A Newbie’s Information to Shopping for a Weightlifting Belt

When you’re critical about lifting barbells, in the end you’re in all probability going to desire a belt. Belts don’t forestall harm as individuals typically assume, however they do assist you to to elevate extra weight. This lets you squat and deadlift heavier—thus get stronger—in order that they’re normal tools for lots of robust individuals.

We’ve a information right here to understanding what belts are for, how they work, and who wants them. However when you get the fundamental thought, you’ll in all probability nonetheless have questions. So let’s dig in.

When do you have to purchase a weightlifting belt?

Each coach has their very own opinion on when is the correct time for a brand new trainee to purchase a belt. Some would possibly need to see you elevate a sure weight first, or reveal a specific amount of ability on the huge lifts. However the fact is, there’s no agreed-upon dividing line between individuals who want a belt and individuals who don’t. A belt is a device that anyone can use, at any level of their lifting profession. It doesn’t make up for not figuring out the best way to brace, so it is smart to discover ways to brace first. However a belt can assist you discover ways to brace, since you may really feel your stomach pushing towards the belt whenever you’re doing it proper.

In my view, should you’re questioning whether or not you need to get a belt, it’s in all probability time to get a belt. A variety of the nice ones must be ordered on-line, and a few have a lead time of a number of weeks, so that you may not really get the belt till a month or two after you determine you’re prepared—in different phrases, chances are you’ll need to order your belt sooner reasonably than later.

Which sort of weightlifting belt do you have to get?

When you seek for “weightlifting belt” on-line, you’ll get tons of outcomes, lots of them marketed to gymnasium goers who need to look cool however who don’t actually perceive what a belt is for. Let me reduce by way of the advertising and marketing to say: There are only some sorts of belts that energy sport athletes generally put on.

A velcro belt

First, there’s the 4-inch velcro belt. I’m beginning right here as a result of it’s a superb all-purpose belt, cheaper than the leather-based ones we’re about to speak about, and it’s arguably simpler to regulate and put on, too. I’ve one from 2Pood, which is a well-liked model amongst Olympic weightlifters and Crossfitters. These belts are 4 inches broad, they shut with a velcro strap, and so they have a locking mechanism across the strap in order that it received’t pop open even when the velcro fails mid-lift. The velcro will put on out over time, though mine has put up with greater than three years of frequent use and it’s nonetheless going robust.

Velcro belts will usually run you between $30 and $70, relying on the model and any particular options, like customized colours.

A leather-based single-prong belt

Subsequent are leather-based belts that buckle like, effectively, a standard belt. These appear like a comically giant model of an everyday belt: both 3 or 4 inches broad, and fabricated from a thick leather-based that’s normally both 10 or 13 millimeters. The buckle is big to match. (After I obtained my first belt within the mail, I laughed. I couldn’t think about carrying it out in public. However now I simply see it as a traditional piece of gymnasium tools.)

There are double-prong belts, which look cool, however they are often actually annoying to function. Keep in mind, you’ll be taking it off and placing it on (or loosening and tightening it) between units. The second prong doesn’t make the belt any safer, however it does make it fussier to lock.

Along with my velcro belt, I’ve a single-prong leather-based belt as effectively, and mine is a Pioneer reduce with offset holes. This fashion, as a substitute of selecting between two holes which can be an inch aside, I can modify the belt in 1/2-inch increments.

A leather-based lever belt

As an alternative of a buckle, chances are you’ll choose a lever belt. As an alternative of inserting a buckle prong by way of the outlet of your alternative whenever you put it on, you utilize a screwdriver to put in the lever into the suitable gap within the belt. Then you definitely merely shut the lever to lock it closed, and pop it open whenever you’re able to take the belt off. The “pop” might be satisfying after an enormous elevate—see this clip of Jessica Buettner for an instance. (I shouldn’t have a lever belt. I’m barely jealous of people that do.)

These belts can be found in the identical widespread sizes as the nice single-prong belts: 3 or 4 inches broad, 10 mm or 13 mm thick. Pioneer, the identical firm that makes my adjustable prong belt, additionally sells an adjustable lever that offers you a little bit little bit of room to lock the belt tighter or looser with out having to take the lever off with a screwdriver. (Pioneer isn’t paying me to shill for them, I simply occur to love their adjustable designs.) For an instance of a non-adjustable, Inzer’s Perpetually lever is a well-liked and sturdy design.

Good high quality leather-based belts, each prong and lever, value greater than velcro. $100 to $150 could be a typical worth vary, with the thicker belts normally being dearer. (Once more, customized colours and designs will run you a bit extra.)

The best way to purchase the correct dimension

Your waist measurement will inform you the size of belt you need to order; seek advice from the sizing chart on the belt firm’s web site to search out the correct dimension. When you’re between sizes, take into account whether or not you’re prone to get greater or smaller over time. For instance, if you understand you’ll be reducing weight, you might have considered trying a belt that may nonetheless match should you get a bit slimmer. However, it’s regular to realize muscle mass as you get stronger, and chances are you’ll need to have the room to get greater with out having to purchase an entire new belt.

In terms of the width, 4 inches is normal. (The utmost width allowable in competitors is normally 4 inches for powerlifting and 12 centimeters, or 4.7 inches, in weightlifting.) The recommendation I obtained after I was a newbie is that just about everyone likes a 4-inch belt for squatting, however that some individuals choose a 3-inch belt for deadlifts. I ended up getting mine in a 3-inch dimension, and it suits effectively for each lifts. Some individuals choose a 4-inch belt for each lifts, however put on it larger on their waist for deadlifts. When you’re undecided, see should you can borrow a belt to strive on.

The following factor to determine, should you’re shopping for a leather-based belt, is whether or not to get your belt in a thickness of 10 millimeters or 13 millimeters. If unsure, get the ten mm. 13 is very thick, and many individuals discover it makes the belt uncomfortably stiff, particularly on the edges. In case you are an infinite particular person and already very robust, you would possibly want the 13 mm. However in that case, you’ll in all probability come to that conclusion by way of expertise over time. When you’re studying this, that’s in all probability not you, and also you need the ten millimeter.

My high picks for every sort of belt:

Which sort of weightlifting belts to keep away from

So are there belts you shouldn’t purchase? Arguably, sure:

• Double prong belts are fussier to open and shut, and so they are not any stronger than single prong. If you need a buckle, most individuals will likely be happier with the only prong form.

• Velcro belts with no lock can pop open mid-lift. Search for one which has a locking mechanism that holds the strap in place, like these from 2Pood or Gymreapers.

• Tapered belts, with a large again and a slim entrance, was fashionable amongst Olympic weightlifters. They aren’t used as a lot anymore, although; velcro belts have largely changed them. Most tapered belts you’ll see on-line are decrease high quality ones geared toward individuals simply making an attempt to look cool within the gymnasium. Advantageous as a style alternative, however they wouldn’t be my first decide. That mentioned, if you have already got one, would possibly as effectively use it. It will likely be fantastic.

Actually low cost weightlifting belts (just like the $20 ones you would possibly discover on Amazon) received’t final as lengthy and may not carry out as effectively, however they actually aren’t horrible. When you aren’t positive whether or not you want a belt in any respect, I wouldn’t blame you for shopping for a budget factor first and upgrading later.

With that info, you have to be effectively geared up to purchase a belt that meets your wants. A locking velcro belt or a ten millimeter straight leather-based belt, relying in your desire, will likely be finest for most individuals. Now, whether or not you desire a plain black belt or a customized coloured sequin design, that’s one thing you’ll have to determine for your self.