A common equipment worn by gym people is a weightlifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles from nylon belts with hooks and loop closures on leather belts with locking prongs, with the aim of applying pressure to the core and helping to stabilize the body.
So, do you need to invest in it?
For most people, strength training doesn’t require the support of a weightlifting belt. After all, your body is equipped with its own internal weightlifting belt, or side abdomen.
“Strengthening this muscle along with the rest of the core helps stabilize not only the spine but the entire body,” says Trevor Thieme of CSCS. “And to be honest, the load is so heavy that if you can’t manage it safely and in a good way without supporting the weightlifting belt, you probably shouldn’t lift it up.”
Wearing a weightlifting belt does not teach your body how to deal with heavy loads alone in real life. In other words, it won’t increase your “functional fitness” so unless you’re a powerlifter, we recommend you give a belt.
However, if you feel like you’re a PowerLifter or need to wear a weightlifting belt, you won’t go wrong with these options.
1. Rogue Fitness Nylon Lifting Belt
width: 5 inches
Fits waist size: 26-46 inches
price: $37
This contoured flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook-and-loop lock system and features a 3-inch webbing support strap. Although it’s a favorite among CrossFitters, if you’re planning on doing Olympic-style weightlifting, you might need a more supportive option.
Get it on Amazon.
2. Profit Weightlifting Belt
width: 2-4 inches (tapered)
Fits waist size: 24-49 inches
price: $35
If your priority list is high for comfort, this 7 mm thick weightlifting belt is made of flexible “broken” leather and suede. The tapered design helps prevent ribs and hips from digging, with two-standing buckles and tapered ranges from 4 inches wide to 2 inches wide on the front.
Get it on Amazon.
3. Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt
width: 4 inches
Fits waist size: 23-49 inches
price: $35-50
This sophisticated black and red leather weightlifting belt uses two-upholstered buckles and can reportedly support heavy lifts up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo leather is soft and relatively easy to penetrate, but still offers perfect support.
Get it on Amazon.
4. Rogue Fitness Ohiolifting Belt
width: 4 inches
Fits waist size: 21-45 inches
price: $143
This handmade belt comes in thick, thick leather, with a heavy-duty support leather upholstery, plus a single buckle design for easy adjustment. Like most leather belts, the leather will soften and outline your body, so expect a short “invasion” period.
Get it with Rogue Fitness.
5. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
width: 4 inches
Fits waist size: 25-50 inches
price: $90
This powerlifting belt is available in black, blue, gray, red, green, purple and pink to adjust with your training gear (or mood). The 10mm thick suede leather provides maximum support, while the two-upholstered buckles ensure a perfect fit.
Get it on Amazon.
6. Schiek Model 2004 Weightlifting Belt
width: 4.75 inches
Fits waist size: 23-50 inches
price: $60
This nylon weightlifting belt is about versatility. Multiple colors are available, with velcro closure for quick adjustments to suit a wide range of waist sizes. The patented shape is designed to outline the rib bone and waist, providing greater comfort and flexibility. This is ideal for moving between heavy lifts and other strength exercises.
Get it on Amazon.
7. RITFIT Weightlifting Belt
width: 6 inches
Fits waist size: 22-59 inches
Price: $20-26
This budget choice is made from nylon, which is a waterproof foam core, and hook and loop closures. Although it is the widest weightlifting belt on this list, its contoured design helps keep you comfortable.
Get it on Amazon.
Things to consider when choosing a weightlifting belt
If you need additional support for heavy lifts, here are what you should look for on the belt.
1. Locking mechanism
Weightlifting belts come in three different locking mechanisms: lever buckle, velcro, or prong buckle.
If you want to adjust the belt to the center of the set, a pronged buckle belt is your best bet. If you need a belt, you can remove it immediately. Lever buckle or velcro closure is best.
2. width
Weightlifting belts can range from 4 inches to 6 inches wide. There are contoured and tapered designs, but the cylindrical designs are always the same width.
The best width is personal comfort issues. It must be supportive without sliding or restricting the range of movement.
3. material
Most belts are either leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if left conditioned, but is usually heavier and stiffer than nylon. Due to its rigidity, leather belts are ideal for powerlifters.
Nylon belts tend to provide more flexibility. This is useful if you are wearing it when moving between strength training exercises.
