I don't always have as much time to workout as I'd like. My 30-minute sessions can be shortened because of, well, life. I make plans to workout 30 to 45 minutes a day but a meeting that run longer than expected cut into my workout time and compromised my daily fitness goals.

And, the lack of my daily movement session compromises in turn my ability to remain grounded, present, patient, and intentional with my family and my work. It is wild what a fitness session can do to your body and your mind. Turns out, a 15-minute session can also be just as impactful if planned correctly.

So I challenged myself. I knew I had a short amount of time, around 15-minutes, but I was determined to get a good workout, burn calories, and tone my muscles. 

I borrowed the 12-lbs weighted vest I had gifted to my husband and added it to my 15-minute workout. 

The difference was immediate.

The added weight turned every move into a challenge—not in a punishing way, but in a way that made me feel present, strong, and incredibly focused. I didn’t have time to zone out or go through the motions. With the vest, my squats felt deeper, my core stayed engaged, and even a simple walk or flow sequence felt like resistance training.

Here’s what I’ve noticed after incorporating the weighted vest regularly into these shorter sessions:

1. Amplified calorie burn.
Because your body works harder under added weight, you're increasing your energy output even in a short timeframe. It’s like leveling up your workout without adding time.

2. Muscle tone and endurance.
My glutes, calves, and arms have started to show more definition. It’s not bulky or overwhelming—just a consistent, strong tone that comes from the extra resistance.

3. Better posture and core activation.
You can’t slouch in a vest. It naturally encourages a tall spine and engaged core, making even simple movements like walking or standing an opportunity to train your body.

4. Mental grit.
Something about strapping on a weighted vest flips a switch mentally. It’s a physical cue that says, I’m showing up fully. It makes a 15-minute session feel like a power move instead of a compromise.

5. Total efficiency.
No wasted minutes. Every second counts, and that mindset has carried over into my day—more present, more productive, more grounded.

So if you’re juggling work, kids, meetings, and everything in between, don’t underestimate what 15 minutes can do. Add a vest, move with intention, and feel the shift—not just in your body, but in your presence.

I started with one session. Now, it’s a staple.

And yes—my husband may need to order a new vest.