Weightlifting belts are a tool used by many fitness enthusiasts, and when used properly, these accessories can add premium rigidity and stability to your biggest lifts. And just like the myriad of tools you’d find in a toolbox, there are plenty of weightlifting belts out there to suit your different training needs.

Whether aiming for a new deadlift PR or just wanting to improve your lifting profile, there’s a weightlifting belt to support your workouts. To help you support your fitness journey, we’ve logged plenty of sets and reps to determine the best weightlifting belts on the market. Before you strap in for newfound strength training success, however, it helps to understand just how the varied weightlifting belt styles can accentuate your fitness goals.

What to Look for in a Weightlifting Belt
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. Here are some common features to consider before deciding on your best waist-bound training partner.

Shape
Lifters come in many shapes and sizes — and so do weightlifting belts. Typically, you’ll find these fitness accessories in two standard designs:

Cylinder lifting belts showcase a uniform width throughout the entire belt profile and are designed to support the back, abdomen and sides. This belt style is preferred particularly by powerlifters and strongman athletes for its uniform surface for optimal bracing potential.

Tapered lifting belts, on the other hand, slope inward with the widest portion of the belt located at the back. This can make for a more comfortable front and side experience, allowing for better mobility. Because of this fact, many Olympic weightlifters and beginner athletes will favor this weightlifting belt style.

Material
The two main materials you’ll find when searching for a weightlifting belt are leather and nylon.

Leather weightlifting belts are premium accessories that can last you a lifetime’s worth of lifting. Because of leather’s rigid structure, these belts can provide excellent bracing surfaces for maintaining that tree trunk stature under a squat. Premium leather weightlifting belts, like any leather products, do take some breaking in, however, and require routine maintenance from time to time. Additionally, leather belts are often more expensive because of the higher-grade materials used.

If you don’t want to break the bank, or want a weightlifting belt that’s ready from the jump, consider a nylon belt. This man-made material can provide plenty of support and doesn’t require an extended break-in period. Nylon is also more malleable than leather, which can promote more agility and comfort. Olympic lifters often choose nylon weightlifting belts for movements such as the snatch or clean and jerk.

Latching System
There are multiple latching mechanisms employed by weightlifting belts, each with its own benefits and flaws.

Hook-and-loop latches are the easiest to maneuver and can provide the most personalized fit. Simply pull on the tab to lock in and unlock. 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.

Buckled or pronged latching systems feature a standard closure similar to other belts. Weightlifting belts can feature a single or dual-pronged system, but we’d recommend opting for a single-prong style. 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.

Levered weightlifting belts can provide exceptional security that is consistent every time you lock in for a workout. The base of the lever is kept in one secure spot along the belt’s profile with screws or other hardware, so you don’t have to search for that personalized fit. Just set the base and you’re ready to go. Levered belts are often the most expensive, however, and could be overkill for less experienced lifters.

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