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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.
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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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | RDX Weight Lifting Belt | £21.99 Mid | Follows the Natural Curves of Your Back and Abs | ||
2 | AQF Leather Weight Lifting Belt | £17.99 Low Mid | High Quality Belt With Maximum Comfort | ||
3 | Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt | £27.97 Mid | A Self-Locking Belt, Perfect for CrossFitters | ||
4 | Beast Gear Premium Double Prong Powerlifting Belt | £37.97 High Mid | Extra Support For Those Who Want to Lift Heavy | ||
5 | RitFit Weight Lifting Belt | £28.27 Mid | An Erganomic Belt For All Shapes and Sizes | ||
6 | RDX Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness Gym | £23.99 Mid | Quality Lifting Belt With Durable Stitching | ||
7 | RDX Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting | £39.99 High | An Excellent Belt Endorsed by Top Athletes | ||
8 | Elevate Equipment Weight Lifting Gym Belt | £23.95 Mid | Great First Belt With Double Strength Back Support | ||
9 | WIN.MAX Weight Lifting Belt | £22.99 Mid | For Recreational Lifters Who Want a Bit of Support | ||
10 | Elite Body Squad Weight Lifting Belt | £16.99 Low | Snug-Fitting Belt With a Soft Cotton Lining |
This affordable heavy-duty belt is super durable and can really take some battering but will stay smooth and soft to touch. Its heavy-duty rivets keep the buckle locked into place, and because it is so durable, it won't snap under pressure.
The thick cowhide leather has a 'velvet like' inner lining that is made to absorb sweat whilst keeping you nice and comfortable. It has also been designed to contour to the body to keep your abs and back compressed comfortably and provide extra back padding for more support.
Not only is this belt super affordable, it also comes in sizes S-3XL and can be made tighter with each rivet on the belt, so you can easily adjust it to the perfect size. It also has a non-pinch buckle and two safety loops for extra security.
The inside of the belt is lined with genuine suede, padded for extra lumbar support and comfort, and is double stitched to be super durable. This belt can be used for Powerlifting, Bodybuilding and even CrossFit - the choice is yours!
Not only does this belt come in 6 amazing colours, but it also sports a self-locking mechanism to secure everything in place. This belt is perfect for CrossFitters as it gives you the support you need while still allowing for a quick release when changing events.
Although the material is Nylon, it's high-quality, made to last and built to provide even intra-abdominal pressure. It is also approved for use in USAW and CrossFit and Functional Fitness Competitions.
Not only does this belt look top-notch, but it will easily fit into your gym back, and it's Powerlifting Federation compliant. Its 4" thickness all the way around offers even stabilisation and lots of support as you lift.
Made from high-quality, comfortable materials, this is a great option for those long lifting sessions. This belt uses screw rivets to provide you with more security as you lift, so you don't have to worry about your belt popping off unexpectedly.
This belt is ergonomically designed to provide firm and comfortable lumbar support during any strength training. It is also waterproof and can be hand-washed and air-dried, so you don't have to worry about how sweaty you get.
Customers who have stated that they consider themselves to have a bigger tum praise how well this belt fit. It often receives comments that the belt is exceptionally comfortable, and the velcro can be fastened nice and tight.
This quality-made belt is excellent for providing pressure where it counts. It has a thick cushioned 6" back that offers a huge amount of support and comfort in all the right places. It has a contoured design so that it fits the body nicely and has durable stitching all around.
However, a common complaint from customers is the large, seemingly unnecessary packaging the belt arrives in. That said, customers have praised how brilliant this belt is and how it's become a staple in their workout routine.
This buckle lever belt will not only give you the stiffness and stability that you need, but it's also tight and comfortable to wear. Featuring a suede lining, it will be nice and soft on your skin but will also help it stay in place during your workout.
Although this belt is endorsed by some of the top athletes, it's also customer approved. That said, it has been noted by a few that it needs to be worn in at first, but once it has, it feels comfy, sturdy and supportive.
This belt is not only beginner-friendly, but it's also doubly reinforced with an extra-long velcro strap that really helps you tighten it for maximum support for every lift. This helps you increase the kgs but also helps prevent injuries.
It's made to fit the natural curves of your body but is slim enough that it enables you to have a bit more mobility whilst exercising. However, some customers have suggested that the belt is only suitable for short term use, so if you're planning on becoming a weightlifting pro, you might outgrow this one quickly.
This belt is perfect if you're a beginner lifter just starting with weight training. The pack includes two wrist straps to provide additional support for first-timers as they reduce the strain on your wrists when tackling those PBs!
It only comes in two sizes, which isn't very size-inclusive, but it can be adjusted to fit numerous body types. That said, this belt offers pretty strong and rigid back support, which really helps in squeezing out a few more reps!
Many belts simply aren't that comfortable, which is why we particularly love this one as it boasts a soft cotton lining, which stops it from digging in. Its snug fit contours to your natural body shape, and the 6" thickness helps you stay safe and (hopefully!) injury-free.
Although most people use this belt during a gym workout, some have also used it as back support when lifting heavy objects in their day to day life. The only thing to keep your eye on is the velcro, as some customers have experienced it to wear down a lot quicker than others.
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
No. 1: RDX|Weight Lifting Belt
No. 2: AQF| Leather Weight Lifting Belt
No. 3: Element 26|Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
No. 4: Beast Gear|Premium Double Prong Powerlifting Belt
No. 5: RitFit|Weight Lifting Belt
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