The 8 Greatest Weightlifting Belts of 2023

Whether or not you prepare in a storage fitness center with the best home gym equipment or in a industrial lifting fitness center, a weightlifting belt is usually a great tool so as to add to your arsenal. It will increase your stability by providing you with one thing to push towards as you brace your core, reinforces correct lifting method, and may give you a lift of confidence if you happen to start to doubt your skills.

When searching for the perfect weightlifting belt, that you must contemplate whether or not leather-based or nylon is best on your wants and the way a lot help you need your belt to offer. That will help you slim down your choice, I’ve compiled an inventory of the highest eight lifting belts. Whether or not you’re a powerlifter, CrossFitter, Olympic weightlifter, or somebody who trains for general well being and wellness, you will discover the precise belt for you.

Our Prime Picks for the Greatest Weightlifting Belts

Greatest Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit: Gymreapers Fast Locking Weightlifting Belt

Execs

• Accessible in numerous colour choices
• Comes with a lifetime alternative assure
• Inexpensive
• Double-stitched for sturdiness

Cons

• Not authorized for powerlifting competitions
• Runs small

Once you’re transitioning from heavy lifts to handstand push-ups, field jumps, or different dynamic workout routines 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 right for these situations as a result of the nylon materials molds to your physique and is snug to put on. Plus, you’ll be able to 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 secure and safe when lifting, because of the four-inch width. The belt is double-stitched to make sure it might probably deal with tons of abuse, and the Velcro will preserve its stickiness so long as you retain it clear.

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

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

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Greatest Price range Weightlifting Belt: Component 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 accessible in black

If you happen to’re a leisure lifter who doesn’t compete in a energy sport, chances are you’ll not wish to drop a whole lot of greenbacks on a leather-based lifting belt. On the similar time, chances are you’ll want a belt that provides extra help than a nylon belt can present. In that case, the Component 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is a strong selection that’s greater than half the worth of some conventional leather-based belts.

Apart from being budget-friendly, this belt is exclusive in that it’s made from leather-based however incorporates a nylon strap with a heavy-duty Velcro closure, not like conventional leather-based belts with prong or lever closures. The Velcro fastening system makes the belt appropriate for exercises the place that you must 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 might prohibit your motion. In order for you a belt that can transfer extra seamlessly together with your physique as you transition from one train to the subsequent, a nylon belt will likely be higher.

One other factor to notice is that the Component 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is barely six millimeters thick, so it might not be supportive sufficient for very heavy weight coaching exercises. It’s additionally solely accessible in black, so in order for you one thing that can stand out extra, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Greatest Nylon Weightlifting Belt: Rogue Health USA Nylon Lifting Belt

Execs

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

Cons

• Not authorized for powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting competitions
• Velcro could change into much less sticky over time

The Rogue Health USA Nylon Lifting Belt is supportive but snug as a result of 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 on the market 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’ll be able to add patches to rep one other model.

The belt itself is sturdy, because it incorporates a ripstop exterior that’s proof against fraying and tearing. It additionally has an antimicrobial inside to stop micro organism from sweat and germs from accumulating on it. Nonetheless, the Velcro can lose stickiness after a couple of 12 months, particularly if it will get soiled typically.

RELATED: 9 Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Greatest Velcro Weightlifting Belt: 2POOD Weightlifting Belt

Execs

• Giant dimension vary
• Accessible in numerous prints
• Sticky Velcro

Cons

• Not authorized for powerlifting competitions

With a Velcro belt, there’s all the time an opportunity it might probably pop off in the course of a carry, rising your threat of a extreme damage. 2POOD weightlifting belts cut back the chance of that taking place 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 could come unfastened except you’re shifting some severe weight or filth, chalk, or lint has gathered on it.

The 2POOD carry belt incorporates a sturdy nylon exterior with a foam core and is available in dozens of enjoyable prints, corresponding to sunflowers and donuts. If you happen to’re prepared to pay for it, you’ll be able to even work with 2POOD’s design staff to get a customized belt.

I used a 2POOD lifting belt for my energy coaching periods and CrossFit exercises for over two years and beloved how supportive but versatile it was. I’d typically depart it on all through a whole CrossFit WOD as a result of it was really easy to loosen or tighten it based mostly 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 course of a WOD, it solely took a couple of seconds to place it again on.

My solely criticism is that the four-inch belt was too vast for my torso. It didn’t hassle me a lot throughout squats, however I may really feel it digging into my ribcage throughout deadlifts. After I nonetheless used a 2POOD belt, the corporate solely had four-inch belts accessible, but it surely now provides three-inch belts as effectively. The narrower belt is price contemplating when you have a brief torso, although it’s solely accessible in sizes XXXS to medium.

2POOD additionally sells six-inch belts, referred to as the Metcon belt, for individuals who want additional help 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
• Crimson suede could bleed onto clothes
• Can take a number of weeks to interrupt in

Lever belts, usually, are simpler to regulate than prong belts. However for a belt with a smoother, extra seamless lever than a lot of its competitors, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with the SBD 13mm Lever Belt. Attributable to how straightforward it’s to regulate the lever, you’ll be able to preserve the belt on between your whole units and modify its tightness once you carry 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 on the market 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. Be aware, although, that the leather-based can take a number of weeks to interrupt in, so this isn’t a belt you can begin carrying 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 if you happen to get sweaty. It’s finest to put on darkish clothes for the primary few months of utilizing this belt to stop ruining your light-colored shirts.

The SBD belt is 4 inches vast all the way in which round to supply as a lot help as attainable, however the additional width and lack of tapering imply it might dig into the ribs when you have a brief torso. It’s additionally the most costly leather-based belt on this checklist. Nonetheless, the standard of the leather-based, the belt’s sturdiness, and the truth that it’s authorized by numerous powerlifting federations make it a strong selection 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

• Might not provide sufficient help for powerlifting

This leather-based belt is the newest iteration of Eleiko’s premium leather-based Olympic weightlifting belts. It’s 4 inches vast 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 provides 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 therapy to stop scratches and scuff marks — an enormous plus in order for you your belt to appear like new even after years of use.

It’s solely eight millimeters thick, so it might not be supportive sufficient for elite powerlifters. However it’s a fantastic decide for informal lifters and even aggressive Olympic weightlifters who want extra help than a nylon belt supplies 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 harm from sweat
• Single-prong belt is simpler to regulate than double-prong belts

Cons

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

The REP Health Lifting Belt is an reasonably priced however supportive and engaging choice for individuals who need a leather-based belt however can’t afford to spend a whole lot of {dollars} on one. It’s 4 inches vast and 13 millimeters thick, so that you’ll get optimum help when lifting maximal or near-maximal weights. The leather-based will get softened because it undergoes a vegetable tanning course of, that means the belt is snug to put on and doesn’t require an extended 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 perimeters are sealed and burnished to stop moisture from sweat from damaging the fabric, and the holes are spaced one inch aside. This spacing could also be an excessive amount of if you happen to solely want a slight adjustment, although it’s frequent amongst leather-based lifting belts.

REP suggests sizing down if you happen to’re in between sizes, however based mostly on buyer opinions, it’s higher to dimension up as an alternative. In any other case, the belt could also be too cosy, 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 can 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 authorized 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, corresponding to these with brief torsos. They don’t dig into the ribs or pinch your torso when squatting, so you’ll be able to focus extra in your lifts as an alternative of how uncomfortable your belt is. The three-inch width additionally makes the belt good for deadlifts as a result of you’ll be able to extra simply get into an optimum beginning place.

The Dominion Leather-based Lifting Belt has 11 holes which are spaced one inch aside, permitting you to get a cosy 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 shifting 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 authorized for powerlifting competitions, however as a result of it’s extra reasonably priced than different leather-based belts, it’s a fantastic selection for informal lifters who need a supportive however fundamental belt for energy coaching.

How We Selected the Greatest Weightlifting Belts

We chosen an intensive array of leather-based and nylon belts to swimsuit all sorts of athletes, whether or not you’re a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, CrossFitter, or informal gym-goer. Our checklist consists of merchandise with totally different widths and thicknesses to supply various ranges of help, and we additionally included choices that are available a number of colours so you’ll be able to exhibit your fashion on the fitness center.

All the belts above are ones our employees 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.

Completely different Sorts of Weightlifting Belts

The 2 major sorts of weightlifting belts are leather-based and nylon. Inside these classes, totally 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 precise one on your wants.

Leather-based Belts

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

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.

Because of this, it’s more durable to make sure a correct match in case your waist dimension adjustments from everyday — for instance, in case you are bloated from a big meal you ate earlier than coaching or put on a thick shirt sooner or later and a skinny shirt the subsequent. Lifters who use lever belts typically 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 sorts 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 help and last more as a result of the strain 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 vast 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 help, which is useful when lifting heavier weights which are near your one-rep max or trying new PRs. You can even discover leather-based belts which are wider within the again and narrower within the entrance, so that you get a mixture of help 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 enables for fast and straightforward changes. They’re ultimate 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 intervals.

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

Like leather-based belts, nylon belts are sometimes three or 4 inches vast. Some are as vast 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 sometimes 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

Sporting 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 relaxed as you put together to carry a heavy barbell. A lifting belt also can encourage correct lifting mechanics and should even assist you add a couple of extra kilos to your lifts.

Reduces Stress on the Lumbar Backbone

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

That stated, a lifting belt gained’t completely forestall accidents, so that you shouldn’t throw one on and assume it can shield 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 vital to notice that you just shouldn’t use a lifting belt to push by way of extreme back pain. It’s higher to work by way of the foundation reason for your ache and take a while off, if crucial, quite than counting on a belt to masks your damage.

Encourages Correct Kind and Might Stop Accidents

Having one thing to breathe into and brace your core towards encourages you to stay tight and preserve stability when lifting weights. For instance, it might probably 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 trying a brand new one-rep max or performing giant units of squats or deadlifts. A lifting belt may also help you overcome that by making you are feeling safer and providing reassurance that your backbone is extra protected once you’re lifting heavy loads.

Helps You Raise Extra Weight

Sporting a weightlifting belt won’t robotically add a whole lot of kilos to your lifts. Perfecting your method, enhancing your core energy, and including extra quantity are among the most vital issues you are able to do if you wish to carry heavier weights. However as a result of a lifting belt will increase your core stability, you’ll be able to often carry a couple of extra kilos with a belt than with out one.

What To Look For When Shopping for a Weightlifting Belt

Value is all the time a vital part to take 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 vital options to guage. If you happen to compete in powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you additionally want to make sure you purchase a belt that meets your federation’s specs.

Value

A weightlifting belt can value round $30 or greater than $200, relying on the supplies, how thick it’s, and whether or not or not it’s authorized for powerlifting or weightlifting competitions (extra on that beneath). Nylon belts are usually cheaper, whereas leather-based belts are costlier. If you happen to don’t concentrate on a energy sport and aren’t lifting greater than 400-500 kilos a number of days every week, you seemingly don’t have to spend greater than $100 on a belt.

Materials and Fastening Mechanism

The kind of exercises you do will dictate the perfect belt materials on your wants. For CrossFitters or useful health fanatics, a Velcro nylon belt that’s straightforward to lock and loosen is finest. It should transfer together with your physique higher as you transition from one motion to the subsequent, 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 need to 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 steel parts must 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 choice.

One other issue to contemplate when selecting between a nylon or leather-based belt is {that a} leather-based belt can have an extended break-in interval. It could take a number of weeks to get it to mildew to your physique. If you happen to’re searching for one thing you can begin utilizing comfortably instantly, a nylon belt could also be higher.

Competitors Approval

If you happen to compete in powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you’ll want a belt that’s authorized for competitors. Most nationwide and international-level meets can have specs your belt should meet to be thought-about 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 threat that the Velcro can come undone throughout a heavy carry and trigger severe accidents. Moreover, totally different federations have distinctive guidelines concerning the sorts of belts you’ll be able to put on throughout meets. In lots of circumstances, you might be additionally restricted to a couple choose manufacturers. One model’s belt could technically meet your federation’s specs, however you’ll be able to’t use it in competitors if it’s not on the authorized 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 vast, although some are six inches or wider.

The thicker belts will provide extra again help, which is useful when you have a historical past of again accidents. Nonetheless, if you happen to compete in powerlifting, you’ll be able to’t use a belt wider than 4 inches throughout meets (although some sanctioned meets will enable six-inch vast belts). Equally, belts wider than 12 centimeters (about 4.7 inches) are usually not allowed in Olympic weightlifting competitions.

If you happen to don’t compete in powerlifting or weightlifting or have points with again ache, the dimensions of your torso is an important issue concerning which belt width is finest for you. Lifters with brief torsos ought to contemplate a three-inch belt as a result of it will likely be much less prone to dig into your rib cage. These with longer torsos ought to be capable 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 towards your physique to the surface that faces away out of your physique. Nylon belts can vary from about six to 10 millimeters. As you’ll be able to in all probability 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 newcomers as a result of they’ve much less rigidity, making it simpler to get accustomed to lifting whereas carrying 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 depends upon how a lot you carry and the way a lot help you need.

How To Use a Weightlifting Belt

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

The belt ought to sit proper above your hip bones, and you must be capable to comfortably match one in all your fingers between it and your physique. It will guarantee a cosy match however depart some room so that you can take a deep breath and brace correctly earlier than you start your carry. If you happen to really feel any pinching or can’t breathe with the belt on, that you must readjust the tightness.

As for when you must put on a weightlifting belt, you must 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 have to 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

Last Ideas

A high-quality weightlifting belt could make an enormous distinction in your energy coaching journey — not as a result of it can add a whole lot of kilos to your lifts however as a result of it might probably assist encourage correct lifting mechanics, shield 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 help you want. You can even select between numerous widths, thicknesses, and closure varieties. If you happen to’re confused about the best way to discover the perfect weightlifting belt for you, use our opinions and shopping for information above as a useful resource to make sure you discover the precise one on your wants.

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