A common piece of equipment worn by exercisers is a weightlifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles—from nylon belts with hook-and-loop closures to leather belts with buckles—designed to take pressure off your core and help stabilize your body. when lifting heavy loads, there is a risk of swaying and injury.
So should you invest in one?
For most people, strength training does not require the support of a weightlifting belt. After all, your body is equipped with its own internal weight-lifting belt – the transverse abdominis.
“Strengthening this muscle along with the rest of the core will help stabilize not only the spine, but the entire body,” says Trevor Thiem of CSCS. “Honestly, if you can’t handle a load safely and with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, if it’s a very heavy load, you shouldn’t be lifting it.”
Wearing a weightlifting belt doesn’t teach your body to handle heavy loads on its own in real life. In other words, it won’t increase your “functional fitness,” so unless you’re a powerlifter, I recommend avoiding the belt.
But if you’re a powerlifter or feel the need to wear a weightlifting belt, you can’t go wrong with these options.
1. Rogue Fitness Nylon Lifting Belt
Width: 5 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: From 26 to 46 inches
PRICE: 37 dollars
This contoured, flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook-and-loop closure system and features a three-inch webbing strap. It’s a favorite of CrossFitters, but if you plan to lift Olympic-style weights, you may want a more supportive option.
Enter Amazon.
2. ProFitness Weightlifting Belt
Width: 2 to 4 inches (tapered)
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: 24 to 49 inches
PRICE: 35 dollars
If comfort is your priority, this 7mm weightlifting belt is made from supple, ‘pre-broken’ leather and suede. The tapered design keeps it from digging into your ribs and hips, and the double-pronged buckles and gussets range from four inches wide in the back to two inches wide in the front.
Enter Amazon.
3. Black Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt
Width: 4 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: From 23 to 49 inches
PRICE: 35-50 dollars
This sleek dark red leather weightlifting belt uses two pronged buckles and is capable of supporting up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo leather is soft and relatively easy to break, but provides firm support.
Enter Amazon.
4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt
Width: 4 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: 21-45 inches
PRICE: 143 dollars
This handmade belt features 10mm thick, vegetable-tanned leather designed to withstand heavy loads, and a single buckle design for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, allow for a short “break-in” period as the leather will soften and show off your body.
Get it here Fake fitness.
5. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting belt
Width: 4 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: 25 to 50 inches
PRICE: 90 dollars
This powerlifting belt comes in black, blue, gray, red, green, purple, and pink to match your workout gear (or your mood). The 10mm thick suede provides superior support and the double buckle buckle ensures a perfect fit.
Enter Amazon.
6. Schiek 2004 Model Weightlifting Belt
Width: 4.75 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: From 23 to 50 inches
PRICE: 60 dollars
This nylon weightlifting belt is versatile – it’s available in multiple colors, fits a wide range of waists, and has a Velcro closure for quick adjustments. The patented shape is designed to contour around your ribs and hips for more comfort and flexibility, perfect for when you’re moving between heavy lifting and other strength exercises.
Enter Amazon.
7. RitFit Weightlifting Belt
Width: 6 inches
FIT FOR WAIST SIZE: 22-59 inches
PRICE: $20-$26
This budget option is made with nylon, waterproof foam, and a hook-and-loop closure. It’s the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but the contoured design helps keep it comfortable.
Enter Amazon.
What to consider when choosing a weightlifting belt
Here’s what to look for in a band if you want extra support for heavy lifting.
1. Locking mechanism
Weightlifting belts have three types of locking mechanisms: lever buckles, Velcro or buckle buckles.
If you’re thinking of adjusting your belt, a belt with a long buckle is your best bet because you don’t have to take it off. Lever buckles or Velcro closures are best if you want to remove your belt quickly.
2. Width
Weightlifting belts are four to six inches wide. Some have a contoured or tapered design, while cylindrical designs are the same width throughout.
The best width is a matter of personal comfort. It should support your movement without slipping or restricting it.
3. Materials
Most belts are leather or nylon. Leather is durable in good condition, but is usually heavier and stiffer than nylon. The leather belt is tough, making it ideal for powerlifters.
Nylon belts tend to provide more flexibility, which can be helpful if you’re wearing them between strength training sessions.