A common piece of equipment worn by people who go to the gym is a weightlifting belt. Available in a variety of materials and styles, from nylon belts with hook-and-loop closures to leather belts with locking prongs. This is to help apply pressure to your core and keep your body stable. There is a risk of shaking or injury while lifting heavy objects.

So should you invest in one?

For most people, strength training No support from a weightlifting belt is required. After all, your body is equipped with its own internal weightlifting belt. abdomen horizontally.

“Strengthening these muscles is the rest of the core It helps stabilize not only the spine but the entire body,” says Trevor Thieme, CSCS. “And honestly, if the load is so heavy that you can’t safely manage it with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, you probably shouldn’t be lifting that load.”

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, "functional fitness,” Therefore, unless you are a powerlifter, it is recommended that you do not wear a belt.

However, if you are a powerlifter or feel a strong need to wear a weight lifting belt, you cannot go wrong with choosing these options.

1. Rogue Fitness Nylon Lifting Belt

width: 5 inches
Fit waist size: 26 to 46 inches
price: $37

This curved, flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook-and-loop closure system and has a 3-inch webbing support strap. It's a popular exercise among CrossFitters, but if you're planning an Olympic-style weightlifting workout, you may need a more supportive option.

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2. ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt

width: 2 to 4 inches (tapered)
Fit waist size: 24 to 49 inches
price: $35

If comfort is high on your priority list, this 7mm thick weightlifting belt is made from supple “pre-broken” leather and suede. The tapered design helps prevent digging into your ribs or hips, and the bifurcated buckle and taper range from 4 inches wide at the back to 2 inches wide at the front.

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3. Black iron fitness weight lifting belt

width: 4 inches
Fit waist size: 23~49 inches
price: $35~$50

This sleek black and red leather weightlifting belt uses a two-prong buckle and is said to be able to support heavy lifts of up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo hide leather is soft and relatively easy to break, but still provides snug support.

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4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt

width: 4 inches
Fit waist size: 21 to 45 inches
price: $143

This handmade belt features 10mm thick vegetable-tanned leather for solid support and a single-prong buckle design for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, expect a short “break-in” period as the leather softens and conforms to your body.

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5. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt

width: 4 inches
Fit waist size: 25 to 50 inches
price: $90

This powerlifting belt is available in black, blue, grey, red, green, purple, and pink to match your workout gear (or mood). The 10mm thick suede leather provides maximum support, while the two-prong buckle ensures a perfect fit.

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6. Schiek Model 2004 Weight Lifting Belt

width: 4.75 inches
Fit waist size: 23~50 inches
price: $60

This nylon weight lifting belt is versatile. It comes in a variety of colors, fits a variety of waist sizes, and has a Velcro closure for quick adjustments. The patented shape is designed to contour around the ribs and hips for better comfort and flexibility, which is ideal when moving between heavy lifts and other strength exercises.

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7. RitFit Weight Lifting Belt

width: 6 inches
Fit waist size: 22~59 inches
Price: $20-$26

This budget pick is made of nylon, a waterproof foam core, and a hook-and-loop closure. It's the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but the contoured design helps keep you comfortable.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Weight Lifting Belt

If you want extra support when lifting heavy objects, here's what to look for in a belt.

1. Locking device

Weightlifting belts have three types of locking mechanisms: lever buckles, Velcro, or prong buckles.

If you want to mid-adjust your belt set, it's best to wear a prong buckle belt. Because you don’t have to take it off to do so. If you want a belt that can be removed quickly, a lever buckle or Velcro closure is best.

2. Width

Weightlifting belts range in width from 4 inches to 6 inches. Some have a contoured or tapered design, while cylindrical designs have the same width throughout.

The best width is a matter of personal comfort. It should be supportive without slipping or restricting range of motion.

3. Materials

Most belts are leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if you keep it conditioned, but it is generally heavier and harder than nylon. Because of their sturdiness, leather belts are best suited for powerlifters.

Nylon belts tend to provide more flexibility, which can be helpful if worn when moving between strength training exercises.