A common piece of equipment worn by gym-goers is a weight lifting belt. They come in a variety of materials and styles — from nylon straps with hook-and-loop closures to leather straps with locking prongs — intended to put pressure on your heart and help keep your body stable, so you’re less likely to wobble and get injured during heavy lifting.
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 – the transverse abdominis.
“Strengthening this muscle along with 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 the load is so heavy that you can’t manage it safely and with good form without the support of a weightlifting belt, you probably shouldn’t lift it.”
Also, wearing a weightlifting belt does not teach your body how to handle heavy loads on its own in real life situations. In other words, it doesn’t increase your “functional fitness,” so unless you’re a powerlifter, we advise you to skip 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. Nylon fitness lifting belt
an offer: 5 inch
Fits waist sizes: 26 to 46 inches
price: $37
This flexible nylon and foam belt uses a hook-and-loop closure system and has a 3-inch woven support belt. It’s a favorite among CrossFitters, but if you plan to do Olympic-style weightlifting, you may want a more supportive option.
Get it Amazon.
2. Professional weight lifting belt
an offer: 2 to 4 inches (pointed)
Fits waist sizes: 24 to 49 inches
price: $35
If comfort is on your priority list, this 7mm thick weightlifting belt is made of flexible “pre-broken” leather and suede. The tapered design helps keep it from digging into your ribs or hips, and the two-pronged buckle and tapers range from four inches in the back to two inches in the front.
Get it Amazon.
3. Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt
an offer: 4 inch
Fits waist sizes: 23 to 49 inches
price: $35-$50
This stylish black and red leather weightlifting belt uses a two-prong buckle and can support heavy lifts of up to 600 pounds. The 4mm thick buffalo leather is soft and relatively easy to break in but still provides comfortable support.
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4. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Belt
an offer: 4 inch
Fits waist sizes: 21 to 45 inches
price: $143
This handcrafted belt features 10mm thick vegetable tanned leather for heavy duty support, as well as a single prong buckle design for easy adjustment. As with most leather belts, expect a short “break-in” period as the leather becomes soft and conforms to your body.
Get it in Rogue fitness.
5. Iron Bull Power Weight Lifting Belt
an offer: 4 inch
Fits waist sizes: 25 to 50 inches
price: $90
This weightlifting belt is available in black, blue, grey, red, green, purple, and pink to coordinate with your workout equipment (or your mood). 10mm thick suede provides maximum support, and the two-prong buckle ensures a perfect fit.
Get it Amazon.
6. Weight lifting belt model 2004 from Schick
an offer: 4.75 inches
Fits waist sizes: 23 to 50 inches
price: $60
This nylon weightlifting belt is all about versatility – it’s available in multiple colors, fits a wide range of waist 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, and is ideal if you’re moving between weight lifting and other strength exercises.
Get it Amazon.
7. RitFit Weight Lifting Belt
an offer: 6 inches
Fits waist sizes: 22 to 59 inches
Price: $20-$26
This budget pick is made with nylon, a waterproof foam layer, and a hook-and-loop closure. It’s the widest weightlifting belt on this list, but the streamlined design helps keep it comfortable.
Get it Amazon.
What to consider when choosing a weightlifting belt
If you want extra support for your heavy lifts, here’s what you should look for in a belt.
1. Locking mechanism
Weightlifting belts have three types of locking mechanisms: lever buckle, Velcro, or prong buckle.
If you think you want to adjust your belt halfway, a belt with a prong buckle is your best bet because you won’t have to take it off to do so. If you want a belt that you can remove quickly, it is best to use a lever buckle or Velcro for closure.
2. Display
Weightlifting belts vary in width from four to six inches. Some are circumferential or tapered in design, while cylindrical designs have the same width all the way around.
The best offer is a matter of personal comfort. It should be supportive without slipping or limiting your range of motion.
3. Materials
Most belts are either made of leather or nylon. Leather tends to last longer if you keep it in good condition, but it is usually heavier and stiffer than nylon. Because of their stiffness, leather belts are best for weightlifters.
Nylon bands tend to offer more flexibility, which can be helpful if you’re wearing them while transitioning between strength training exercises.