Missy Nolan
10 min
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A weight lifting belt can be a very useful piece of gym equipment! Not only will it support your back, but it will give you something to push your core muscles against when performing a heavy lift. For those with lower back problems getting into heavy-duty resistance training, it can prevent spinal injuries—at least until you've strengthened your core muscles enough to the point that you no longer need the belt.
Now:
A good lifting belt is definitely worth its weight in gold. A custom weight lifting belt will be made to fit your back and waist, while a lever weight lifting belt has a special closure that ensures a proper fit.
There are mens and womens weight lifting belt choices, and belts designed for each type of activity: from resistance training to bodyweight training to CrossFit.
Want to hear the best part?
Below, we've gathered a list of the best lifting belts for you. We've done the research and combed through hundreds of weight belts and thousands of reviews to give you a list of the best. Read on to find out the best ligting belts for every type of activity
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Very lightweight, provides decent back support, great for medium-weight lifting, more comfortable than stiff leather belts, stays put, easy to put on and take off, and (best of all) it's cheap.
Not supportive enough for serious heavy-duty lifting and runs slightly small.
Performance: If you're new to the gym and looking for a belt to help you get accustomed to weight training, this is a good option to consider. It's built for medium-weight lifting, providing all the support you need as you work up to seriously heavy lifts.
The belt is lightweight, flexible, and comfortable, providing good support for your back without limiting your movements. You can adjust the Velcro strap according to your desired snugness, and you'll find that the belt can handle both straight (Squats, Overhead Press) and bent (Deadlifts, Bent Over Rows) exercises with ease.
The sizes run a bit small, so make sure to order a size larger. Also, be aware that the Velcro on the right side may damage the cloth of your T-shirts or sweaters.
Price: At $20, this is a very well-priced option and a great price for your first weight lifting belt. It's built for newbies, so it will help you get in the groove of serious weight training.
Uber-comfortable, made of solid cowhide leather, features a secure buckle and very durable design, built to last for years, highly affordable price tag, great for beginners, and can handle a lot of weight and pressure.
The leather is not quite up to par with higher-end weight belts.
Performance: If you're looking for a great "first weight belt" for some hardcore power lifting or Olympic training, this is a weight belt worth consider. The 4-inch wide belt offers excellent lumbar support and solid resistance for your abs to push against as you squat or lift. The foam pad built into the inside of the belt keeps it resting snug against your back. The belt's design is more than just comfortable—it will seriously reduce your risk of back injuries.
The double-pronged roller buckle takes a bit of time to break in, but you'll find that it's a highly durable closure. The leather is double-stitched and can last for years, though it isn't quite as water/sweat-resistant as higher-end belts. However, for comfort and good support for first time gymgoers, this is a belt you won't be able to beat.
Price: $20 is a very reasonable price to pay for this belt. Between the durable design, top-notch comfort, and sturdy support, it's a belt that any weightlifter should be happy to own.
Compatible with a variety of activities; unisex colors and fit; durable design; not too heavy duty; washable; inner core provides stability and cushioning; and features a Velcro fastener for customized comfort.
Not suitable for power lifters/Strongmen.
Performance: For those who participate in multiple workouts—from CrossFit to HIIT to Olympic training to MMA to basic resistance training—this is the belt that can keep up with all of the above. It's lightweight and flexible, but it doesn't compromise on lower back support. The front and back of the belt are 4.5 wide, but the sides narrow down to allow for greater flexibility and mobility.
The belt is highly comfortable, thanks to the inner core that provides cushioning and enhances stability. It's not a heavy duty belt for serious powerlifters, but it's the ideal option for men and women who want to train hard at the gym or hit their WOD like champs. It can help to reduce lower back injuries and stabilize existing injuries, making it great for recovery!
Price: At $20, this is one of the best-priced belts on the list. It's a great choice for lifters who want to engage in other training activities and need "one belt to rule them all". Great for men and women alike.
Designed for women, solidly built, very comfortable, sizes are accurate (chart is provided), lightweight, versatile, short break-in period, and comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Rides up on curvy women and can't handle very heavy weight.
Performance: If you're looking for a quality women's weight lifting belt, this is the belt for you! It's 5 inches wide with a 2-inch thick closure strap. Thanks to the Velcro strap, you can adjust the fit of the belt to make it as loose or snug as you need. This also makes it a highly versatile belt that can adapt to your training, be it HIIT training, regular lifting, or CrossFit.
The good thing about this belt is that it's not over the top with its femininity. The belt itself is black, with pink only on the "FitGirl" logo. Of course, if you're the type who wants to pair the belt with the shoes or leggings, it also comes in an option with more pink to it.
The belt offers excellent lower back support and is supremely comfortable. However, it's not designed for heavy-duty lifting, and it lacks the durability of a leather belt.
Price: At $50, it's a pretty pricey belt. Thankfully, you can often get it on sale from Amazon—dropping the price by as much as 50%. For that, it's definitely a weight belt worth considering!
Made from long-lasting leather, very thick and solid construction, comfortable, not too thick or thin, and features a heavy duty design with a secure closure.
Difficult to put on until fully broken in; edges can be rough and painful
Performance: If you're looking for a weight belt that can keep up with VERY heavy-duty training (power or Olympic lifting), this is the belt for you. Built from high-grade 3/8" thick leather, the belt is built to take a beating. You'll find that it can handle years of regular use without losing its stiffness or excellent support.
The belt is 4" wide, offering excellent lumbar support without preventing you from moving easily. You'll find that it provides solid resistance for your back and core when you perform deadlifts, squats, and other lower body exercises.
On the downside, the belt can be challenging to put on at first. The double prong closure system is highly secure, but the leather is stiff for the first few weeks of use. However, as you use it, it will be easier to slip on.
Price: The average man (Large size) will pay $50 for this belt—a higher price than you'd expect, but well worth it for such a long-lasting piece of gear. Once you own this bad boy, you won't need to buy another weight lifting belt for at least another decade.
Unisex design, compatible with all resistance training, lightweight, features Velcro strap that provides customized support and sleek contours that are VERY comfortable, and it's very well-priced.
Sizes are off; either too large or too small.
Performance: If you want a weight belt built for top performance, it doesn't get better than this! Instead of a leather belt with pre-drilled holes, you have a Velcro strap that can be set as loose or tight as you want it. You can customize the tightness to your body, ensuring maximum support for your lower back.
The belt widens in the back, giving you a wider surface area for lower back support. The belt is stiff enough to prevent injuries, but has the mobility and flexibility that enables you to move around comfortably. It's a good option for those who enjoy CrossFit, HIIT training, and other high-movement exercises.
The design is unisex, and it comes in four colors: pink, white, blue, and black. It's both a mens and womens weight lifting belt, making it perfect for anyone to use. However, be warned that the sizes are often off. Many users have complained that their belt is either larger or smaller than they ordered.
Price: At under $30, this is a VERY well-priced belt. It's not made of leather, so it doesn't quite have the durability of some of the options below. However, the material will not soak up sweat and bad odors. It has good breathability and, once it's broken in, it will be a very comfortable weight lifting belt to use.
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6 Best Weight Lifting Belts
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