Stay in the know with the Morning Chalk Up newsletter. Do you want to beef up the lift Greg Glassman once dubbed the healthlift? The material from which your belt is made is also an essential factor to consider. Why CrossFit athletes will love this: If youre looking to put pounds onto your pull, you should consider investing in a 3-inch thick belt like the Dominion 3 Leather Belt. Iron Bull Strength 10mm Double Prong Belt: With a height of 4 inches all across its length, the leather Iron Bull Strength 10mm Double Prong Belt is designed to keep your core cinched and your spine supported through your every move. Lifters who are looking for a class leather option with a buckle or lever will want to look elsewhere. Its an intentional design choice that enhances the belts stability without interfering with the wearers ability to bend forward. One downside of this belt is that it does take some time to break it in. Along with our in-house experts, our team analyzes thousands of product reviews from the most trusted websites. Lucky for us, they teamed up with Rogue Fitness to bring us the Rogue Faded 4 Lifting Belt. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are multiple latching mechanisms employed by weightlifting belts, each with its own benefits and flaws. Belts can be a great tool for intermediate to advanced athletes, but many experts do not recommend them to beginners who havent yet strengthened their cores properly. We noted how comfortable each belt felt when strapped in, as well as how visually pleasing each pick was, because after all, if you look good, you lift good. The belt has a single-prong closure. Additionally, materials matter. Ahead, the answers to some other commonly asked questions about weightlifting belts. Wear it at rib level or nearer to your pelvis to find what feels best, and. Quality leather. But heres the thing: Weightlifting belts can support your functional fitness goals when you use them correctly and when you use the correct type of weightlifting belt for your preferred form of movement. While a long break-in period is normal for leather belts, the thickness of this belt means it will take a few additional wears to become comfortable. Given the belts construction, our opinion is that this belt is better for CrossFit-style workouts than powerlifting sessions. Trying the belt on before handing over your credit card info will save you from buying a belt thats just OK and/or dealing with the hassle of returns and exchanges. (P.S. You work hard to reach your goals in the gym and see results, get the most out of your workout and witness your strength and technique improve so you can train harder and longer with our lifting belt For your training, the sizing chart provides info from small to extra large for the best sized fit. These specialized belts are designed to stabilize and support your core, protecting you from injury. If so, youll want a different belt than if youre simply looking for a belt you can wear for metcons with moderately heavy deadlifts. This 13mm thick leather belt features a nickel-plated steel lever closure that secures this belt tighter to your skin than a pair of FLEO shorts. Here, we outline when, how, and why CrossFit athletes would use a beltplus, the best type of weightlifting belt for your specific fitness needs. Hook-and-loop latches are the least secure closing mechanism, however, and if you brace too aggressively, this style of weightlifting belt can come undone, which is less than ideal mid-exercise. While two prongs may look cool in the gym, the prongs are often independent of one another, which can make getting your belt off a tedious task. If youre looking for a more contoured weightlifting belt to support your iron dreams, the Schiek 2004 can provide the rigidity you need. DWYM is your trusted product review source. Additionally, leather belts are often more expensive because of the higher-grade materials used. These belts are not meant for the long haul, meaning youll undoubtedly have to replace them after extended use. 4 in Gymreapers Quick Locking Weightlifting Belt for Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Add to cart to save with this special offer. As the official belt of USA Weightlifting, its hard to ignore the resum of this impressive fitness accessory. If youre well-versed in strength training and looking for premium support and security, a levered weightlifting belt is the way to go. First, a weightlifting belt will only support your body and lifting goals if youve done everything in your human power to do that without it. theres a made-in-the-USA version of this belt, the Rogue USA Nylon Weightlifting Belt, that was designed in collaboration with Mat Fraser. Do not use a belt if you have a hernia or high blood pressure. LeBron James Invests $30 Million in Bicycles, Buckle up Your Training With the Best Weightlifting Belts. If youre looking for a belt specifically for deadlifts or squats or any strongman-type moves, youll want to invest in a power belt. The belt is an incredibly thick 10 millimeters, which allows the belt to provide unbeatable stability as you sling weight overhead. That means you may need to replace it after a few years, but honestly, your goals could totally change between now and then, so that shouldnt stop you from dropping the 35 bucks. Velcro closure wont last quite as long as other closing systems, Hook-and-loop closure may be inadequate for waists at the high end of the size range. Do not use it to mask an injury. But finding the right lifting belt can feel overwhelming. No weightlifting belt round-up would be complete without at least one lever belt! Lightweight profile that provides plenty of support, Hook-and-loop latch could be prone to wearing over time, Durable nylon can take some time to break in, Simple hook-and-loop closure that's great for beginner lifters, Tapered design sits comfortably on the hips, Slimmer front takes away some bracing potential for heavier lifts, Premium leather construction for durable, rigid support, Will take longer to break in than other belts, Classic leather design that's durable and performance-ready, Innovative ab plate for improved bracing support, Exposed stitching could be prone to wear and tear, Multiple colorways for a functional, fashionable fitness accessory, Must follow size chart for proper fitting. To be clear: This isnt just a material-saving gimmick from Rogue. Remember, a belt is just an accessory to your lifts, not the reason you can (or cannot) lift a certain amount of weight. Instead, beginners should be focusing on technique. The benefit is that youre able to achieve Goldlilocks tightness: tight, but not too tight. The nylon material makes this an exceptional pick for CrossFit and Olympic athletes alike, as the material allows for excellent mobility in more dynamic exercises. Created by athletes for athletes. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Levered belts are often the most expensive, however, and could be overkill for less experienced lifters. Point blank, belted or not, moving with poor form is risky business that could majorly sideline your progress. What more can you ask of a premium weightlifting belt? Are you an anterior-dominant athlete on the fast track to build bodily symmetry? Why CrossFit athletes will love this: Designed to support you through cleans, jerks, and snatches, this competition-certified leather belt is a sound investment for any athlete currently on an Olympic strength cycle. Wed be remiss not to mention that Velcro has a shorter shelf-life than a bucker or lever closure. The punchline is this: Weightlifting belts do offer benefits! Rest assured, strength sport athletes and CrossFit lovers, this list wasnt thrown together willy-nilly. Lifters who want to choose the exact amount of pressure and support their belt provides will appreciate the adjustability here. The belt has a hook-and-loop Velcro fastening system that makes adjusting the belt easy when youre transitioning from heavy weight exercises to gymnastics or cardio machines. Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt: Made from buffalo hide leather, the Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Belt offers more stability than a nylon belt, while still being less rigid than a traditional leather belt. How James Bond BASE Jumped on Skis 45 Years Ago, This Easy Ikea Hack Is the Best Desk Under $200, This Camping Trailer Is Small But Stunning, Unisex Clothing Gains Prominence in the Outdoors. However, its 4-inch width provides the rigidity athletes need when the barbell is loaded up. Yep! An aesthetically-pleasing, classic silhouette. Instead, take the time to look at the size guide and measure your waist with a flexible tape measure. To start off, we let the way the belt was marketed and designed dictate what sports and lifts we used it during. Follow these steps. To be clear: This 4-inch wide belt is *not* the best weightlifting belt for CrossFit athletes looking for something they can grab mid-workout, despite its premium leather construction. For a belt to work, it needs to be the right size! Community, Competitions, Athletes, Tips, Recipes, Deals and more. We then create one easy-to-understand review. Tapered lifting belts, on the other hand, slope inward with the widest portion of the belt located at the back. Access additional exclusive interviews, analyses, and stories with an Rx membership. Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in the category. Because of this, belts may fit each body type differently. If you are not lifting with sound form, you are moving in a less efficient and less safe way. With the lowered price point, though, dont think this will be the only belt you ever use. Why? Made of tough nylon that is equal parts sturdy and pliant, the Straight Weightlifting Belt has a Velcro closure that makes it easy to put on or take off mid-workout. The 10mm Lever Belt from Gymreapers has proven to be the cream of the crop for those with serious lifting goals. Buckled or pronged latching systems feature a standard closure similar to other belts. Do weightlifting belts protect your back? The tough nylon material will protect your back when adjusted to your desired level of firmness so you can focus on going heavy and breaking prs. Wondering exactly how we came up with the list of the best belts above? The Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt is a versatile belt designed with the various needs of functional fitness athletes in mind. In the world of Olympic lifting, Eleiko garners the same appreciative headnod and half-smile Rogue Fitness garners in the CrossFit world. You may not know where to start with so many different options for sizing and colors. Specifically, you need to master the art of properly engaging your midline, maintaining a neutral spine, and lifting cleanly. Gymreapers Lever Belt: As its name suggests, the Gymreapers Lever Belt is a weightlifting belt with a lever clasp. Roller buckles are a happy medium between Velcro and prong closures. It also has reinforced stitching and comes in five colors. Our goal below is to outline the pros and cons of the best weight lifting belts on the market so that you can choose which of the best is best for you personally. Now, strap in and get ready for a new PR as we dive right into our picks for the best weightlifting belts. But not this option! Weve enjoyed the simple hook-and-loop closure system, and thanks to this added front plate, were able to control our breathing and bracing with improved ease when under a heavy load. This means that the metal lock wont come undone during critical moments. Different people have different clasp, girth, and material preferences. Designed for use in a number of modalities, the Straight Weightlifting Belt from 2Pood features a 4-inch uniform width for maximum bracing support. But we all know that a well-made weight belt can improve performance and help you meet your short- and long-term strength goals, while a low-quality weight belt can distract from the task at hand. Need to replace this hard-working accessory? Make sure you wear your belt as tight as you can without it restricting your breathing. The downward angle of the belt aligns with the natural shape of your body, while the simple one-way hook-and-loop latch can be cinched perfectly for your sizing. Olympic lifters often choose nylon weightlifting belts for movements such as the snatch or clean and jerk. Injuries from weightlifting can encompass everything from muscle strains and tendonitis in the hip to spinal problems, so a belt can be helpful if you want to lift more without hurting yourself. Here are some common features to consider before deciding on your best waist-bound training partner. The belt is not designed to be used as a crutch. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. The main downside is that the buckle holes are an inch apart, making it less customizable than belts with holes every half-inch. After all, wearing a power belt in the middle of a CrossFit workout like 16.2 (which features toes to bar, double unders, and squat cleans of increasing weight) would be like wearing lifters while running and making a judgment call off of that. High quality, heavy duty weight belt for training heavy and functional workouts. Something went wrong. Simply pull on the tab to lock in and unlock. For more details, read our guide to wearing weightlifting belts. As a refresher: Something is considered sound form because it allows you to lift in the way that is the safest and provides the greatest mechanical advantage. Similar to how there are different belts for summer style, formal dress and more, the makeup of a weightlifting belt can heavily influence its prowess in the gym. How quickly do I need to be to take the belt on and off. While some athletes shy away from elcro closures because Velcro usually becomes less secure over time, athletes report that these belts last three to five years before losing effectiveness, which is incredible for a belt that costs less than $70.