How to Choose a Weight Lifting Belt
It was not all that long ago when I was in this same situation. And the first couple of times, I got the wrong lifting belt. Fortunately, you have the benefit of learning from my mistakes. If you want to know why you need a lifting belt, what you should look for in a lifting belt and what lifting belts are available then read on.
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| Nike Strength Training Belt |
Before we get to powerlifting equipment restrictions and specifications, let's talk about why you want a lifting belt. As someone who has recently herniated a disk in his lumbar, I can tell you that if you want to lift heavy then you probably should use a belt. Notice, I said the operative word "should." I still do not believe a belt is 100% necessary, but a proper lifting belt that is appropriately adjusted may offer additional back support while executing lifts, like squats and deadlifts [1][2]. And any additional support or aide in posture in my eyes, is a very, very good thing.
It should also be noted that lifting belts were shown in many cases to improve lifting speed. This suggests that the use of a lifting belt, say while executing squats, can help the lifter produce more power. Where does this power come from? Better lifting posture [2].
Now, back to the question of what kind of lifting belt you should get. First off, if you are going to compete then you should probably get a belt that is legal in most powerlifting organizations. That means the belt likely has to be approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Second, you want something that will give you maximum support. And finally, you probably want something that will last.
Looking at the IPF rules, they require lifting belts to be made out of leather vinyl or some other non-stretch material, have a max width of 10cm, a max thickness of 13mm, among other specifications [3]. This kind of narrows down the field of available belts. Needless to say, the Nike belt I previously selected does not meet these specs.
Fortunately, there are some belts out there that can be used in competition and that will still fit the requirements I mentioned above. Two of the more popular belts around are the Titan Brahma and the Inzer Forever Belt. Both of these come in 13mm sizes, and both are approved by the IPF. They are both also made out of leather, both available with quick release buckles, and both can be custom sized for you.
Neither the Brahma nor the Forever belts are what I would consider cheap. But they way I figure is that you have to pay for quality. And 100% [thick] leather with a solid buckle that looks like it was forged on a mountain in middle earth isn't going to come cheap. So which belt did I end up choosing? I got the Inzer Forever Belt with the quick release buckle.
It should also be noted that lifting belts were shown in many cases to improve lifting speed. This suggests that the use of a lifting belt, say while executing squats, can help the lifter produce more power. Where does this power come from? Better lifting posture [2].
Now, back to the question of what kind of lifting belt you should get. First off, if you are going to compete then you should probably get a belt that is legal in most powerlifting organizations. That means the belt likely has to be approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Second, you want something that will give you maximum support. And finally, you probably want something that will last.
Looking at the IPF rules, they require lifting belts to be made out of leather vinyl or some other non-stretch material, have a max width of 10cm, a max thickness of 13mm, among other specifications [3]. This kind of narrows down the field of available belts. Needless to say, the Nike belt I previously selected does not meet these specs.
 |
| Titan Brahma Belt |
Fortunately, there are some belts out there that can be used in competition and that will still fit the requirements I mentioned above. Two of the more popular belts around are the Titan Brahma and the Inzer Forever Belt. Both of these come in 13mm sizes, and both are approved by the IPF. They are both also made out of leather, both available with quick release buckles, and both can be custom sized for you.
Neither the Brahma nor the Forever belts are what I would consider cheap. But they way I figure is that you have to pay for quality. And 100% [thick] leather with a solid buckle that looks like it was forged on a mountain in middle earth isn't going to come cheap. So which belt did I end up choosing? I got the Inzer Forever Belt with the quick release buckle.
References
- Harman, Everett A., et al. Effects of a belt on intra-abdominal pressure during weight lifting. ARMY RESEARCH INST OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE NATICK MA, 1989.
- Lander, JEFFREY E., JOEY R. Hundley, and R. LESLIE Simonton. "The effectiveness of weight-belts during multiple repetitions of the squat exercise." Medicine and science in sports and exercise 24.5 (1992): 603-609.
- International Powerlifting Federation Rules (2014). http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/fileadmin/data/Technical_Rules/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2014.pdf
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