A weightlifting belt is a fantastic gym tool to have, whether you are a seasoned lifter or are just beginning your lifting journey. It offers tons of benefits from helping you focus on your form to providing support for your lower back.
Weightlifting belts are made differently and one search on the internet will lead you to hundreds, even thousands, of options to choose from. Selecting the best ones, especially for beginners is crucial to ensure that you will get the right support and protection that you will need for your lifting.
Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality weightlifting belts out there and we’ve put together a list to help you make an informed decision before you make your purchase. So, read on and learn more about the best weightlifting belt for beginners.
OUR TOP PICK
Hawk Sports Lever Powerlifting Belt
The Hawk Sports Lever Powerlifting Belt is our top pick for the best weightlifting belt for beginners as it is ergonomic, heavy-duty, and stylish, making it a perfect tool for lifters of any level.
Measuring 4 inches wide and 10mm thick, this belt is made of high-quality genuine leather that makes it suitable even for heavy weightlifting. Plus, it is reinforced with heavy-duty stitching which adds to the durability of the belt, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
This belt has a lever buckle made of steel that is not only easy to use but is also resistant to wear and tear. With its simple flip-shut mechanism, users can easily slip on and off, adjust, and fasten the belt It has 12 holes for adjustment, so you’ll have no trouble getting this belt to the perfect size for adequate support.
Another significant selling point of the Hawk Powerlifting Belt is how comfortable it is to wear. Its suede thick lining and rounded edges ensure that you won’t feel the belt dig in uncomfortably.
Pros
Heavy-duty and durable
Comfortable
Easy-to-use
Cons
Sizes can run large
RUNNER UP
RitFit Weightlifting Belt
We’re starting off with the RitFit Weightlifting belt which is a perfect belt for beginners looking to test the waters. It features a 6-inch width, which is more than enough to support the lifter while keeping the abdomen tight and protected.
The stiff foam core of the belt provides support and stability to the abdominal muscles, allowing the lifter to engage their core muscles properly during weight lifting.
Additionally, the belt features tricot lining and softbound edges to keep the rubbing and digging to a minimum. It also has a closure that is easy to adjust, open and close, providing convenience to users who are still getting the hang of using belts.
Pros
Ideal for Beginners
Wide torso coverage and support
Can fit small to x-large
Cons
Stitching quality can be inconsistent.
RUNNER UP
Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt
The Element 26 Weightlifting belt is a fantastic belt designed with self-locking buckle that automatically locks in place once tightened and ensures that it will not unlock unexpectedly no matter how much you’re lifting. This mechanism gives users, especially beginners, peace of mind and allows them to focus on their exercise.
The belt has a width of 4 inches which provides ample back support and torso coverage. It is made with high-quality nylon material that can withstand heavy use and won’t crack or tear over time.
The Element 26 Weightlifting Belt is competition approved so it is perfect for lifters who may be planning to compete or go professional. Additionally, it has an included lifetime warranty. Definitely a worthy investment.
Pros
Self-locking buckle
Durable nylon belt
Available in several colors
Competition Approved
Includes Lifetime Warranty
Cons
Sizing can be confusing
RUNNER UP
Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
The Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt is another fantastic option for beginners. With its contoured fit and 6-inch width, this belt provides complete coverage of the waist and offers safe core engagement.
This belt is made with neoprene which makes for a lightweight, yet tough and wear-resistant accessory. A layer of mesh has been stitched in for extra breathability and moisture-wicking.
It features a roller buckle closure that requires minimal effort to feed and pull the strap through the buckle. Not only can the belt be adjusted effortlessly, but once it’s in place, it won’t move an inch. This is due to the clever auto-lock technology employed by Iron Bull.
Pros
Contoured fit
Breathable mesh
Has a wide range of size (Small to XX-Large)
Cons
Can be too wide for some
RUNNER UP
Gym Reapers Quick Locking Belt
The Gym Reapers Quick Locking Belt is a simple and straightforward belt, with no extra features or extra bells and whistles. But do not be deceived by its simplicity as it is great at what it does.
Its high-caliber and quick locking mechanism guarantees that you are secure and protected. It also provides little downtime as you move from one exercise to another.
The belt is made from high-quality neoprene and nylon which not only gives it a modern and professional look, but also ensures that it can resist long and heavy use. Plus. it is lightweight and easy to wear during workouts, making it extremely comfortable to use.
The Gymreapers Quick Locking Belt is backed by Gymreaper’s lifetime replacement guarantee which means that you can be confident in its durability and quality.
Pros
Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
Easy-to-use quick-locking buckle
Cons
Needs break-in period for new users
Weightlifting Belt Buying Guide
Material
When choosing the weightlifting belt for you, consider the material it is made of. They generally come in two materials: leather and neoprene.
Leather tends to be more durable and resistant to wear as it is naturally strong, making it ideal for providing unyielding support and compression during demanding lifts.
However, a common problem with leather belts is that they often feel very stiff, which can push them into uncomfortable territory. leather belts are often expensive. They also tend to be more expensive which can be an issue for some.
For people who are just starting out, neoprene is probably a better choice. Because it’s a synthetic rubber material, neoprene has an excellent balance of flexibility and stiffness. It is durable and is wear-resistant, without the heaviness that leather belts tend to have. It also provides a good amount of support as you increase the load you are lifting.
Size
Lifting belts come in different sizes and lengths and just like any other item of clothing, getting the right size is important when choosing a weightlifting belt.
It should fit snugly around your waist without being too tight, and it should feel comfortable but not too loose that it slides down during heavy lifting.
Width
The width is also an important consideration when buying a weightlifting belt. Four inches is pretty standard and seems to be the sweet spot of belt widths in weightlifting. It will more often than not, provide enough abdominal and lumbar coverage to compress and engage the muscles.
However, choosing the right width would depend on the length of your torso and the width of your hip. People with shorter torsos may get a more comfortable fit with the standard 4-inch width, while those with longer torsos may opt for 5 or 6 inches.
Thickness
There are two main thicknesses you can choose from when you’re looking for a weightlifting belt: 10mm and 13mm.
While it may seem more sensible to choose the thicker one for more support, it largely depends on how much flexibility you want to get as you lift. Lifting belts with 10mm thickness are generally less rigid and take less time to “break in”.
10mm powerlifting belts also usually cost less than their 13mm counterparts, so this is something to keep in mind if budget is an issue.
Closure
Belt closure is one of the most important things to look into when deciding on a lifting belt. You need a closure that will make sure that your belt does not come undone unexpectedly when you have weight on your shoulders.
You’ll also need your belt closure that is easy to use, so you’re not continually wasting time messing around with your belt buckle instead of lifting.
The two most common types of belt closures are lever buckles and hook-and-loop buckles. There aren’t objective criteria to say one type is better than the other, but you can choose which kind will work best for you by knowing how they work.
Lever clasps basically just snap down into place once you’ve pulled the adjustment strap through, making them easier and quicker to operate than hook-and-loop buckles. They also usually can be adjusted more incrementally than other buckle types, making it easier to achieve the snuggest, most comfortable fit for your body.
However, If your lever buckle breaks, it will be pretty useless immediately. Meanwhile, in your typical hook and loop system, if either the velcro or the buckle gives way, you’ll still receive some level of support from the other component of the closure system.
Hook-and-loop style belts also tend to be the more affordable option, to begin with, so beginners and those sticking to a budget are likely to appreciate these closure systems.
Provide the proper technique for effective weightlifting
Provide support to your lower back and spine as you lift weights
Help you lift more weights with less strain on your body
Help promote proper form and posture
Conclusion
Weightlifting belts are an essential tool that both aspiring and seasoned powerlifters should have. Knowing how to wear a weightlifting belt and using the right kind will not only protect you from unwanted injuries but will also help you increase your strength and performance.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best weightlifting belts for beginners based on what they offer. So, if you are a beginner in weightlifting, our list will equip you for success!
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