As you get more specific with your lifting, strength sport, and general training, it’s normal to try out and use different weightlifting belts. This is a normal progression that most lifters will navigate in their career. This belt is easy to strap on and take off hassle-free multiple times during a workout, so it’s a great choice for CrossFitters. Despite its enhanced structure, the downside to this belt is that it’s not as supportive as a leather belt. If you’re a powerlifter or moving heavy weights, I recommend looking at the leather options on this list.

I hadn’t thought much about it until giving the Dominion Strength 3″ belt a shot, but then I was hooked. Ever since, I’ve used it for all of my deadlift sets where a belt is worn. On the flip side, my training partner who is taller and has a longer torso feels like it’s too thin and cuts into his rib cage. To each their own, as always. As much as I like the USA Nylon Lifting Belt, I have to say it’s nearly the exact same as the Rogue 5” Nylon Weightlifting Belt. The difference is, as the name suggests, the USA Nylon Lifting Belt is made in the U.S., which you’re going to pay about double for. Personally, I prefer the USA Nylon Belt, but if you just want a great belt at the lowest cost, the imported one is still a great option. Weightlifting belts are one of the most debated pieces of support gear for working out. Some people swear by the lifting belt, while others argue going raw is best. However, like all things, these belts are only effective when used properly. Used well, they can work wonders for you; improperly used, you’re only inviting more trouble.As usual, we started by simply scouring the internet and trying to compile a list of every belt in an Excel spreadsheet. Here’s a small portion: A velcro lifting belt is what I would call a “right of passage” weightlifting belt. This is usually the first belt lifters put on when they’re starting to explore supportive strength gear. Your primary training style will largely dictate the best weightlifting belt for you. If your workouts mainly consist of Olympic lifting, you’ll need a different belt than someone whose workouts mainly consist of CrossFit or powerlifting. A weight belt stabilizes your spine so you can move more weight. 2. Belts Create Better Body Biomechanics

Read our full Gymreapers 7mm Weightlifting Belt Review . Best Weightlifting Belt for Support: Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt However, some users may find this belt stiffer than other nylon/foam options in the market. Additionally, the width of the belt is five inches, which is a little more than average.Yes, it will help you lift heavier but it won’t fix poor form – that’s on you. 'A belt will give you more support, but it won’t help if you still move badly,' explains Mike Causer, head coach at London Olympic Weightlifting Academy.

Reilly, T. and Davies, S. Effects of a weightlifting belt on spinal loading during performance of the deadlift. J. Sports Sci. 13:433, 1995. Generally, a neoprene belt will suit most gym-goers, says Lee. Powerlifters should look for 'leather, something hard-wearing and more rigid,' he explains, while Olympic weightlifters will benefit from 'something in-between – the flexibility of a general use belt as the movements are more dynamic, with the rigidity that still allows for movement of a greater load'.Some research has also shown that wearing a lifting belt during squats increases the muscle activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Having greater muscle activity during an exercise can help to better promote muscle growth in the long run. Jim's Take-Home Points

The easy-on/easy-off nature of this belt makes it perfect for workouts that combine weightlifting with gymnastics. Position the belt roughly an inch or two above your pelvis, covering as much of your abdominal and spinal erector muscles as possible. You'll want the belt to be tight enough that you can't slide your hand between the belt and your skin, but not so tight that you can't fully expand your torso when taking a deep inhale. Bauer, J. A., et al. The use of lumbar-supporting weight belts while performing squats: Erector spinae electromyo-graphic activity. J. Strength Cond. Res. 13:384-388, 1999. A lever weightlifting belt is one of the most popular options for powerlifters and lifters who are getting more serious with their strength training. These belts are designed to be heavier and more rigid in nature. Heavy Stitching: Most lever belts have a nice durable stitching pattern throughout to promote leather and mesh durability. Typically, you’ll see belts use a single-stitch pattern around the outskirts of its material.

For CrossFit workouts or cross-training sessions where you plan to wear your belt for a variety of movements including some dynamic exercises. A lever belt’s stiffness can be limiting in this context. Several manufacturers have handy charts that you can refer to, but sometimes, they can be unreliable, especially for those on the lower or higher end of the sizing scale. The flip side of stability and support is also something that needs to be taken into consideration. What good is an ultra-supportive belt if you can’t move enough to complete your lift? The highest-ranking belts on our list pair a high level of support with an unrestrictive design that still allows you to move naturally through the range of motion of a lift. Belts that impede movement or, worse, pinch and cause pain weren’t ranked well if they made the list at all. Comfort In addition to relying on Google for help, we also reviewed what had been written on the home gym subreddit, asked for opinions from our Home Gym Community Facebook Group (more than 122K strong as of this writing) as well as consulted with some of the strongest people in the world to get their opinion on the best weightlifting belt they’ve ever used.