The 8 Finest 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 in opposition to as you brace your core, reinforces correct lifting approach, and may give you a lift of confidence in case you start to doubt your skills.

When searching for the very best weightlifting belt, you should think about whether or not leather-based or nylon is best in your wants and the way a lot assist you need your belt to offer. That can assist you slender 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 general well being and wellness, you’ll find the best belt for you.

Our Prime Picks for the Finest Weightlifting Belts

Finest Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit: Gymreapers Fast Locking Weightlifting Belt

Professionals

• Accessible in a lot of colour choices
• Comes with a lifetime alternative assure
• Reasonably priced
• Double-stitched for sturdiness

Cons

• Not authorized for powerlifting competitions
• Runs small

If 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 good 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 alter 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 may deal with tons of abuse, and the Velcro will preserve its stickiness so long as you retain it clear.

The inexpensive value of round $35 makes it one of many extra budget-friendly belts on this record. You may select from a wide selection of colours and prints, together with grey, pink, crimson, or black camo. There’s even an choice with massive Velcro areas the place you’ll be able to add patches to indicate 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 range of physique sorts. Nonetheless, it runs small, so it’s possible you’ll need to dimension up for a extra snug match.

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Finest Funds Weightlifting Belt: Ingredient 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt

Professionals

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

Cons

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

When you’re a leisure lifter who doesn’t compete in a power sport, it’s possible you’ll not need to drop lots of of greenbacks on a leather-based lifting belt. On the similar time, it’s possible you’ll want a belt that provides extra assist than a nylon belt can present. In that case, the Ingredient 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is a stable selection that’s greater than half the worth of some conventional leather-based belts.

Moreover being budget-friendly, this belt is exclusive in that it’s fabricated 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 you should alter the tightness or put the belt on and take it off shortly. 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 would like a belt that can 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 Ingredient 26 Hybrid Leather-based Weightlifting Belt is just 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 need one thing that can stand out extra, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Finest Nylon Weightlifting Belt: Rogue Health USA Nylon Lifting Belt

Professionals

• Accessible 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 authorized for powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting competitions
• Velcro could turn into 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 crimson. 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 immune to 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 12 months, particularly if it will get soiled typically.

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Finest Velcro Weightlifting Belt: 2POOD Weightlifting Belt

Professionals

• Giant dimension vary
• Accessible in a lot of prints
• Sticky Velcro

Cons

• Not authorized for powerlifting competitions

With a Velcro belt, there’s at all times an opportunity it may pop off in the course of a carry, rising your danger 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 might come unfastened until 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, akin to sunflowers and donuts. When you’re prepared to pay for it, you’ll be able to even work with 2POOD’s design workforce to get a customized belt.

I used a 2POOD lifting belt for my power coaching classes and CrossFit exercises for over two years and liked how supportive but versatile it was. I might typically go away it on all through a complete 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 course of a WOD, it solely took just a few seconds to place it again on.

My solely grievance 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. Once I nonetheless used a 2POOD belt, the corporate solely had four-inch belts obtainable, but it surely now affords three-inch belts as properly. The narrower belt is price contemplating when 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.

Finest Lever Weightlifting Belt: SBD 13mm Lever Belt

Professionals

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

Cons

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

Lever belts, on the whole, 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 unsuitable with the SBD 13mm Lever Belt. As a consequence of how straightforward it’s to regulate the lever, you’ll be able to preserve the belt on between your whole units and alter its tightness whenever you carry or whenever 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 sorts. 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 carrying the second you obtain it.

The suede inside helps stop the belt from sliding round your torso, however the crimson dye can bleed onto your garments in case 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 vast 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 when you have a brief torso. It’s additionally the most costly leather-based belt on this record. Nonetheless, the standard of the leather-based, the belt’s sturdiness, and the truth that it’s authorized by varied powerlifting federations make it a stable selection for aggressive powerlifters.

Finest Olympic Weightlifting Belt: Eleiko Weightlifting Leather-based Belt

Professionals

• Handled with a coating to assist stop 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 assist for powerlifting

This leather-based belt is the most recent 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 whenever you hinge on the hips for deadlifts or cleans. The gentle leather-based additionally affords your physique extra freedom of motion whenever 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 need your belt to appear 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 a fantastic choose for informal lifters and even aggressive Olympic weightlifters who want extra assist than a nylon belt supplies however much less rigidity than a 10- or 13-millimeter leather-based belt.

Finest Leather-based Weightlifting Belt: REP Health Lifting Belt

Professionals

• Quick break-in interval
• Sealed and burnished edges assist stop 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 large of a bounce for small changes

The REP Health Lifting Belt is an inexpensive however supportive and enticing choice for individuals who desire a leather-based belt however can’t afford to spend lots of of {dollars} on one. It’s 4 inches vast 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 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 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 in case you solely want a slight adjustment, although it’s widespread amongst leather-based lifting belts.

REP suggests sizing down in case you’re in between sizes, however primarily based on buyer critiques, 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 modifications sooner or later.

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

Professionals

• 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 a few of the most typical 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 quick 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 might be spaced one inch aside, permitting you to get a comfortable and customised match even when your dimension modifications over time. It’s 10 millimeters thick and gained’t be as supportive as a 13-millimeter belt, however it should 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 inexpensive than different leather-based belts, it’s a fantastic selection for informal lifters who desire a supportive however primary belt for power coaching.

How We Selected the Finest Weightlifting Belts

We chosen an in depth array of leather-based and nylon belts to go well with all sorts of athletes, whether or not you’re a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, CrossFitter, or informal gym-goer. Our record consists of 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’ll be able to showcase your model on the fitness center.

The entire 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.

Totally different Varieties of Weightlifting Belts

The 2 principal sorts 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 sorts to select from. Understanding the variations between leather-based and nylon belts and their fastening mechanisms will make sure you choose the best 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 techniques.

Lever Belts

Lever belts are simpler to placed on and take off since you simply have to slide the tooth into the holes you need and fasten the buckle. The draw back of a lever belt is that whenever 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 modifications 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 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 via a buckle till it’s at your required tightness, then push the prong via a gap within the belt and slip the strap via a loop to safe the surplus materials.

Prong belts can be found as single-prong or double-prong. Single-prong belts are extra inexpensive and simpler to regulate since you don’t need to 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 via the 2 prongs.

Some prong belts function a curler buckle to assist the leather-based slide via 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 via the buckle to get the specified stage 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 quick 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 trying 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 excellent for Olympic weightlifting, the place you carry out quick and explosive lifts, or CrossFit, the place you shortly 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 very best for powerlifting as a result of the Velcro can come undone whenever 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 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

Sporting a weightlifting or powerlifting belt has many advantages, together with decreasing stress on the lumbar backbone, serving to stop lower back injuries, and placing your thoughts comfy as you put together to carry a heavy barbell. A lifting belt also can encourage correct lifting mechanics and will even assist you add just a few extra kilos to your lifts.

Reduces Stress on the Lumbar Backbone

Weightlifting belts improve intra-abdominal stress and offer you one thing to brace your core muscular tissues in opposition to, which helps improve 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 stated, a lifting belt gained’t completely stop accidents, so that you shouldn’t throw one on and assume it should defend you from getting damage. Lifting accidents are uncommon, however they’ll occur whether or not you put on a belt or not.

It’s additionally necessary to notice that you just shouldn’t use a lifting belt to push via extreme back pain. It’s higher to work via the foundation reason behind your ache and take a while off, if essential, fairly than counting on a belt to masks your damage.

Encourages Correct Type and Might Stop Accidents

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

Provides You Extra Confidence

It’s widespread to expertise psychological blocks when trying 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 are feeling safer and providing reassurance that your backbone is extra protected whenever you’re lifting heavy loads.

Helps You Elevate Extra Weight

Sporting a weightlifting belt won’t mechanically add lots of of kilos to your lifts. Perfecting your approach, enhancing your core power, and including extra quantity are a few of the most necessary 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 just a few extra kilos with a belt than with out one.

What To Look For When Shopping for a Weightlifting Belt

Value is at all times an integral part to have a look at when shopping for any fitness center tools or gear. Past that, the fabric, fastening mechanism, width, and thickness of your weightlifting belt are additionally necessary options to judge. When you 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 under). Nylon belts are usually cheaper, whereas leather-based belts are costlier. When you don’t specialise in a power 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 very best belt materials in your wants. For CrossFitters or practical health fanatics, a Velcro nylon belt that’s straightforward to lock and loosen is greatest. It should 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 utilize 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 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 specialise in any sport can select leather-based or nylon, relying on price range and private choice.

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

Competitors Approval

When you 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 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 carry and trigger severe accidents. Moreover, completely different federations have distinctive guidelines relating to the sorts of belts you’ll be able to put on throughout meets. In lots of circumstances, you’re additionally restricted to some 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 record.

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 assist, which is useful when you have a historical past of again accidents. Nonetheless, in case you 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) should not allowed in Olympic weightlifting competitions.

When you don’t compete in powerlifting or weightlifting or have points with again ache, the dimensions of your torso is an important issue relating to which belt width is greatest for you. Lifters with quick torsos ought to think about a three-inch belt as a result of will probably be much less prone to dig into your rib cage. These with longer torsos ought to be capable of 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’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 inexpensive. 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 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 relies on how a lot you carry and the way a lot assist you need.

How To Use a Weightlifting Belt

Earlier than moving into learn how 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 probably can. To get essentially the most out of it, you should guarantee it matches properly and also you breathe correctly whereas carrying it.

The belt ought to sit proper above your hip bones, and you must be capable of comfortably match considered one of your fingers between it and your physique. This may 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 carry. When you really feel any pinching or can’t breathe with the belt on, you should readjust the tightness.

As for when you must put on a weightlifting belt, you must put it aside for whenever 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

Closing Ideas

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

Lifting belts are both nylon or leather-based, and which one you choose will rely in your sport and the way a lot assist you want. You can even select between varied widths, thicknesses, and closure sorts. When you’re confused about learn how 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 best one in your wants.

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