front-to-back and side-to-side. | How do I balance weighted vest blocks? |
| Rear straps and buckle | Check that the straps are attached correctly, lying flat and firmly secured. | Reattach or tighten the straps. | How do I assemble the straps on a weighted vest? |
| Fit and breathing | The vest should sit snugly against your torso while allowing comfortable breathing. | Loosen or tighten it until secure but not restrictive. | How tight should a weighted vest be? |
| Pouch and closures | Close all Velcro, buckles and the phone pouch. Keep pouch contents light. | Secure or remove anything that moves around. | How do I keep a weighted vest secure during exercise? |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How tight should a weighted vest be?
Tight enough that it stays close when you move, but not so tight that it limits normal breathing or creates pressure points. Make small adjustments, then test a few easy movements.
How do I stop my weighted vest from shifting?
Tighten the strap at the buckles to secure the vest snugly against your chest to prevent shifting.
Check that the left and right straps are similar, the blocks are balanced and the rear flap is properly secured. A close fit usually shifts less than a loose fit.
Can I wash my weighted vest?
Hand clean spills and wipe the vest after use. Avoid machine washing because it can wear the fabric, Velcro and fastening system over time.
Will the Ergorilla Weighted Vest fit different body shapes?
The rear strap and front buckles let you make both larger and smaller fit adjustments. The strap range is approximately 75cm to 113cm. Check the current product page for complete sizing and product details.
How do I change the weight?
Open up the Velcro pockets. Remove or add the detachable 1kg blocks, then place them as evenly as possible across the vest. Recheck the balance before wearing it.
Is Ergorilla suitable for Calisthenics and Home Workouts?
The Ergorilla was designed to prevent chafing without restricting movement during exercise. Its compact fit, removable blocks and adjustable straps make it easy for you to adjust your desired weight and workout comfortably.
For a broader comparison before buying, read the complete weighted vest buying guide.
Need help choosing the right Ergorilla vest?
If you are still deciding between 12kg, 16kg and 20kg, use our Weighted Vest Load Calculator to estimate the load that is most suitable for you right now.
Of course you are going to get stronger. So depending on your goals, the maximum load will differ. If your goal is to become very strong and become competitive, 20kg is great. If you are just looking to maintain a fit body, 12kg or 16kg is enough.