A common piece of equipment you’ll see gym goers wearing is a weightlifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles – from nylon belts with hook-and-loop fasteners to leather belts with locking pins – with the aim of putting pressure on your body and helping to support your body stable, so you are less likely to wobble and injure yourself when lifting heavy loads.
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 weightlifting belt: the transverse abdominis.
“Strengthening this muscle as well as the rest of your core can help stabilize not only your spine, but your entire body,” says Trevor Thieme, CSCS. “And, to be honest, if a load is so heavy that you can’t handle it safely and with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, then you probably shouldn’t lift it.”
Wearing a weightlifting belt also doesn’t teach your body to handle heavy loads on its own in real-world situations. In other words, it doesn’t increase your “functional fitness,” so unless you’re a powerlifter, we recommend forgoing the belt.
But if you’re a weightlifter or feel a strong need to wear a weightlifting belt, you can’t go wrong with these options.
1. Rogue Fitness Nylon Lifting Belt
WIDTH: 5 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 26 to 46 inches
PRICE: $37
This contoured, flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook-and-loop locking system and features a three-inch support strap. It’s a favorite among CrossFitters, but if you plan to do Olympic-style weightlifting, you may want a more favorable option.
Put it on Amazon.
2. Profitness Weightlifting Belt
WIDTH: 2 to 4 inches (conical)
FITS WAIST SIZES: 24 to 49 inches
PRICE: $35
If comfort is high on your priority list, this 7mm thick weightlifting belt is made from soft, “pre-broken” leather and suede. The tapered design helps keep it from digging into your ribs or hips, and the two-pronged buckle and cones range from four inches wide in the back to two inches wide in the front.
Put it on Amazon.
3. Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt
WIDTH: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 23 to 49 inches
PRICE: $35 to $50
This stylish black and red leather weightlifting belt uses a two-pronged buckle and can support heavy loads up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo leather is soft and relatively easy to break, but still provides comfortable support.
Put it on Amazon.
4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt
WIDTH: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 21 to 45 inches
PRICE: $143
This handcrafted belt features 10mm thick vegetable-tanned leather for sturdy support, as well as a single-prong buckle for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, expect a brief “break-in” period as the leather softens and conforms to the shape of your body.
Get it at Fitness thug.
5. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
WIDTH: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 25 to 50 inches
PRICE: $90
This powerlifting belt comes in black, blue, gray, red, green, purple and pink to coordinate with your workout gear (or your mood). The 10mm thick suede leather provides maximum support and a two-prong buckle ensures a perfect fit.
Put it on Amazon.
6. Schiek Weightlifting Belt Model 2004
WIDTH: 4.75 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 23 to 50 inches
PRICE: $60
This nylon weightlifting belt is all about versatility: it comes in multiple colors, fits a wide range of sizes, and has a Velcro closure for quick adjustments. The patented shape is designed to contour to your ribs and hips for better comfort and flexibility, which is ideal if you’re moving between heavy lifts and other strength exercises.
Put it on Amazon.
7. RitFit Weightlifting Belt
WIDTH: 6 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 22 to 59 inches
PRICE: $20 to $26
This budget-friendly choice is made from nylon, a waterproof foam core, and a hook-and-loop closure. It’s the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but its contoured design helps keep it comfortable.
Put it on Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing a Weightlifting Belt
If you want extra support for your heavy loads, here’s what to look for in a belt.
1. Locking mechanism
Weightlifting belts have three types of locking mechanisms: lever buckle, Velcro, or toothed buckle.
If you think you might want to adjust your belt mid-ride, a pin buckle belt is your best choice since you won’t need to take it off to do so. If you want a belt that you can remove quickly, a lever buckle or Velcro closure is best.
2. Width
Weightlifting belts range in width from four to six inches. Some have a contoured or tapered design, while cylindrical ones are the same width all the way around.
The best width is a matter of personal comfort. It should support you without slipping or limiting your range of motion.
3. Material
Most belts are made of leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if you keep it conditioned, but it is generally heavier and stiffer than nylon. Due to their rigidity, leather belts are ideal for weightlifters.
Nylon belts tend to offer more flexibility, which can be helpful if you wear them when moving between strength training exercises.
