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A common piece of equipment you will see used at the gym is a weight lifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles, from nylon belts with hook-and-loop closures to leather belts with locking tips, intended to put pressure on your core and help keep your body stable, so you’re less stressed. You are likely to wobble and suffer an injury during heavy lifting.
So should you invest in one?
For most people, strength training Does not require the support of a weight lifting belt. After all, your body comes equipped with its own internal weightlifting belt: the transversely of the abdomen.
“Strengthen this muscle along with the rest of your core “It can help stabilize not only the spine, but also the entire body,” says Trevor Thieme, CSCS. “And to be honest, if a load is so heavy that you can’t handle it safely and with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, then you probably shouldn’t lift it.”
Wearing a weightlifting belt also doesn’t teach your body how to handle heavy loads on its own in real-life situations. In other words, it does not increase your “functional fitness”, so unless you are a weightlifter, we recommend that you forgo the belt.
But if you’re a weightlifter or feel a strong need to wear a weightlifting belt, you can’t go wrong with these options.
1. Rogue Fitness Nylon Lifting Belt
BROAD: 5 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 26 to 46 inches
PRICE: $37
This contoured, flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook and loop locking system and has a three-inch webbing support strap. It’s a favorite among CrossFitters, but if you plan to do Olympic-style weightlifting, you may want an option with more support.
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2. ProFitness Weightlifting Belt
BROAD: 2 to 4 inches (tapered)
FITS WAIST SIZES: 24 to 49 inches
PRICE: $35
If comfort is high on your priority list, this 7mm thick weight lifting belt is made from flexible “pre-rotated” leather and suede. The tapered design helps prevent digging into your ribs or hips, and the two-prong buckle and cones range from four inches wide at the back to two inches wide at the front.
get it Amazon.
3. Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt
BROAD: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 23 to 49 inches
PRICE: $35–$50
This stylish black and red leather weightlifting belt uses a two-prong buckle and can reportedly support heavy lifts of up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo leather is soft and relatively easy to break in, but still provides comfortable support.
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4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt
BROAD: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 21 to 45 inches
PRICE: $143
This handcrafted belt features 10mm thick vegetable tanned leather for sturdy support, plus a single prong buckle design for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, expect a brief “break-in” period as the leather softens and conforms to your body.
Get it at Rogue Fitness.
5. Iron Bull Strength Weightlifting Belt
BROAD: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 25 to 50 inches
PRICE: $90
This weight lifting belt is available in black, blue, grey, red, green, purple and pink to match your workout gear (or your mood). 10mm thick suede leather provides maximum support and a two-prong buckle ensures a perfect fit.
get it Amazon.
6. Schiek Weightlifting Belt Model 2004
BROAD: 4.75 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 23 to 50 inches
PRICE: $60
This nylon weightlifting belt is all about versatility: It’s available in multiple colors, fits a wide range of waist sizes, and has a Velcro closure for quick adjustments. The patented shape is designed to contour to the ribs and hips for comfort and flexibility, which is ideal if you move between heavy lifts and other strength exercises.
get it Amazon.
7. RitFit Weightlifting Belt
BROAD: 6 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 22 to 59 inches
PRICE: $20–$26
This budget-friendly choice is made of nylon, a waterproof foam core, and a Velcro closure. It’s the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but the contoured design helps keep it comfortable.
get it Amazon.
What to consider when choosing a weight lifting belt
If you want extra support for your heavy lifts, here’s what to look for in a belt.
1. Locking mechanism
Weightlifting belts have three types of locking mechanisms: toggle buckle, Velcro, or prong buckle.
If you think you’ll want to adjust your belt halfway, your best option is a belt with a prong buckle, as you won’t have to take it off to do so. If you want a belt that can be removed quickly, a toggle buckle or Velcro closure is best.
2. Width
Weightlifting belts range in width from four to six inches. Some have a contoured or conical design, while cylindrical ones are the same width on all sides.
The best width is a matter of personal comfort. It should provide support without slipping or limiting your range of motion.
3. Materials
Most belts are made of leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if you keep it conditioned, but it is usually heavier and stiffer than nylon. Due to their rigidity, leather belts are best for weightlifters.
Nylon belts tend to provide more flexibility, which can be helpful if you use them while moving between strength training exercises.
