Burn with Kearns: Secret Weapon #4 for functional strength training – Kevin Kearns

by Kevin Kearns, contributing writer, exercise and fitness

Secret weapon #4 for functional strength training and improved performance – Unleash Your Strength with the Smartgear Weighted Vest: From Smartgeartrainining.com Ideal for the 40+ Fitness Warrior

If you’ve ever trained with a weighted vest, you know how transformative it can be. But traditional vests can feel bulky and disruptive. Enter the next evolution: the Smartgear Weighted Vest. This innovative gear, weighing just 8 lbs, brings you a challenging yet safe way to supercharge your workouts—perfect for the functional fitness goals of those over 40.

I myself have used the smart vest for a long time. my friend Forrest who ran the company a number of years ago encouraged me to start at a lower weight when using the vest. His experience taught him that the body would perceive it as an internal load versus external load get stronger from the inside and out. So the next time that you want to change your workout because you’re bored with it try adding a weighted vest. Over the period of two years I started with 4 lbs on my versa climber it ended up with 40 plus pounds and the ability to do that for over an hour on my versa climber.

This vest was a game-changer for UFC fighters like Alex White and Charles Rosa, and it can be for you too. Its design provides stability and comfort without hindering movement, so you get the strength-building benefits without sacrificing range of motion. Plus, it’s machine-washable, and the weights are made of medical gel, allowing you to heat or cool them for recovery—a true asset for those of us looking to maintain peak condition.

Why the Smartgear Weighted Vest Works

1. Improved Explosiveness: After using the vest, athletes report feeling “like Superman” when it comes off.
2. Functional Design: As a compression-fit vest, it doesn’t bounce or chafe, making it suitable for nearly any exercise.
3. Enhanced core performance: because of the nature of using a weighted vest on a slow progression the body has them accommodate internally especially at the core level. this makes stabilizes and neutralizes more efficient when the weighted vest comes off which enhances overall performance
4. Everyday activity: let’s just say you don’t have time to workout and it’s the weekend but the leaves need to be raked  and the lawn needs to be cut or your dog wants to go for a walk in the woods. What better way to add a new challenge than to use your weighted vest will  doing everyday activities.

Sample Workout (Perfect for the Burn with Kearns Community)

Try these eight powerful moves for five rounds with the Smartgear Vest on. See if you can make it through with minimal rest!

1. Heavy Med Ball Snatches: Build total body power.
2. Trampoline Box Jumps: Boost agility with this low-impact plyometric.
3. Military Chin-Ups: Strengthen your upper body.
4. Med Ball Toss Squats: Improve lower body explosiveness.
5. Plyo Trampoline Push-Ups: Great for building strength and resilience.
6. Overhead Med Ball Lunges: Challenge stability and coordination.
7. Side-to-Side Pull-Ups: Target upper body and core.
8. One-Legged Trampoline Hops: Train balance and agility.

Integrate the Smartgear Weighted Vest into your Burn with Kearns fitness routine, whether you’re building strength, training for martial arts, or just looking to stay agile and fit at any age.

For those over 40 and 50, functional training is the key to longevity in fitness. If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, explore Burn with Kearns’ programs here and discover tools and techniques designed to empower your fitness journey at every age.

#BurnWithKearns #FunctionalTrainingOver40 #FitnessAt50 #WeightedTraining  #StayFitStayStrong #SmartgearVest #FightFit

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For a full breakdown of our programs and more exercises tailored for functional fitness over 40, visit you tube channel  Burn with Kearns.

Here’s a workout that one my friends and I did you can follow and a workout with former UFC and client Kurt Pelligrino using the SmartVest.

“Excuses don’t burn Calories “ LGG (Let’s Get Going “

Coach Kearns

PS – Stay tuned for our Kickstarter launch for our exclusive app ! Coming 1/1/2025 

17 years in the making after the launch of our Burn With Kearns – “The all new Basement Tapes for MMA conditioning“

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To all my friends and colleagues,

Since 1990, I’ve been on a mission to combat obesity—one person, one step at a time. After earning my degree in Exercise Physiology from UMass Boston, I’ve spent over 30 years working with corporations, hospitals, and media to improve our nation’s health. Now, with the opportunity to serve under Robert Kennedy Jr. on the President’s Council on Fitness, I see a chance to make an even greater impact.

When I was in school, we had gym five days a week and daily recess. Today, with a lack of exercise and additives in our food, obesity rates have nearly doubled. Male body fat averages have surged from 15% to 27%, and female averages from 25% to 37%. These numbers need to change.

Here’s why I’m the right candidate:

Real-World Experience & Proven Results

I’ve worked with everyone from elite athletes to busy executives. My Burn with Kearns philosophy combines mental resilience and physical fitness. My programs are used by thousands of certified trainers, and I’ve helped communities like the Boys and Girls Club implement anti-bullying initiatives.

A Holistic Vision for Health

True fitness goes beyond the gym, focusing on the well-being of the whole person. This aligns with a national fitness initiative that prioritizes long-term wellness.

Advocacy for All Ages

My programs benefit everyone, from youth to seniors. I focus on strength, stability, and functionality, helping people stay active and engaged at every age.

Commitment to Education and Empowerment

Through my workshops, books, and the upcoming Burn with Kearns app, I provide tools for self-reliance, resilience, and self-care.

If you care about wellness, the health of our children, and a cleaner food system, I’d be honored if you’d support my nomination.

Nominate me today: 

https://nominees.mahanow.org/t/kevin-kearns/4852

Thank you, and let’s Make America Healthy Again – together!

Coach Kevin Kearns

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Read ALL articles by Kevin Kearns – here: BURN WITH KEARNS

Both of Coach Kearns’ books may be purchased on www.Amazon.com. For more information about Coach Kevin Kearns, including scheduling speaking engagements and classes (both online and in person), please contact him at 508-404-8503 or [email protected].Author of “There’s Light In The Tunnel” How to Survive and Thrive with Depression  – “Always Picked Last“ A guide to navigating bullies on Amazon and Audible youtube.com/user/burnwithkearns https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/burnwithkearns

Coach Kevin Kearns has been coaching in the world of fitness, nutrition, and tactical self defense for over 3 decades. As the former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pro Fighters, and ranked in the Top 5 in the UFC , he is no stranger to the the importance of proper nutrition and proper mindset programming. He has long advocated to all his clients – athletes or the general population – about the importance of programming mind, body and spirit. Coach Kevin Kearns BS FMS CPT – Former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pros Ranked in Top 5 by the UFC Personal Fitness Coach, Author, Columnist, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Wellness Consultant, Youth Wellness Program Provider, Certification Specialist, Personal Self Defense, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Specialist.