What Does A Best Weight Lifting Belt Do and How To Wear It?

Whenever someone talks about a weightlifting belt, the first thing that comes to our mind is Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting. This is because weight-lifting belts were used in the earlier days only for these purposes. But, it is not applicable in the present era. 

Today, wearing a weightlifting belt is not restricted to only Olympic weightlifters or powerlifters. Recreational lifters who possess various abilities or levels of experience are also seen wearing these belts nowadays. 

You will see that guy in every gymnasium who used to wear such a belt for his entire workout session. And, the reason that he will give you for using such a belt is the back support that this belt gives to his back. However, the reality is that he is wearing it for holding in his beer tummy as he is getting on for undergoing a rep max over his bicep curls. 

But is a weightlifting belt worth buying? Is it beneficial for recreational lifting? Come, let’s move on & discuss its purpose, importance, function, method of wearing & time of wearing. We will also bring the names of some of the best weight-lifting belts in front of you. So, stay tuned & keep on scrolling this write-up.

Weight Lifting Belt Purpose

The benefits or purposes of a weightlifting belt are:

A weight-lifting belt will lessen your lower back stress as you lift a weight in the upright position. 

Also, the belt will impede your back hyperextension as you lift a weight overhead.

The belt compresses your abdominal cavity’s contents. As a result, your IAP (intra-abdominal pressure) will increase, thereby giving extra support to your lower back’s frontal bones. 

Besides, as you lift a weight wearing this kind of belt, your spinal erector muscles that naturally give your lower back support elicit less force. And, the lower back compression that you, as a lifter, experience at the time of circular weight training will be reduced because of the increased IAP. 

Moreover, a lifter becomes more aware of his back position as soon as he wears such a belt. This awareness of the lifter comes from the physical sensation that he feels with the rub of his belt against his skin. The belt urges him to consider his back position and the muscles that need to be triggered to maintain good posture. 

Note! Please don’t wear the belt too tightly, thinking it will affect you more. A handful of lifters confessed that even without their unaffected IAP & muscle workout, their weightlifting belts will keep them secure as well as confident. 

A weightlifting belt forms a rigorous wall around your lower torso, thereby linking your rib cage to your hip. So, it can prevent your back hyperextension, which restricts your back movement and your sideward bending or twisting. 

Beginners or new learners of the process of weight lifting learn the process of squeezing their ab muscles properly with the assistance of this belt. However, if the newbies in this field are not sure how they should stabilize their bodies without a belt, they should take the help of a coach. Besides, completing weightlifting workouts ideally requires some core work, stabilization & technical skills that a belt can’t replace. 

What Does A Weight Lifting Belt Do?

It serves as a reminder to keep your spinal cord in the exact position. Also, it supports maintaining the lifter’s abdominal pressure, which is required for stabilizing his spine as he lifts a heavyweight. These are the functions of a weight-lifting belt. So, have you discerned why weightlifters wear belts?

How To Wear Weight Lifting Belt?

If you are wearing a weight-lifting belt, wear it tightly. But, it must not be too tight. Wearing the belt tightly heightens its usefulness. However, one must remember that wearing it for a long period is physically taxing & thus, must never be done. 

The reason for it is that weightlifting itself elevates one’s high blood pressure. And, fastening a belt tight at the time of a workout elevates his blood pressure even more. Due to this reason, tighten a weightlifting belt only when you are performing any maximal/sub-maximal lifts or back hyperextending activities. 

Maximal/Sub-maximal lifts are the lifts where the lifter’s back supports the weight lifted by the lifter. Examples of these lifts are squat & deadlift. An example of back hyperextending activities is the military press. 

After you have done with your exercises, loosen your belt so that your blood pressure can again become normal like before in between the sets. 

When To Start Using A Lifting Belt?

The general rule says that if you, as a lifter, can squat your body’s weight or do a deadlift 1.5 times your body’s weight, you can start fastening a weightlifting belt on your body. Also, women having multiple children & lifters having weaker cores must start using the belt as soon as possible.  

4 Best Weight Lifting Belts on Amazon

Some of the 4 best weight-lifting belts are available on Amazon store:

1. Element 26 Weight Lifting Belt With Self Locking Technology

Want a sturdy, well-constructed nylon (100 percent nylon) weightlifting belt that sports an extensively adjustable strapping system? Which other belt can it be other than the Element 26 weight-lifting belt with self-locking technology? With this belt, you can pull on its release roller very easily to loosen the belt once you are done with the exercise. 

The belt is 4 inches & provides evenly dispersed IAP. You will get this belt in various pretty & cool colors. So, if you are a lifter whose intention is dialing in the pressure that your lifting belt provides, a functional fitness athlete, or a competitive weightlifter, close your eyes & go for this weightlifting belt.

2. SBD Lever Belt (13 mm thickness, 10 cm width)

If you are searching for a weight lifting belt that features a patented gliding lever, the adjustability that a prong belt provides & the comfort & tightness that a lever belt provides, purchase an SBD Lever Belt that has a 13 mm thickness & 10 cm width. 

This IPF-approved belt with the black oily leather finish & scarlet suede interior is a Great Britain-manufactured product. Its English hide takes five months or more to get prepared. Its strength & longevity is the result of this. 

Designed & prepared after a collaboration with various health professionals, world-class coaches & athletes, this belt is ideal for you if you want to size your weightlifting belt up/down while you attend your training sessions or any competitions. So, without any dilemma, you can go for this belt. 

Other than the SBD Lever Belt & Element 26 Weight Lifting Belt, 2POOD Metcon Training Lifting Belt & many Rogue Weightlifting belts also fall in the best weight lifting belts list.

3. 2POOD Metcon Training Lifting Belt

Are you a CrossFitter who is craving an easily secured released weightlifting belt? Do you prefer a belt that is easy caring & manageable? Then, the 2POOD Metcon Training Lifting Belt is the one you are craving. Lifters usually prefer this belt because of its creation with less rigid material. 

Also, it is very much adjustable & can be easily fastened. The tapered contour & design of this belt maximize core support. The belt is not much bulky. It is lighter in weight. Those who prefer to choose WODs for their exercises & like heavy lifting & breathing may move for this belt.  

4. Rogue Harbinger Foam Core Weightlifting Belt (5 inches)

Are you a trainee who is trying hard to buy a weightlifting belt for your exercises but has a tight budget? Do you want an easy-to-wash belt? The Rogue Harbinger Foam Core Weightlifting Belt is made for a person like you. This 5-inch belt with 3 3-inch velcro straps will provide great coverage to your midriff. 

The foam core of this belt, being less rigid than any other belt, gives enough stability while lifting heavy weights. Moreover, the nylon from which this belt is made doesn’t need any breaking in. You can comfortably begin your training class with this belt from day one of your training. 

Wrapping Up:

So, don’t wait anymore! Hurry! Go to any store for gym equipment & get one weightlifting belt for you. And, the next time you head to a gymnasium for lifting heavy weights, don’t forget to carry the weightlifting belt with you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)