If you’re the gym warmer and love going there to get your muscles kicking, you might not know about weight lifting belts. However, if you do like to get things a little hairy, you should be aware of the importance that a weight lifting belts pose for you, your weight lifting and also your health. Not only do they help you adopt the right poses especially when you’re lifting heavy weights, but, they also prevent you from lower back injuries that could be catastrophic given the immense weight and pressure.
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When it comes to preference on which weight lifting belt most professional weightlifters would use, the answer can be more diverse than the question you asked. It is a highly preferential product and the answers might vary depending on the build, material and even quality of the belt. If you’re not a seasoned lifter, a common belt might suffice but that does not mean that going up the chain to get a belt that would be able to take the best care of you is not a thought you should consider. It might be a tricky area when you start thinking of the best weight lifting belt. There are so many in the market. However, it is best to start with understanding the fiber of what makes a good weight lifting belt. Here are some areas you should lock down on when making the choice.
Maximum width
Before you can look into the material and other features of the belt, you have to look into the maximum width of the belt. Any good belt will typically have an equal width all around. Naturally, most people are content with about 10cm width. It also happens to be the maximum allowed by most of the powerlifting federations.
Thickness
Most of the thickest and most durable belts are about 13mm thick. However, you don’t always have to go for a belt that is that thick. A good belt should be stiff enough so that when you wear it, it stays on even during exercise. Nothing more nothing else. This is more so the case if you lift weights for leisure. If professionally, you might want to factor in other metrics like the amount of weight you’re currently lifting and the material of the belt.
Levers or Prongs
Ideally you have one of three options that you can use to secure the weight lifting belts. Some come with a single prong, others have a lever and others have a double prong. It is largely about preference since each of the methods are able to achieve more or less the same results. However, most people would prefer to have the single prong. It is simple and direct to use. It also happens to be more common.
Materials
The range of materials that can be used for weight lifting belts are as diverse as the belts themselves. However, not all of them are used for the ideal belt. Weight lifting belts can be made from anything ranging from Velcro all the way to leather. However, the best options are made of leather. These are then split into two. Those made out of top grain leather and those made out of suede. The former makes the best weightlifting belts by quality and durability standards.
4 Best Weight Lifting Belt Reviews
SHIEK 3004 Power Lifting belt
It is not common to find a weight lifting belt that is made out of Neoprene. However, while it is unlikely, it does come with its own range of benefits among them the fact that unlike the leather counterparts, you don’t have to suffer the discomfort of breaking in to the belt. However, the Neoprene has to be reinforced which is what makes this belt such a great option for professionals and hobbyists alike. Other than the unique use of materials, the belt has been designed to fit into the natural contours of the body and has a cone shape that has been patented that helps to support the downward angle for the lower back for improved support of the abdomen.
While too many that should be more than enough to seal the deal, this belt has a lot more that makes it even better. It features a stainless steel buckle as well as VELCRO brand fasteners. With these, you can get a fully customizable and an exact fit. The Neoprene as expected has been properly reinforced which makes it extra firm and allows it to support even more weight.
The belt can be used for heavy and even during lighter work and to prove that you would be investing your money in the right belt, it comes with a 2-year warranty and the best part is, you don’t have to leave with the gunk of dirt that collects overtime. The belt can be hand washed with a mild detergent and air dried. Definitely not something that most of the other weight lifters can boast off when it comes to their belts.
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RDX Leather 6” Weight Lifting Belt Back Gym Strap
If you would rather trust your well-being and weight lifting future to a leather belt, then there are only a handful in the market that can be able to match up to what the RDX weight lifting belt can be able to offer. Other than have a good finish with a professional hint, the belt is also the home of a variety of other features that add icing to the cake.
The authentic RDX belt is made from top quality cowhide which ensures that you have a quality and reliable belt that is able to hold up to the pressure of weight lifting. The cowhide leather also adds durability to the belt and offers a great finish.
On the inside, the belt has a soft suede lining that has a built in carbon fiber lumbar pad. As a result of this addition, you have a belt that feels smooth on the skin and does not feel uncomfortable especially when you happen to tie the belt too tight. The lumbar pad ensures that you have the support that you need as you get around the gym. Ideally, adding suede leather to the interior of the belt adds comfort.
To add strength to the belt, it also has added carbon fiber. This helps in a two-step process. The first is to help you improve on support and at the same time help to reduce stress so you don’t have to deal with the belt digging into your skin while in your session at the gym. It is a belt that has been built to help you get through those brutal lifts.
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Rogue 5” Nylon Weightlifting Belt
Nylon lifting belts are not a usually preferred kind of belt when it comes to weight lifting. But this particular one has definitely earned its stripes to be considered as one of the best weight lightening belts there is on the market.
It has a 3” support at the front and 5” at the back. The measurements have been properly thought out to ensure that you have comfort and ample support. As the belt offers you the much needed support, it is also capable of conforming to the contours of your body and at the same time able to provide greater coverage than most of the other belts in the market that are also made of nylon. The intention of having nylon that conforms to the body helps to reduce the time that is required to break in to the belt. As a result, you’re able to continue with lifting without the discontinuity that comes with the rigidity of a new belt.
Its unique design features a thin, highly durable yet lightweight belt that is not a nuisance to carry around in your gym bag and definitely does not add dead weight around your waist as your do your reps. Additionally, the cost of the Rogue 5” is can be considered to be more budget friendly when compared to some of the options that are available and more so the traditional ones.
For fitting, the belt adopts a hook and loop fastening system and a secure Fit and also has a steel tensioning buckle that ensures the belt retains its tightness from the moment you wear it to when you complete your workout. This is critical in offering you adequate support even in the most brutal workouts. The system is also relatively easy to use and efficient. The Rogue 5” may not have the mean demeanor or great aesthetics but one thing is for sure. It gets the job done. It is also very affordable and ideal for those that are working a shoe string budget and would like something great to work with that does not cost them a whole lot. Even though it deviates slightly from the norms of the weightlifting belts, it still finds a way delivering great results.
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Harbinger Women’s Weightlifting Belt
There are more women getting into weightlifting at the time than there has ever been. Women have found the confidence and footing to finally do what they love without caring about what the rest of the world has to say. It is a reason to be happy at what the fruits of democracy have brought forth. Luckily, the demand that they have created with regards to weightlifting belts has also been met by suppliers that were yearning for it.
Harbinger is one such supplier and it is safe to say that women will no longer have to wear weightlifting belts that are meant for the larger male athletes. There are plenty of great weightlifting belts for women out there but this one tops the list of the best weightlifting belts because it has the features and a complete feminine pizzazz courtesy of the collection of colors and even the sizing of the belt.
It can’t be emphasized enough that this belt has been built for women. Everything about it screams feminine which is a great thing since it helps to cover a niche that is in dire need. It keeps the same 5” width that is found in the male counterparts. However, it buckles this down with a 2 inch support strap that runs all around the belt. It helps to strengthen the belt and offer more support as you train.
The core of the belt is made from ultra-light foam. Considering that women have a lower muscle composition, the last thing that they need is to have a chunky and heavy belt that they have to carry around. A heavy belt would also hinder proper training hence this addition makes the belt better suited for women.
While most belts are not known for their breathability if any, this particular one has a unique and very stand out feature that helps to improve circulation of air while you work-out. The plush apricot lining is tasked with the duty of improving aeration. With women, sweating is definitely going to be somewhat of a concern especially when it is profuse. With the tricot lining, this can be reduced to make weightlifting comfortable for longer.
For the fastener the belt ditches the prongs and adopts a heavy gauge steel tensioning buckle. Not only does this have a more feminine look on the belt, it also seems like a more fitting addition to the belt and does not stand awkwardly. It is subtle and effective and feels like worthy of the space that it occupies. At the same time, it is worth considering the fact that women might not be able to lift as much weight as the male counterparts. As a result, the pressure on the belt might not be as much and hence, there would be no need for having a prong for the fastening.
Click here to check Harbinger Women’s Weightlifting Belt on Amazon
Conclusion
While having the best weight lifting belt is a great way to ensure that you’re able to stay safe while weightlifting, you also have to be able to make proper use of the belt. Having the best is not enough. You also have to be able to make proper use of the belt. This would include you avoiding mistakes that most people make when it comes to wearing weightlifting belts. Knowing how to wear the belt the right way, when to wear the belt and understanding how tight you should wear the belt are key areas that can help you make the best use of your newly acquired weightlifting belt. With these tips and your best weightlifting belt, you have everything you need to make your next big move in weight lifting.
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