If youre serious about lifting barbells, sooner or later youre probably going to want a belt.
Belts dont prevent injury as people sometimes assume, but they do help you to lift more weight.
This helps you to squat and deadlift heavierthus get strongerso theyre standard equipment for a lot of strong people.
We havea guide hereto understanding what belts are for, how they work, and who needs them.
But once you get the basic idea, youll need to pick out the belt that’s right foryou.
I’ve had it for six years now and it’s still going strong.
I also own a velcro beltfrom 2Pood, 4 inches wide, plain black.
You don’t need a belt to do bicep curls or aerobics.
Bench press doesn’tusuallycall for a belt, but that’s a matter of preference.
A belt is a tool that anybody can use, at any point in their lifting career.
Mine isfrom 2Pood, which is a popular brand among Olympic weightlifters and Crossfitters.
You don’t need to be a weightlifter or Crossfitter to use these, though.
They’re great for regular squats and deadlifts.
The locking mechanism is essential, in my opinion, since the velcro will wear out over time.
(Mine lasted about three years.)
It’s really just a little vertical bar in the middle of the buckle.
You put the strap in on one side of the bar and bring it back out the other.
Most good belt brands will include a buckle of this key in.
The buckle is enormous to match.
(When I got my first belt in the mail, I laughed.
I couldnt imagine wearing it out in public.
But now I just see it as a normal piece of gym equipment.)
These belts are the same width all the way around.
Between the 10 and 13 millimeter thicknesses, most people will be happier with 10 millimeter.
It’s a bit more comfortable, and provides plenty of support.
I’d say 13 is overkill for most people, certainly most beginners.
But feel free to try both.
My leather buckle belt is aPioneer cutwith offset holes.
The pop can be satisfying after a big liftseethis clip of Jessica Buettnerfor an example.
(I do not have a lever belt.
I am slightly jealous of people who do.)
(Pioneer isnt paying me to shill for them, I just happen to like their adjustable designs.)
For an example of a non-adjustable,Inzers Forever leveris a popular and durable design.
Good quality leather belts, both prong and lever, cost more than velcro.
(Again, custom colors and designs will run you a bit more.)
If youre between sizes, consider whether youre likely to get bigger or smaller over time.
When it comes to the width, four inches is standard.
I ended up getting my leather belt in a 3-inch size, and it fits well for both lifts.
Some people prefer a 4-inch belt for both lifts, but wear it higher on their waist for deadlifts.
If in doubt, get the 10 mm.
Thirteen isverythick, and many people find it makes the belt uncomfortably stiff, especially at the edges.
If you are a large person and already very strong, you might need the 13 mm.
But in that case, you will probably come to that conclusion through experience over time.
If youre reading this, thats probably not you, and you want the 10 millimeter.
If you want a buckle, most people will be happier with the single prong kind.
Velcro belts without a lockcan pop open mid-lift.
Look for one that has a locking mechanism that holds the strap in place, like those from2PoodorGymreapers.
Tapered belts, with a wide back and a narrow front, used to be popular among Olympic weightlifters.
They arent used as much anymore, though; velcro belts have largely replaced them.
Fine as a fashion choice, but they wouldnt be my first pick.
That said, if you already have one, might as well use it.
It will be fine.
With that information, you should be well equipped to buy a belt that meets your needs.
