What Is the Finest Weightlifting Belt?

For those who’re critical about lifting barbells, eventually you’re in all probability going to desire a belt. Belts don’t forestall damage as folks generally assume, however they do show you how to to raise extra weight. This lets you squat and deadlift heavier—thus get stronger—so that they’re customary gear for lots of robust folks. We now have a information right here to understanding what belts are for, how they work, and who wants them. However when you get the fundamental thought, you’ll want to select the belt that is proper for you. I’ve opinions, so let me present you my favourite varieties and provides some suggestions for particular manufacturers and fashions.

By the way in which, in order for you the brief reply as to which belt I, your resident professional, put on: my trusty leather-based belt is a Pioneer lower 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 robust. 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 bought 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 it’s important to brace your core strongly to deal with large weights. You do not want a belt to do bicep curls or aerobics. You in all probability do desire a belt in case your routine consists of barbell squats, deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (“RDLs”), snatches, cleans, jerks, and presses. Bench press would not often name for a belt, however that is a matter of desire.

Each coach has their very own opinion on when is the correct time for a brand new trainee to purchase a belt. Some would possibly need to see you raise a sure weight first, or exhibit a certain quantity 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 understanding how you can brace, so it is sensible to discover ways to brace first. However a belt can assist you discover ways to brace, since you’ll be able to really feel your stomach pushing in opposition to the belt if you’re doing it proper.

For my part, when you’re questioning whether or not you need to get a belt, it’s in all probability time to get a belt. Plenty of the nice 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 determine you’re prepared—in different phrases, you could need to order your belt sooner fairly than later.

The most effective 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 an excellent 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, for my part, 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 produce it again out the opposite. If the velcro fails, the strap will have the ability to slowly work free, but it surely will not all of the sudden fall off. Most good belt manufacturers will embrace a buckle of this kind. Velcro belts will usually 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 often both 10 or 13 millimeters. The buckle is gigantic to match. (Once I bought my first belt within the mail, I laughed. I couldn’t think about sporting it out in public. However now I simply see it as a traditional piece of fitness center gear.)

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 shall be happier with 10 millimeter. It is a bit extra snug, and gives loads of assist. I would say 13 is overkill for most individuals, actually most learners. However be at liberty to attempt each.

I 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 lower with offset holes. This manner, as a substitute of selecting between two holes which are an inch aside, I can alter the belt in 1/2-inch increments. Mine is three inches extensive, which I discover somewhat extra snug for deadlifts, however truthfully I in all probability would have been positive with a 4″ belt too.

Standard 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 want a lever belt. As an alternative of inserting a buckle prong by means of the opening of your alternative if you put it on, you utilize a screwdriver to put in the lever into the suitable gap within the belt. You then merely shut the lever to lock it closed, and pop it open if you’re able to take the belt off. The “pop” will be satisfying after an enormous raise—see this clip of Jessica Buettner for an instance. (I do not need a lever belt. I’m barely jealous of people that do.)

You employ 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 widespread sizes as the nice single-prong belts: 3 or 4 inches extensive, 10 mm or 13 mm thick. Pioneer, the identical firm that makes my adjustable prong belt, additionally sells an adjustable lever that provides you somewhat 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 Perpetually 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 can be a typical worth vary, with the thicker belts often being dearer. (Once more, customized colours and designs will run you a bit extra.)

Find out how to purchase the correct measurement

Your waist measurement will inform you the size of belt you need to order; check with the sizing chart on the belt firm’s web site to seek out the correct measurement. For those who’re between sizes, take into account whether or not you’re prone to get larger or smaller over time. For instance, if you recognize you’ll be shedding weight, it’s your decision a belt that may nonetheless match when you get a bit slimmer. Alternatively, it’s regular to realize muscle mass as you get stronger, and you could need to have the room to get larger with out having to purchase an entire new belt.

In terms of the width, 4 inches is customary. (The utmost width allowable in competitors is often 4 inches for powerlifting and 12 centimeters, or 4.7 inches, in Olympic weightlifting.) The recommendation I bought after I was a newbie is that nearly all people likes a 4-inch belt for squatting, however that some folks want a 3-inch belt for deadlifts. I ended up getting my leather-based belt in a 3-inch measurement, and it matches nicely for each lifts. Some folks want a 4-inch belt for each lifts, however put on it increased on their waist for deadlifts. For those who’re unsure, see when you can borrow somebody’s 4-inch belt to attempt on.

The following factor to determine, when you’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 unsure, 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 robust, you would possibly want the 13 mm. However in that case, you’ll in all probability come to that conclusion by means of expertise over time. For those who’re studying this, that’s in all probability not you, and also you need the ten millimeter.

My high picks for every sort of belt:

Which sort 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 not any stronger than single prong. In order for you a buckle, most individuals shall be happier with the only prong variety.

• Velcro belts and not using 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 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 folks simply attempting to look cool within the fitness center. Positive as a style alternative, however they wouldn’t be my first decide. That mentioned, if you have already got one, would possibly as nicely use it. Will probably be positive.

Actually low-cost weightlifting belts (just like the $20 ones you would possibly discover on Amazon) received’t final as lengthy and won’t carry out as nicely, however they truthfully aren’t horrible. For those who aren’t certain whether or not you want a belt in any respect, I wouldn’t blame you for shopping for a budget factor first and upgrading later.

With that info, try to be nicely 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 desire, shall be finest 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.