If you’re looking for a challenging and unique workout, then you should definitely try out plate carrier training! This type of training can help improve your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of plate carrier training and provide a few sample workouts that you can try out. Let’s get started!
What is a plate carrier anyways?
A plate carrier is a military-style vest that helps to distribute the weight of equipment and supplies evenly across the body and carry bulletproof plates. This type of vest is typically worn by soldiers during combat operations.
The use of a plate carrier during workouts has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it provides a great way to challenge the body and build strength and endurance. Additionally, many people find that wearing a plate carrier during their workout helps them to stay motivated and focused.
How do plate carriers differ from weighted vests?
Plate carriers and weighted vests serve similar purposes, but there are a few key differences between the two. Plate carriers are designed to distribute weight evenly across the body and typically have more compartments and pockets for storing equipment. Weighted vests, on the other hand, are usually one solid piece of clothing with weights sewn into the fabric.
So what are the benefits of using a plate carrier for your workouts?
There are many benefits to using a plate carrier during your workouts, including:
- Improved strength and endurance
- Increased calorie burn
- Heightened sense of focus and motivation.
Additionally, plate carrier training can help to improve your posture and reduce back pain.
What more should you know before you start?
Before you begin your plate carrier workout, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Choose the right plate carrier
Style is not everything here. You want to make sure that the plate carrier you choose is comfortable and fits well. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the weight capacity of the plate carrier and choose one that meets your needs.
There is a huge selection of plate carriers out there, so take some time to research different options before making your purchase to make sure you end up with the best plate carrier possible!
The weight of the plates
You’ll also need to decide how much weight you want to use for your workout. This will depend on your fitness level and goals. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to start with lighter plates and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.
There are a few different ways to load up your plate carrier, so experiment until you find a method that works best for you.
Make sure the plate carrier fits you right and is strapped correctly!
You don’t want the plate carrier to be too loose or too tight. If it’s too loose, the plates could shift around and throw off your balance. If it’s too tight, you could end up with bruises or other injuries.
Start slowly
If you’re new to plate carrier training, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Wearing a plate carrier can be physically demanding, so you don’t want to overdo it and risk injury.
Listen to your body
As with any type of workout, it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and rest. The added weight of the plate carrier can take some getting used to, so don’t be discouraged if you need to take a few breaks at first.
Choose the right exercises
When selecting exercises for your workout, it’s important to choose ones that will work all of the major muscle groups in your body. Additionally, you should focus on exercises that require stabilizing muscles, as these will help improve your balance and posture.
Warm up before your workout
Just like with any other type of workout, it’s important to warm up before you start plate carrier training. A few simple exercises like jumping jacks or jogging in place will do the trick.
Don’t forget to cool down afterwards, too! Cooling down helps your body recover from your workout and can prevent injuries.
What exercises to do with a plate carrier?
There are many ways you can incorporate plate carriers into your workout routine. They are ideal for increasing resistance in your bodyweight workouts. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Dips
- Squats
- Lunges
- Crunches
And of course, you could use the plate carrier in the gym for traditional weightlifting exercises like presses, rows, and deadlifts to make them more difficult!
Plate carriers can be incorporated into your endurance and cardio workouts as well. Wearing a plate carrier while running or cycling will increase the intensity of your workout and help you burn more calories.
You could even use the plate carrier for HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts. This type of workout alternates between periods of intense activity and short rests, which is perfect for plate carrier training!
Just be careful with activities that can strain your joints like running or jumping, as the extra weight of the plate carrier can put unnecessary stress on these areas.
In conclusion
Plate carrier workouts are a great way to get fit and improve your overall strength and endurance. They can be used for many different types of workouts, so there’s no excuse not to give them a try! Just remember to start slowly, listen to your body, and choose the right exercises for your fitness level.
Do you have any tips for plate carrier training? Let us know in the comments below!
