Whether you're a professional strongman or just like hitting your PBs at the gym, a weightlifting belt can be an excellent addition to your routine. Not only does it help you squeeze out a few more reps, but it can also aid in supporting your back whilst lifting, protecting you from serious injury and helping you lift heavier. This buying guide will detail the different types of belts available, such as Powerlifting, Bodybuilding and CrossFit.
We'll also help you with the other elements of the buying process, such as choosing the right material, i.e. leather or nylon, and explain the differences between the clasps, such as levers and buckles. We've also included a selection of the 10 best weightlifting belts in the UK from popular brands like RDX, Beast Gear and AQF that can be purchased online from Amazon and eBay.
Once you've perfected your form and have started really piling on the kgs, a weightlifting belt is essential. In layman's terms, they act like a wrap worn tightly around the waist to decrease the level of stress that is placed on the lower back. This helps support the body and prevent injury to your back when lifting.
It does this by compressing the abdominal cavity, which creates intra-abdominal pressure - the pressure within the abdominal cavity. This added pressure supports the front of the bones in the lower back whilst also helping support the spine. So if you're lifting heavy, make sure you invest in a belt!
A weightlifting belt can be a great addition to your gym routine. It can help you on your fitness journey and protect your body as you attempt those heavier lifts. Below, we'll break everything down to help you decide which one is right for you.
Belts come in different shapes and sizes, so choosing one that's suited to your workout is essential. Whether you're looking for a belt for Bodybuilding, Powerlifting or CrossFit, each type of workout has a specific belt catered to those needs.
The two most popular belts are Powerlifting and Bodybuilding. They may look similar, however, there are some key differences. Powerlifting belts are the same thickness all around, whilst bodybuilding belts tend to be thicker at the back and thinner towards the front.
This variety in thickness is mainly down to the level of support that belt can provide. So, if you are looking for something with a lot of back support, then a thicker belt is the one for you. While they don't offer as much support, thinner belts do provide you with more movement, hence why these are preferred for CrossFit.
The most common type of belt you will find is leather, as it is strong, durable and will last a long time. They also tend to have a suede lining which helps the belt stay in place, however, compared to other materials, leather belts aren't as comfortable.
Compared to leather, other materials like neoprene and nylon offer more comfort as they don't dig into your sides as much as leather. They are also often waterproof, making them easier to clean after a good sweat session at the gym. That said, they aren't as long-lasting.
Thick leather belts with a buckle tend to be the go-to for athletes and gym-goers who want to pull their belt as tightly as they can - the tighter your belt, the more support you'll have and the heavier you can lift. This eliminates any worry that it will come undone during their lift.
Velcro neoprene belts give you a wider range of movement and can be unfastened more easily, making them preferred by CrossFitters. However, many professional strongmen wear velcro belts underneath their leather ones, which alludes to how much support they really offer on their own!
Prongs and levers are probably the most common type of clasp, as they are unlikely to come undone and offer you more stability and tightness. Although velcro hooks and loops also do these things, they are more likely to come loose and can't be pulled as tight.
Now that you know just what to look out for to find the perfect weightlifting belt for you, it's time to shop! Whether you're after one for Bodybuilding, Powerlifting or CrossFit, we've found plenty of options for you to choose from.
£16.99
Type | Bodybuilding, CrossFit |
---|---|
Thickness | 6" |
Material | Neoprene |
Clasp | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | S-XL |
£22.99
Type | Bodybuilding, CrossFit |
---|---|
Thickness | - |
Material | Nylon |
Clasp | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | M-L |
£23.95
Type | Bodybuilding, CrossFit |
---|---|
Thickness | 5.5" |
Material | Neoprene |
Type of fastening | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | M-XL |
£39.99
Type | Powerlifting |
---|---|
Thickness | 4" |
Material | Leather |
Clasp | Lever buckle |
Sizes | S-XL |
£23.99
Type | Bodybuilding |
---|---|
Thickness | 6" |
Material | Leather |
Clasp | Buckle, prong and rivets |
Sizes | S-XL |
£28.27
Type | Bodybuilding |
---|---|
Thickness | 6" |
Material | Foam |
Clasp | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | S-XXL |
£37.97
Type | Powerlifting |
---|---|
Thickness | 4" |
Material | Leather |
Clasp | Buckle, prong and rivets |
Sizes | S-L |
£27.97
Type | Powerlifting, CrossFit |
---|---|
Thickness | 4" |
Material | Nylon |
Type of fastening | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | XS-XL |
£17.99
Type | Bodybuilding |
---|---|
Thickness | 4" |
Material | Leather |
Clasp | Buckle, prong and rivets |
Sizes | S-3XL |
£21.99
Type | Bodybuilding |
---|---|
Thickness | 4" |
Material | Leather |
Clasp | Buckle, prong and rivets |
Sizes | S-L |
Image | 1 ![]() RDX | 2 ![]() AQF | 3 ![]() Element 26 | 4 ![]() Beast Gear | 5 ![]() RitFit | 6 ![]() RDX | 7 ![]() RDX | 8 ![]() Elevate Equipment | 9 ![]() WIN.MAX | 10 ![]() Elite Body Squad |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Weight Lifting Belt | Leather Weight Lifting Belt | Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt | Premium Double Prong Powerlifting Belt | Weight Lifting Belt | Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness Gym | Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting | Weight Lifting Gym Belt | Weight Lifting Belt | Weight Lifting Belt |
Features | Follows the Natural Curves of Your Back and Abs | High Quality Belt With Maximum Comfort | A Self-Locking Belt, Perfect for CrossFitters | Extra Support For Those Who Want to Lift Heavy | An Erganomic Belt For All Shapes and Sizes | Quality Lifting Belt With Durable Stitching | An Excellent Belt Endorsed by Top Athletes | Great First Belt With Double Strength Back Support | For Recreational Lifters Who Want a Bit of Support | Snug-Fitting Belt With a Soft Cotton Lining |
Price | £21.99 | £17.99 | £27.97 | £37.97 | £28.27 | £23.99 | £39.99 | £23.95 | £22.99 | £16.99 |
Type | Bodybuilding | Bodybuilding | Powerlifting, CrossFit | Powerlifting | Bodybuilding | Bodybuilding | Powerlifting | Bodybuilding, CrossFit | Bodybuilding, CrossFit | Bodybuilding, CrossFit |
Thickness | 4" | 4" | 4" | 4" | 6" | 6" | 4" | 5.5" | - | 6" |
Material | Leather | Leather | Nylon | Leather | Foam | Leather | Leather | Neoprene | Nylon | Neoprene |
Clasp | Buckle, prong and rivets | Buckle, prong and rivets | Buckle, velcro hook and loop | Buckle, prong and rivets | Buckle, velcro hook and loop | Buckle, prong and rivets | Lever buckle | Buckle, velcro hook and loop | Buckle, velcro hook and loop | Buckle, velcro hook and loop |
Sizes | S-L | S-3XL | XS-XL | S-L | S-XXL | S-XL | S-XL | M-XL | M-L | S-XL |
Link |
If it's your first time wearing a weightlifting belt and you're not sure where to start, take a look at our tips and tricks on how to wear and use it correctly, so you can smash your PB without risking injury.
2. Breathe in and tighten but not too tight that you can't expand your stomach.
It is also suggested to always create a 'block' before attempting each rep when wearing a belt. This can be done by inhaling and tensing your abs, which makes you push against the belt, making it nice and tight and offering more stability and support.
Now that you've got your belt sorted, here are some other weightlifting essentials that you can use to kit yourself out. From your fingers to your toes, everything needs protecting when you starting hitting those heavier weights!
Strap yourself in nice and tight with your new weightlifting belt! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, not only will you look the part, your new belt will help you stay injury-free whilst aiding your fitness routine and helping you smash a new PB!
Author: Ami Garrod-Rogers
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications