A common piece of equipment you’ll see gym goers wearing is a weightlifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles — ranging from nylon hook-and-loop straps to leather straps with locking teeth — designed to put pressure on your core and help keep your body stable, so you’re less likely to wobble. and get injured while 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 comes equipped with its own internal weightlifting belt – transverse abdominis.
“Strengthening this muscle together with the rest of your core it can help stabilize not only your spine, but your entire body,” says Trevor Thieme, CSCS. “And, frankly, if a load is so heavy that you can’t carry it safely and with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, then you probably shouldn’t be lifting it.”
Wearing a weightlifting belt also doesn’t teach your body how to handle heavy loads on its own in real life situations. In other words, it does not increase your “functional condition”, so unless you’re a powerlifter, we recommend ditching the belt.
But if you’re a powerlifter 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
SUITABLE FOR WAIST SIZES: 26 to 46 inches
PRICE: 37 dollars
This molded, flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook and loop locking system and has a three inch support strap. It’s a favorite among CrossFitters, but if you plan on doing Olympic-style weightlifting, you may need a better support option.
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2. ProFitness weight lifting belt
WIDTH: 2 to 4 inches (tapered)
FITS WAIST SIZES: 24 to 49 inches
PRICE: 35 dollars
If comfort is high on your priority list, this 7mm weightlifting belt is made from supple, “pre-broken” leather and suede. The tapered design helps keep it from digging into your ribs or hips, and the two-prong buckle and taper range from four inches wide in the back to two inches wide in the front.
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3. Fitness belt for lifting weights made of dark iron
WIDTH: 4 inches
SUITABLE FOR WAIST SIZES: 23 to 49 inches
PRICE: 35–50 dollars
This sleek black and red leather weightlifting belt uses a double-pronged buckle and is said to be able to withstand heavy lifts of up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo hide leather is soft and relatively easy to puncture, but still provides comfortable support.
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4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt
WIDTH: 4 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 21 to 45 inches
PRICE: 143 dollars
This handcrafted strap features 10mm thick, vegetable-tanned leather for strong support, plus a single-prong buckle design for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, expect a short “break-in” period as the leather softens and molds to your body.
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5. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
WIDTH: 4 inches
SUITABLE FOR WAIST SIZES: 25 to 50 inches
PRICE: 90 dollars
This powerlifting belt is available in black, blue, gray, red, green, purple and pink to match your workout gear (or your mood). The 10 mm thick antelope leather provides maximum support, and the two-prong buckle ensures a perfect fit.
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6. Weight lifting belt Schiek Model 2004
WIDTH: 4.75 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 23 to 50 inches
PRICE: 60 dollars
This nylon weightlifting belt is all about versatility — it’s available in multiple colors, fits a wide range of waist sizes, and features quick-adjust Velcro. The patented shape is designed to contour around the ribs and hips for greater comfort and flexibility, which is ideal if you move between lifting heavy weights and other strength exercises.
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7. RitFit weight lifting belt
WIDTH: 6 inches
FITS WAIST SIZES: 22 to 59 inches
PRICE: $20-$26
This inexpensive pick is made with nylon, a waterproof foam core, and a Velcro closure. It’s the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but the contoured design helps keep it comfortable.
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What to consider when choosing a weightlifting belt
If you want extra support for heavy lifting, 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 want to adjust the belt in the middle, the best choice is a belt with a buckle because you won’t have to take it off to do so. If you want a belt that can be removed quickly, a lever buckle or velcro is best.
2. Width
Weightlifting belts vary in width from four to six inches. Some have a contoured or tapered design, while they are cylindrical throughout with the same width.
The best width is a matter of personal comfort. It should be supportive without slipping or restricting your range of motion.
3. Material
Most straps are either leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if you keep it conditioned, but it tends to be heavier and tougher than nylon. Because of their stiffness, leather belts are best for powerlifters.
Nylon bands tend to provide more flexibility, which can be helpful if you wear them while moving between strength exercises.
