You can get weighted vests as low as 6 lbs. Start low weight, they aren’t that expensive. Another tip is don’t start out - or maybe ever - wearing one for 3 + mile walk for example. See if you can do 1 mile or less. Build up.
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As I was leaving the gym today, I was stopped at a signal light in my car and lo and behold, a woman crosses the street, right in front of me, going about a walk with a weight vest.
Amazing timing. I swear, no lie. 
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Did you put down your windows and ask her what her Dexascan scores are??? 
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Weighted vests and vibration are not recommended for more serious osteoporosis.
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Absolutely, which is why I later added “check with your doctor first.” Definitely, consult with your physician, because people with advanced or severe osteoporosis risk fractures and/or spinal compression wearing weighted vests.
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My doctor still would like to see me on osteoporosis meds and the X-Ray of my poor mushy foot gave her more ammo. My prior DEXA scores are not in osteoporosis range; only one hip even starts being of concern. And there’s no real studies showing meds helping feet in particular. In fact, one of the oral meds apparently increases foot pain.
She agreed with my plan to have my next two year DEXA then consult with an endocrinologist. So my DEXA is scheduled for late September, and I have a video visit with the specialist in mid-October.
And not just any specialist, exactly the one I had my eye on in the list based on interests and background. It will be great to get her perspective on my situation and what if anything meds can do for me.
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Good luck, Marilyn!
In the weighted vest topic - been following some ‘menopause docs’ on Insta for a while (Dr. Mary Claire Haver, etc.). They’ve all sung the praises of weighted vests so I got a light one (8 lbs) from a highly recommended brand.
I wore it around the house for a few weeks then went on my usual, slow 2 mile walk around the neighborhood.
My left hip started hurting badly (and - fwiw - I have never yet had any type of chronic pain). It lasted off and on for about 6 months.
It definitely changed my gait and my balance somehow! Just a cautionary report..
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changes to gait as you age can easily become an issue. I am currently working through a knee pain problem, which I am pretty sure was actually caused by a strain/sprain of a muscle in my thigh which changed my gait and caused the knee issue.
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