What Is the Best Weightlifting Belt?

Should you’re severe about lifting barbells, eventually you’re most likely going to desire a belt. Belts don’t forestall harm as individuals generally assume, however they do allow you to to carry extra weight. This lets you squat and deadlift heavier—thus get stronger—so that they’re commonplace tools for lots of sturdy individuals. We’ve got a guide here to understanding what belts are for, how they work, and who wants them. However when you get the fundamental concept, you’ll want to select the belt that is proper for you. I’ve opinions, so let me present you my favourite sorts and provides some suggestions for particular manufacturers and fashions.

By the way in which, in order for you the quick reply as to which belt I, your resident knowledgeable, put on: my trusty leather-based belt is a Pioneer cut with offset holes, 3 inches extensive, 10 millimeters thick, in maroon suede. I’ve had it for six years now and it is nonetheless going sturdy. I additionally personal a velcro belt from 2Pood, 4 inches extensive, plain black. I do not put on it a lot anymore as a result of the velcro is beginning to wear down, however I received it signed by Kate Vibert simply after she received silver within the 2020 Olympics, so I am by no means throwing it out.

Who can purchase a weightlifting belt

Belts are helpful for heavy lifts the place you must brace your core strongly to deal with large weights. You do not want a belt to do bicep curls or aerobics. You most likely do desire a belt in case your routine contains barbell squats, deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (“RDLs”), snatches, cleans, jerks, and presses. Bench press does not normally name for a belt, however that is a matter of choice.

Each coach has their very own opinion on when is the suitable time for a brand new trainee to purchase a belt. Some may wish to see you carry a sure weight first, or exhibit a specific amount of ability on the large lifts. However the fact is, there’s no agreed-upon dividing line between individuals who want a belt and individuals who don’t. A belt is a device that anyone can use, at any level of their lifting profession. It doesn’t make up for not figuring out how to brace, so it is sensible to discover ways to brace first. However a belt can assist you discover ways to brace, since you possibly can really feel your stomach pushing towards the belt while you’re doing it proper.

In my view, for those who’re questioning whether or not you must get a belt, it’s most likely time to get a belt. Quite a lot of the great leather-based ones must be ordered on-line, and a few have a lead time of a number of weeks, so that you won’t truly get the belt till a month or two after you resolve you’re prepared—in different phrases, you could wish to order your belt sooner relatively than later.

The perfect first belt for most individuals: a 4-inch velcro belt

a 4″ 2Pood velcro belt
Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

First, there’s the 4-inch velcro belt. I’m beginning right here as a result of it’s a great all-purpose belt, cheaper than the leather-based ones we’re about to speak about, and it’s arguably simpler to regulate and put on, too. Mine is from 2Pood, which is a well-liked model amongst Olympic weightlifters and Crossfitters. These belts are 4 inches extensive, they shut with a velcro strap, they usually have a locking mechanism across the strap in order that it received’t pop open even when the velcro fails mid-lift. You do not must be a weightlifter or Crossfitter to make use of these, although. They’re nice for normal squats and deadlifts.

That is the locking mechanism.
Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

The locking mechanism is important, in my view, because the velcro will put on out over time. (Mine lasted about three years.) It is actually just a bit vertical bar in the course of the buckle. You set the strap in on one facet of the bar and convey it again out the opposite. If the velcro fails, the strap will be capable to slowly work free, however it will not instantly fall off. Most good belt manufacturers will embody a buckle of this sort. Velcro belts will typically run you between $30 and $70, relying on the model and any particular options, like customized colours.

My private favourite belt: a leather-based single-prong belt

Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

These appear to be a comically massive model of an everyday belt you’d put on to carry up your pants. They’re usually 4 inches extensive (generally simply three), and manufactured from a thick leather-based that’s normally both 10 or 13 millimeters. The buckle is big to match. (After I received my first belt within the mail, I laughed. I couldn’t think about carrying it out in public. However now I simply see it as a traditional piece of fitness center tools.)

These belts are the identical width all the way in which round. I would not hassle with tapered belts (thinner within the entrance), however I’ve extra ideas on these under. Between the ten and 13 millimeter thicknesses, most individuals will probably be happier with 10 millimeter. It is a bit extra snug, and gives loads of help. I might say 13 is overkill for most individuals, definitely most freshmen. However be happy to strive each.

I really like this little sliding prong that lets me use both row of holes.
Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

My leather-based buckle belt is a Pioneer cut with offset holes. This manner, as a substitute of selecting between two holes which might be an inch aside, I can alter the belt in 1/2-inch increments. Mine is three inches extensive, which I discover a bit extra snug for deadlifts, however actually I most likely would have been tremendous with a 4″ belt too.

Common amongst powerlifters: a leather-based lever belt

That is an adjustable lever belt, however the non-adjustables look very comparable.
Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

As an alternative of a buckle, you could favor a lever belt. As an alternative of putting a buckle prong by the opening of your alternative while you put it on, you utilize a screwdriver to put in the lever into the suitable gap within the belt. Then you definately merely shut the lever to lock it closed, and pop it open while you’re able to take the belt off. The “pop” could be satisfying after an enormous carry—see this clip of Jessica Buettner for an instance. (I should not have a lever belt. I’m barely jealous of people that do.)

You utilize these screw holes to vary the place of the lever. Each adjustable and non-adjustable lever belts have this function.
Credit score: Beth Skwarecki

These belts can be found in the identical frequent sizes as the great single-prong belts: 3 or 4 inches extensive, 10 mm or 13 mm thick. Pioneer, the identical firm that makes my adjustable prong belt, also sells an adjustable lever that offers you a bit little bit of room to lock the belt tighter or looser with out having to take the lever off with a screwdriver. (Pioneer isn’t paying me to shill for them, I simply occur to love their adjustable designs.) For an instance of a non-adjustable, Inzer’s Forever lever is a well-liked and sturdy design.

Good high quality leather-based belts, each prong and lever, price greater than velcro. $100 to $150 could be a typical worth vary, with the thicker belts normally being dearer. (Once more, customized colours and designs will run you a bit extra.)

How one can purchase the suitable measurement

Your waist measurement will inform you the size of belt you must order; check with the sizing chart on the belt firm’s web site to search out the suitable measurement. Should you’re between sizes, think about whether or not you’re more likely to get greater or smaller over time. For instance, if you already know you’ll be dropping pounds, it’s your decision a belt that may nonetheless match for those who get a bit slimmer. However, it’s regular to achieve muscle mass as you get stronger, and you could wish to have the room to get greater with out having to purchase a complete new belt.

In terms of the width, 4 inches is commonplace. (The utmost width allowable in competitors is normally 4 inches for powerlifting and 12 centimeters, or 4.7 inches, in Olympic weightlifting.) The recommendation I received after I was a newbie is that just about all people likes a 4-inch belt for squatting, however that some individuals favor a 3-inch belt for deadlifts. I ended up getting my leather-based belt in a 3-inch measurement, and it suits properly for each lifts. Some individuals favor a 4-inch belt for each lifts, however put on it increased on their waist for deadlifts. Should you’re unsure, see for those who can borrow somebody’s 4-inch belt to strive on.

The following factor to resolve, for those who’re shopping for a leather-based belt, is whether or not to get your belt in a thickness of 10 millimeters or 13 millimeters. If doubtful, get the ten mm. 13 is very thick, and many individuals discover it makes the belt uncomfortably stiff, particularly on the edges. In case you are a big particular person and already very sturdy, you may want the 13 mm. However in that case, you’ll most likely come to that conclusion by expertise over time. Should you’re studying this, that’s most likely not you, and also you need the ten millimeter.

My high picks for every sort of belt:

Which type of weightlifting belts to keep away from

So are there belts you shouldn’t purchase? Arguably, sure:

• Double prong belts are fussier to open and shut, they usually are no stronger than single prong. In order for you a buckle, most individuals will probably be happier with the only prong type.

• Velcro belts with out a lock can pop open mid-lift. Search for one which has a locking mechanism that holds the strap in place, like these from 2Pood or Gymreapers.

• Tapered belts, with a large again and a slim entrance, was once widespread amongst Olympic weightlifters. They aren’t used as a lot anymore, although; velcro belts have largely changed them. Most tapered belts you’ll see on-line are decrease high quality ones geared toward individuals simply making an attempt to look cool within the fitness center. Nice as a trend alternative, however they wouldn’t be my first decide. That mentioned, if you have already got one, may as properly use it. Will probably be tremendous.

Actually low-cost weightlifting belts (just like the $20 ones you may discover on Amazon) received’t final as lengthy and won’t carry out as properly, however they actually aren’t horrible. Should you aren’t certain whether or not you want a belt in any respect, I wouldn’t blame you for buying the cheap thing first and upgrading later.

With that data, you ought to be properly geared up to purchase a belt that meets your wants. A locking velcro belt or a ten millimeter straight leather-based belt, relying in your choice, will probably be greatest for most individuals. Now, whether or not you desire a plain black belt or a customized sequin design, that’s one thing you’ll have to determine for your self.