Hey guys, I’m trying to get a weightlifting belt and I have no idea where to start. Leather or synthetic fabric? Any brands with good reputations? Anything I should look for in a belt? Thanks in advance!
I would definitely recommend a leather belt from Inzer Advance Designs.
A belt from these good people lasts most lifters a lifetime. Pay the extra money and go with a 13mm. I think single prong buckles are best but that is my opinion based on observations I’ve experienced at powerlifting meets. You can decide for yourself though. They have double prong buckles and lever belts. Also, go with the power belt and not the bodybuilding belt. You can also choose from many different colors.
If you plan to ever lift very heavy and do heavy triples for reps and possibly a single from time to time then you will need a belt if you are a beginner or possibly an intermediate depending on past training programs.
You can do max attempts and lift very heavy without a belt, but not unless you are an advanced lifter and have been thoroughly conditioning your core and lower back without the use of a belt by lifting heavy. There are pros and cons to both sides of this issue and it’s been discussed again and again on these forums.
Inzer is very reliable, fast and the customer service is superb. Cost of the belt and shipping will be under $100.
I would recommend getting to a decent level of lifting before buying a belt.
I’m squatting 135kg and DLing 145kg and still don’t need a belt. I won’t be using one for a long time.
I used straps as a crutch for a long time and my grip is shocking because of it. I’d advise you to seriously consider if you need a belt before you get one. Build a crutch for your lower back and it’ll be a while before you can rectify it.
I have to go along with Woppa for the most part. While it can’t hurt to have one on hand I would also be reserved in it’s use.
The only thing I’ve used mine for for several months is to hang a powerhook with a dumbbell for dips.
Even heavy deadlifts and squats are fine with careful attention to form and maybe better because I don’t have the sub-conscious reliance on the belt.
I’ve gotten away from it and am not sorry.
[quote]Raw Power wrote:
I would definitely recommend a leather belt from Inzer Advance Designs.
A belt from these good people lasts most lifters a lifetime. Pay the extra money and go with a 13mm. I think single prong buckles are best but that is my opinion based on observations I’ve experienced at powerlifting meets. You can decide for yourself though. They have double prong buckles and lever belts. Also, go with the power belt and not the bodybuilding belt. You can also choose from many different colors.
If you plan to ever lift very heavy and do heavy triples for reps and possibly a single from time to time then you will need a belt if you are a beginner or possibly an intermediate depending on past training programs.
You can do max attempts and lift very heavy without a belt, but not unless you are an advanced lifter and have been thoroughly conditioning your core and lower back without the use of a belt by lifting heavy. There are pros and cons to both sides of this issue and it’s been discussed again and again on these forums.
Inzer is very reliable, fast and the customer service is superb. Cost of the belt and shipping will be under $100.
[/quote]
Raw power thanks a lot for your advice. I’ll look into Inzer because someone else recommended this company to me.
[quote]fleep wrote:
Hey guys, I’m trying to get a weightlifting belt and I have no idea where to start. Leather or synthetic fabric? Any brands with good reputations? Anything I should look for in a belt? Thanks in advance![/quote]
I wouldn’t invest in a belt unless you already have back problems. If you focus on form like others have said and don’t to too much weight for your body you don’t really need one.
If you’re older, though, it might be a good idea just to be safe.
I have a very good leather belt from Shreik (is that how you spell it??). Very tough and comfortable. Personally I never use it for squats or deads as I want my lower back to work during these exercises. I do use it when I’m doing stuff like military presses- just to give my torso a bit more rigidity so that my shoulders can work a bit harder.
I’m sure the options above are great, and you can never go wrong with stuff from elitefts.com.
I’d get the belt, but wear it loose when doing your lifts. It’ll help teach you to activate all the muscles in your trunk. Just “think fat” and try to bust the belt apart with your stomach.
djd and doug adams thanks for your advice!
[quote]Doug Adams wrote:
I’m sure the options above are great, and you can never go wrong with stuff from elitefts.com.
I’d get the belt, but wear it loose when doing your lifts. It’ll help teach you to activate all the muscles in your trunk. Just “think fat” and try to bust the belt apart with your stomach.[/quote]
I’m going to second this. Push your gut out against the belt, and that’ll give you the strong base you need for squatting and deadlifting.
I would recommend an inzer belt if you don’t go with Elitefts. I’ve had one for awhile now and have absolutely no complaints. I know a few other people that have had inzer belts for years without problem.
[quote]georgeb wrote:
Doug Adams wrote:
I’m sure the options above are great, and you can never go wrong with stuff from elitefts.com.
I’d get the belt, but wear it loose when doing your lifts. It’ll help teach you to activate all the muscles in your trunk. Just “think fat” and try to bust the belt apart with your stomach.
I’m going to second this. Push your gut out against the belt, and that’ll give you the strong base you need for squatting and deadlifting.
I would recommend an inzer belt if you don’t go with Elitefts. I’ve had one for awhile now and have absolutely no complaints. I know a few other people that have had inzer belts for years without problem.[/quote]
solid thanks georgeb