The 8 Greatest Weightlifting Belts of 2023

Whether or not you practice in a storage fitness center with the best home gym equipment or in a industrial lifting fitness center, a weightlifting belt generally is a useful gizmo so as to add to your arsenal. It will increase your stability by supplying you with one thing to push in opposition to as you brace your core, reinforces correct lifting approach, and can provide you a lift of confidence when you start to doubt your talents.

When searching for the very best weightlifting belt, you want to think about whether or not leather-based or nylon is healthier in your wants and the way a lot assist you need your belt to supply. That will help you slim down your choice, I’ve compiled a listing of the highest eight lifting belts. Whether or not you’re a powerlifter, CrossFitter, Olympic weightlifter, or somebody who trains for total well being and wellness, yow will discover the correct belt for you.

Our Prime Picks for the Greatest Weightlifting Belts

Greatest Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit: Gymreapers Fast Locking Weightlifting Belt

Execs

• Obtainable in numerous colour choices
• Comes with a lifetime substitute assure
• Reasonably priced
• Double-stitched for sturdiness

Cons

• Not authorised for powerlifting competitions
• Runs small

While you’re transitioning from heavy lifts to handstand push-ups, field jumps, or different dynamic workouts that come up in CrossFit WODs (exercises of the day), you want a belt that’s straightforward to tighten and loosen and doesn’t restrict your motion. The Gymreapers Fast Lock Weightlifting Belt is good for these situations as a result of the nylon materials molds to your physique and is snug to put on. Plus, you possibly can modify the Velcro strap in simply a few seconds.

It’s not as supportive as a leather-based powerlifting belt, however you’ll nonetheless really feel steady and safe when lifting, due to the four-inch width. The belt is double-stitched to make sure it may possibly deal with tons of abuse, and the Velcro will keep its stickiness so long as you retain it clear.

The reasonably priced worth of round $35 makes it one of many extra budget-friendly belts on this checklist. You may select from a wide selection of colours and prints, together with grey, pink, pink, or black camo. There’s even an choice with massive Velcro areas the place you possibly can add patches to point out off your persona and assist your favourite manufacturers.

The Gymreapers Fast Lock Weightlifting Belt can be obtainable in sizes from XS to XXL to suit a wide variety of physique varieties. Nonetheless, it runs small, so you might wish to dimension up for a extra snug match.

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Greatest Price range Weightlifting Belt: Aspect 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt

Execs

• Comes with a lifetime guarantee
• Bolstered, heavy-duty stitching
• Self-locking buckle

Cons

• Too inflexible for CrossFit or useful health exercises
• Solely obtainable in black

Should you’re a leisure lifter who doesn’t compete in a power sport, you might not wish to drop a whole lot of dollars on a leather-based lifting belt. On the similar time, you might want a belt that gives extra assist than a nylon belt can present. In that case, the Aspect 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is a strong alternative that’s greater than half the worth of some conventional leather-based belts.

In addition to being budget-friendly, this belt is exclusive in that it’s product of leather-based however contains a nylon strap with a heavy-duty Velcro closure, in contrast to conventional leather-based belts with prong or lever closures. The Velcro fastening system makes the belt appropriate for exercises the place you want to modify the tightness or put the belt on and take it off rapidly. There’s additionally a self-locking buckle to maintain the strap secured to your physique in case the Velcro comes undone.

Nonetheless, the leather-based isn’t versatile and may prohibit your motion. If you need a belt that may transfer extra seamlessly along with your physique as you transition from one train to the following, a nylon belt shall be higher.

One other factor to notice is that the Aspect 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is simply six millimeters thick, so it is probably not supportive sufficient for very heavy weight coaching exercises. It’s additionally solely obtainable in black, so if you would like one thing that may stand out extra, you’ll must look elsewhere.

Greatest Nylon Weightlifting Belt: Rogue Health USA Nylon Lifting Belt

Execs

• Obtainable in 5 completely different colours
• Ripstop exterior and antimicrobial inside
• Tapered design permits for extra again assist with out the belt digging into your hips
• Can add patches for extra customization
• Affordably priced

Cons

• Not authorised for powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting competitions
• Velcro could turn out to be much less sticky over time

The Rogue Health USA Nylon Lifting Belt is supportive but snug because of the nylon materials and five-inch width alongside the again. However it additionally tapers to 4 inches alongside the perimeters and within the entrance to maintain it from digging into your hips and abdomen. It’s nice for individuals who want extra stability than a four-inch belt can present however need one thing that can be versatile, light-weight, and gained’t dig into the abdomen.

The belt is accessible in 5 colours: black and grey, blue and grey, black and pink, black and camo, and grey and pink. There’s additionally a small Velcro space on the webbing the place you possibly can add patches to rep one other model.

The belt itself is sturdy, because it contains a ripstop exterior that’s proof against fraying and tearing. It additionally has an antimicrobial inside to forestall micro organism from sweat and germs from accumulating on it. Nonetheless, the Velcro can lose stickiness after a couple of yr, particularly if it will get soiled usually.

RELATED: 9 Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Greatest Velcro Weightlifting Belt: 2POOD Weightlifting Belt

Execs

• Massive dimension vary
• Obtainable in numerous prints
• Sticky Velcro

Cons

• Not authorised for powerlifting competitions

With a Velcro belt, there’s all the time an opportunity it may possibly pop off in the midst of a elevate, rising your danger of a extreme damage. 2POOD weightlifting belts scale back the chance of that occuring as a result of they’ve a hook-and-loop WODClamp locking mechanism along with a Velcro strap. If the Velcro comes undone, the WODClamp will preserve the strap in place and permit the belt to stay tight round your midsection. The Velcro is fairly sticky, although, so it’s unlikely that it will come unfastened except you’re transferring some critical weight or filth, chalk, or lint has gathered on it.

The 2POOD elevate belt contains a sturdy nylon exterior with a foam core and is available in dozens of enjoyable prints, akin to sunflowers and donuts. Should you’re keen to pay for it, you possibly can even work with 2POOD’s design workforce to get a customized belt.

I used a 2POOD lifting belt for my power coaching periods and CrossFit exercises for over two years and liked how supportive but versatile it was. I might usually go away it on all through a whole CrossFit WOD as a result of it was really easy to loosen or tighten it primarily based on no matter train I used to be doing. I by no means felt prefer it restricted my motion, and if I did take all of it the way in which off in the midst of a WOD, it solely took a couple of seconds to place it again on.

My solely grievance is that the four-inch belt was too large for my torso. It didn’t trouble me a lot throughout squats, however I might really feel it digging into my ribcage throughout deadlifts. Once I nonetheless used a 2POOD belt, the corporate solely had four-inch belts obtainable, but it surely now gives three-inch belts as properly. The narrower belt is price contemplating if in case you have a brief torso, although it’s solely obtainable in sizes XXXS to medium.

2POOD additionally sells six-inch belts, known as the Metcon belt, for individuals who want additional assist on their decrease backs throughout heavy lifts.

Greatest Lever Weightlifting Belt: SBD 13mm Lever Belt

Execs

• Inclusive sizing
• Gliding lever is straightforward to regulate
• Compliant with quite a few powerlifting federations’ requirements for belts

Cons

• Costly
• Pink suede could bleed onto clothes
• Can take a number of weeks to interrupt in

Lever belts, normally, are simpler to regulate than prong belts. However for a belt with a smoother, extra seamless lever than a lot of its competitors, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with the SBD 13mm Lever Belt. Resulting from how straightforward it’s to regulate the lever, you possibly can preserve the belt on between your whole units and modify its tightness once you elevate or once you relaxation. When you tighten the belt, the lever stays in place and gained’t pop open — lifters who can squat over 1,000 kilos have worn this belt with no points!

The belt is accessible in sizes starting from small to 5XL, making it appropriate for a variety of physique varieties. It’s double-stitched for additional sturdiness, and SBD treats the leather-based over 5 months to make sure most stiffness and stability. Observe, although, that the leather-based can take a number of weeks to interrupt in, so this isn’t a belt you can begin sporting the second you obtain it.

The suede inside helps forestall the belt from sliding round your torso, however the pink dye can bleed onto your garments when you get sweaty. It’s greatest to put on darkish clothes for the primary few months of utilizing this belt to forestall ruining your light-colored shirts.

The SBD belt is 4 inches large all the way in which round to supply as a lot assist as potential, however the additional width and lack of tapering imply it might dig into the ribs if in case you have a brief torso. It’s additionally the costliest leather-based belt on this checklist. Nonetheless, the standard of the leather-based, the belt’s sturdiness, and the truth that it’s authorised by varied powerlifting federations make it a strong alternative for aggressive powerlifters.

Greatest Olympic Weightlifting Belt: Eleiko Weightlifting Leather-based Belt

Execs

• Handled with a coating to assist forestall scratches
• Not as costly as different leather-based belts
• Tapers alongside the perimeters and within the entrance for extra consolation

Cons

• Could not provide sufficient assist for powerlifting

This leather-based belt is the newest iteration of Eleiko’s premium leather-based Olympic weightlifting belts. It’s 4 inches large within the again however tapers within the entrance in order that it gained’t dig into your torso once you hinge on the hips for deadlifts or cleans. The delicate leather-based additionally gives your physique extra freedom of motion once you carry out the dynamic Olympic lifts.

The belt has a suede inside to make it extra snug and assist preserve it in place in your torso, and the outside is coated with a remedy to forestall scratches and scuff marks — an enormous plus if you would like your belt to seem like new even after years of use.

It’s solely eight millimeters thick, so it is probably not supportive sufficient for elite powerlifters. However it’s an incredible decide for informal lifters and even aggressive Olympic weightlifters who want extra assist than a nylon belt offers however much less rigidity than a 10- or 13-millimeter leather-based belt.

Greatest Leather-based Weightlifting Belt: REP Health Lifting Belt

Execs

• Quick break-in interval
• Sealed and burnished edges assist forestall moisture injury from sweat
• Single-prong belt is less complicated to regulate than double-prong belts

Cons

• Not IPF-approved
• One-inch gap spacing could also be too huge of a leap for small changes

The REP Health Lifting Belt is an reasonably priced however supportive and enticing choice for individuals who desire a leather-based belt however can’t afford to spend a whole lot of {dollars} on one. It’s 4 inches large and 13 millimeters thick, so that you’ll get optimum assist when lifting maximal or near-maximal weights. The leather-based will get softened because it undergoes a vegetable tanning course of, which means the belt is snug to put on and doesn’t require a protracted break-in interval.

This belt has a single-prong fastening system, permitting for faster changes than you’d discover in a belt with a double-prong buckle. The sides are sealed and burnished to forestall moisture from sweat from damaging the fabric, and the holes are spaced one inch aside. This spacing could also be an excessive amount of when you solely want a slight adjustment, although it’s frequent amongst leather-based lifting belts.

REP suggests sizing down when you’re in between sizes, however primarily based on buyer critiques, it’s higher to dimension up as a substitute. In any other case, the belt could also be too comfortable, and also you gained’t have a lot room to regulate it additional in case your waist circumference adjustments sooner or later.

Greatest Weightlifting Belt for Squats: Dominion Three-Inch Leather-based Lifting Belt

Execs

• 11 holes help you get a extra customized match
• Comes with a lifetime guarantee
• Faster break-in time than 13-millimeter belts
• Rounded edges for extra consolation

Cons

• Not authorised for powerlifting competitions

Whereas four-inch belts are among the commonest you’ll see within the fitness center, three-inch belts just like the Dominion Leather-based Lifting Belt are higher suited to sure lifters, akin to these with brief torsos. They don’t dig into the ribs or pinch your torso when squatting, so you possibly can focus extra in your lifts as a substitute of how uncomfortable your belt is. The three-inch width additionally makes the belt good for deadlifts as a result of you possibly can extra simply get into an optimum beginning place.

The Dominion Leather-based Lifting Belt has 11 holes which might be spaced one inch aside, permitting you to get a comfortable and customised match even when your dimension adjustments over time. It’s 10 millimeters thick and gained’t be as supportive as a 13-millimeter belt, however it can nonetheless present extra stability for heavy lifts than a nylon belt. Plus, it has a shorter break-in interval than the thicker belts, so you can begin utilizing it sooner.

The inside is lined with grey suede that helps preserve it in place and prevents the belt from transferring throughout your lifts. The curler buckle is one other good contact, because it makes adjusting the belt a extra easy course of. The belt isn’t authorised for powerlifting competitions, however as a result of it’s extra reasonably priced than different leather-based belts, it’s an incredible alternative for informal lifters who desire a supportive however fundamental belt for power coaching.

How We Selected the Greatest Weightlifting Belts

We chosen an intensive array of leather-based and nylon belts to swimsuit all forms of athletes, whether or not you’re a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, CrossFitter, or informal gym-goer. Our checklist contains merchandise with completely different widths and thicknesses to supply various ranges of assist, and we additionally included choices that are available a number of colours so you possibly can exhibit your model on the fitness center.

All the belts above are ones our workers has personally used for their very own coaching or are from manufacturers we all know and belief, so we’re assured that their belts are high-quality.

Totally different Kinds of Weightlifting Belts

The 2 principal forms of weightlifting belts are leather-based and nylon. Inside these classes, completely different thicknesses and widths can be found. For leather-based belts, there are additionally a number of closure varieties to select from. Understanding the variations between leather-based and nylon belts and their fastening mechanisms will make sure you decide the correct one in your wants.

Leather-based Belts

Leather-based belts just like the REP Health Lifting Belt are available varied widths and thicknesses and include lever or prong fastening methods.

Lever Belts

Lever belts are simpler to placed on and take off since you simply have to slide the enamel into the holes you need and fasten the buckle. The draw back of a lever belt is that once you get it, you fasten the buckle to the holes on the belt with a screwdriver and preserve it there.

For that reason, it’s tougher to make sure a correct match in case your waist dimension adjustments from day after day — for instance, if you’re bloated from a big meal you ate earlier than coaching or put on a thick shirt in the future and a skinny shirt the following. Lifters who use lever belts usually carry a screwdriver of their fitness center luggage to allow them to change the buckle’s positioning on the belt when wanted.

Prong Belts

Prong belts perform equally to the forms of belts you’d put on with a pair of pants. You pull the strap by way of a buckle till it’s at your required tightness, then push the prong by way of a gap within the belt and slip the strap by way of a loop to safe the surplus materials.

Prong belts can be found as single-prong or double-prong. Single-prong belts are extra reasonably priced and simpler to regulate since you don’t must line up two prongs. However double-prong belts could provide extra assist and last more as a result of the stress is extra evenly distributed by way of the 2 prongs.

Some prong belts function a curler buckle to assist the leather-based slide by way of it extra seamlessly. When utilizing belts that don’t have a curler buckle, some lifters discover that they want a buddy to assist them pull the strap by way of the buckle to get the specified degree of tightness.

Width and Thickness

Leather-based belts are usually three or 4 inches large and 10 to 13 millimeters thick. The narrower and thinner belts are simpler to interrupt in and extra snug to put on, particularly for these with brief torsos. Nonetheless, the broader and thicker belts provide extra assist, which is useful when lifting heavier weights which might be near your one-rep max or making an attempt new PRs. You can even discover leather-based belts which might be wider within the again and narrower within the entrance, so that you get a mixture of assist and luxury.

Nylon Belts

Nylon belts are extra versatile as a result of they’re versatile and mildew to your physique. They’ve a Velcro fastening system that permits for fast and straightforward changes. They’re ideally suited for Olympic weightlifting, the place you carry out quick and explosive lifts, or CrossFit, the place you rapidly transition from heavy lifts to cardio or gymnastics actions. They’re additionally good for high-rep units as a result of they’re extra snug to put on for longer durations.

Nylon belts aren’t the very best for powerlifting as a result of the Velcro can come undone once you’re lifting heavy masses. Nonetheless, belts just like the 2POOD Weightlifting Belt function extra clamps to maintain the belt in place if the Velcro comes unfastened.

Like leather-based belts, nylon belts are sometimes three or 4 inches large. Some are as large as eight inches. Many nylon belts are the identical width all the way in which round, however others are tapered in order that the again of the belt is wider and the entrance and sides are narrower. You’ll usually solely discover nylon belts with thicknesses as much as 10 millimeters, although some, just like the Gymreapers Fast Locking Weightlifting Belt, are nearer to an inch thick.

Advantages of Weightlifting Belts

Carrying a weightlifting or powerlifting belt has many advantages, together with lowering stress on the lumbar backbone, serving to forestall lower back injuries, and placing your thoughts comfy as you put together to elevate a heavy barbell. A lifting belt may also encourage correct lifting mechanics and will even assist you add a couple of extra kilos to your lifts.

Reduces Stress on the Lumbar Backbone

Weightlifting belts enhance intra-abdominal stress and offer you one thing to brace your core muscle tissues in opposition to, which helps enhance core stability and locations much less stress on the backbone. In consequence, you’re much less prone to endure from a extreme again damage.

That mentioned, a lifting belt gained’t completely forestall accidents, so that you shouldn’t throw one on and assume it can defend you from getting damage. Lifting accidents are uncommon, however they will occur whether or not you put on a belt or not.

It’s additionally necessary to notice that you simply shouldn’t use a lifting belt to push by way of extreme back pain. It’s higher to work by way of the basis reason for your ache and take a while off, if obligatory, slightly than counting on a belt to masks your damage.

Encourages Correct Type and Could Stop Accidents

Having one thing to breathe into and brace your core in opposition to encourages you to stay tight and keep stability when lifting weights. For instance, it may possibly function a reminder to maintain your backbone impartial throughout deadlifts or assist forestall you from excessively arching your again throughout overhead presses.

Provides You Extra Confidence

It’s frequent to expertise psychological blocks when making an attempt a brand new one-rep max or performing massive units of squats or deadlifts. A lifting belt can assist you overcome that by making you’re feeling safer and providing reassurance that your backbone is extra protected once you’re lifting heavy loads.

Helps You Carry Extra Weight

Carrying a weightlifting belt won’t robotically add a whole lot of kilos to your lifts. Perfecting your approach, bettering your core power, and including extra quantity are among the most necessary issues you are able to do if you wish to elevate heavier weights. However as a result of a lifting belt will increase your core stability, you possibly can often elevate a couple of extra kilos with a belt than with out one.

What To Look For When Shopping for a Weightlifting Belt

Worth is all the time a vital part to have a look at when shopping for any fitness center gear or gear. Past that, the fabric, fastening mechanism, width, and thickness of your weightlifting belt are additionally necessary options to judge. Should you compete in powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you additionally want to make sure you purchase a belt that meets your federation’s specs.

Worth

A weightlifting belt can price round $30 or greater than $200, relying on the supplies, how thick it’s, and whether or not or not it’s authorised for powerlifting or weightlifting competitions (extra on that under). Nylon belts are usually cheaper, whereas leather-based belts are costlier. Should you don’t concentrate on a power sport and aren’t lifting greater than 400-500 kilos a number of days per week, you possible don’t must spend greater than $100 on a belt.

Materials and Fastening Mechanism

The kind of exercises you do will dictate the very best belt materials in your wants. For CrossFitters or useful health fanatics, a Velcro nylon belt that’s straightforward to lock and loosen is greatest. It’s going to transfer along with your physique higher as you transition from one motion to the following, and also you gained’t waste valuable time fiddling round with prongs and buckles. For powerlifting, stiffer leather-based belts are higher as a result of they provide extra stability for heavy lifts.

You should use both a leather-based or nylon belt for Olympic weightlifting, so long as it has sufficient mobility to maneuver with you thru the extra dynamic lifts. Any metallic elements needs to be sufficiently small that they don’t get in the way in which as you carry out cleans and snatches.

Lifters who don’t concentrate on any sport can select leather-based or nylon, relying on price range and private desire.

One other issue to think about when selecting between a nylon or leather-based belt is {that a} leather-based belt can have a protracted break-in interval. It might take a number of weeks to get it to mildew to your physique. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing you can begin utilizing comfortably immediately, a nylon belt could also be higher.

Competitors Approval

Should you compete in powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you’ll want a belt that’s authorised for competitors. Most nationwide and international-level meets could have specs your belt should meet to be thought of authorized for competitors use. For instance, the IWF states that lifters can solely put on belts with a most width of 12 centimeters in competitors. 

In powerlifting, nylon belts aren’t allowed as a result of there’s a danger that the Velcro can come undone throughout a heavy elevate and trigger critical accidents. Moreover, completely different federations have distinctive guidelines relating to the forms of belts you possibly can put on throughout meets. In lots of instances, you’re additionally restricted to a couple choose manufacturers. One model’s belt could technically meet your federation’s specs, however you possibly can’t use it in competitors if it’s not on the authorised belt checklist.

Width

The width of a weightlifting belt refers to how excessive it’s from the underside to the highest. Most lifting belts are three or 4 inches large, although some are six inches or wider.

The thicker belts will provide extra again assist, which is useful if in case you have a historical past of again accidents. Nonetheless, when you compete in powerlifting, you possibly can’t use a belt wider than 4 inches throughout meets (although some sanctioned meets will permit six-inch large belts). Equally, belts wider than 12 centimeters (about 4.7 inches) are usually not allowed in Olympic weightlifting competitions.

Should you don’t compete in powerlifting or weightlifting or have points with again ache, the dimensions of your torso is a very powerful issue relating to which belt width is greatest for you. Lifters with brief torsos ought to think about a three-inch belt as a result of it is going to be much less prone to dig into your rib cage. These with longer torsos ought to have the ability to use a four-inch belt comfortably.

Thickness

The thickness of a lifting belt refers to how thick it’s from the inside that lays in opposition to your physique to the surface that faces away out of your physique. Nylon belts can vary from about six to 10 millimeters. As you possibly can most likely think about, the thicker belts are extra supportive. Both thickness is allowed in Olympic weightlifting competitions.

Leather-based belts are usually 10 or 13 millimeters thick. The thinner ones break in quicker and are extra reasonably priced. The ten-millimeter belts are additionally higher for newbies as a result of they’ve much less rigidity, making it simpler to get accustomed to lifting whereas sporting a belt. Then again, the thicker belts provide extra stability for heavy lifting.

Ten-millimeter and 13-millimeter leather-based belts are each allowed in powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting competitions. For non-competitive lifters, the thickness you get relies on how a lot you elevate and the way a lot assist you need.

How To Use a Weightlifting Belt

Earlier than entering into methods to use a weightlifting belt, it’s best to first perceive the way it works. It’s not one thing you simply slap on earlier than establishing for a elevate or pull as tight as you presumably can. To get essentially the most out of it, you want to guarantee it suits properly and also you breathe correctly whereas sporting it.

The belt ought to sit proper above your hip bones, and it’s best to have the ability to comfortably match one in all your fingers between it and your physique. It will guarantee a comfortable match however go away some room so that you can take a deep breath and brace correctly earlier than you start your elevate. Should you really feel any pinching or can’t breathe with the belt on, you want to readjust the tightness.

As for when it’s best to put on a weightlifting belt, it’s best to reserve it for once you’re lifting at round 80 % or extra of your one-rep max or doing lifts that load the backbone, like squats, deadlifts, or the Olympic lifts. You shouldn’t put it on for each set and even each train. There’s no must put on a lifting belt for warm-up units (besides your final warm-up set on heavy days) or when doing bicep curls, tricep extensions, or different isolation lifts.

RELATED: 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Weightlifting Belt

Remaining Ideas

A high-quality weightlifting belt could make an enormous distinction in your power coaching journey — not as a result of it can add a whole lot of kilos to your lifts however as a result of it may possibly assist encourage correct lifting mechanics, defend your backbone, and offer you a psychological enhance when self-doubt begins creeping in.

Lifting belts are both nylon or leather-based, and which one you decide will rely in your sport and the way a lot assist you want. You can even select between varied widths, thicknesses, and closure varieties. Should you’re confused about methods to discover the very best weightlifting belt for you, use our critiques and shopping for information above as a useful resource to make sure you discover the correct one in your wants.

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