Although it’s easy to tag along on the Ozempic train, experts strongly encourage you to try the old-fashioned way to lose weight and stay healthy.

A recent study using Cleveland Clinic data found obesity raises the risk of several cancers, including kidney, colon, and prostate cancer, due to higher insulin levels that promote cancer growth and that 78 percent of people with diabetes are clinically obese.

According to the study, weight loss is linked to a lower risk of obesity-related cancers and can be prevented by shedding a few pounds. Wearing weights is a great way to enhance strength training while losing a few pounds. That’s right, you need to add more to lose more.

We received expert insights from Coach Kristina Williams, owner of Gym X, who has over ten years of certified experience in strength and conditioning, as well as nutrition.

RELATED: Best pre-workout supplements, per a certified personal trainer

“Weighted vests are an awesome addition to most workouts because the added upper body weight makes the core work harder with all exercises,” explained Coach Williams. “Take a basic squat, for example: With a weighted vest on, we should focus on engaging the core even more than normal to prevent our lower back from becoming overworked.”

Celebs from Matthew McConaughey to Chris Pratt have been sculpting lean muscle with the help of tactical vests, even Guy Fieri swears his weighted vest is his secret to shedding 30 pounds.

Coach Williams said that if you want to build muscle, “resistance, time under tension, and nutrition are your key factors,” and recommends adding additional weight from wrist and ankle bands. However, she stressed that “getting enough protein in your diet is the key to building and maintaining muscle.” 

Williams recommends whey protein when searching for the best protein powder because it’s “the most complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.” All of which build and maintain muscle.

So, if you want more than kettlebells in your routine, we’ve found expert-backed strength training tools to give you the body you deserve, crave, and want for a long, healthy life. Plus, a few post-workout products, such as the best collagen powder to the perfect resistant bands.

This vest was designed to accommodate increasing weight as you gained strength. Williams advised, “A weighted vest is an advanced addition to a wide variety of workouts, so it was best not to jump off the couch and start using it right away.” It was better to work your way up gradually and increase the weight slowly. This one can range from 20 to 150 pounds.

This tactical vest uses iron pellets to provide adjustable weight, ranging from four to twelve pounds, based on your selection at checkout. Crafted from soft neoprene material and available in various colors, the vest features mesh pockets that allow for additional weight customization. Over 1,000 sold this month alone!

Jump into the hottest trend of using tactical vests for serious workouts and be the coolest person in the room. This one includes padded yoke shoulder straps, perforated mesh for ventilation, and front and back panels with integrated airflow channels. Available in a variety of colors.

These ankle weights are a top-selling item on Amazon, with over 400 purchases this month alone. Each weight includes five removable sandbags for easy adjustments, allowing for a maximum weight of ten pounds per pair. They are available in a range of shades from black to purple.

Available in five distinctive shades, these bands are designed for use as wrist or ankle weights for both men and women. Each band weighs one pound, totaling two pounds, making them ideal for pilates, walking, running, lifting, and more. Customers find these extremely comfortable and love how they grip the skin without slipping.

Walk the dog and lose some weight, or add to your daily exercise routine for a comfortable twist-on wrist weight. Made with a flexible core and cushion foam sleeve. Available in black and light blue.

Resistant bands are another great way to add tension and create muscle. They also give you the post-workout stretch you need to finish your routine. They are super soft and won’t pinch or dig into your skin.

Packed with amino acids to promote joint support and collagen powder for radiant skin, hair, and nails. The perfect post-workout supplement.

This 16-ounce container requires one scoop a day filled with 10 grams of protein and only 40 calories per serving. There are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or hidden fillers.

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