What Size Lifting Belt Should You Get?

Weight-lifting belts are available in different varieties and sizes. These are considered a perfect accessory for many exercises you perform in the gym, for example, compound lifts, squats, bench presses, and others.

But for choosing a lifting belt, you need to have awareness regarding your purpose of getting a lifting belt and your waist size.

Not only is your waist size enough, but measurement of different regions is needed to get the best size.

You might get confused about the primary aspect of choosing a weightlifting belt.

You are not alone in struggling with the same problem. This article will guide you about what size lifting belt you should get.

Reasons For Wearing Weight Lifting Belts

Weightlifting belts provide body support and stability to your muscles and equip you to perform heavy lifting exercises.

Some common reasons for weight lifting belts are hereby:

Intra-abdominal Pressure

When performing lower body exercises like squats, extra pressure is on intra-abdominal muscles.

The pressure can strain your spine, but weight-lifting belts assist in maintaining and absorbing this intra-abdominal pressure.

Support To Spine

Weight lifting belts are tied in such a location that they give enough support to your spine and lower back. It also helps in maintaining your posture and spine alignment.

People with lower back issues can get maximum support from weight lifting belts to lift heavy weight exercises.

Core Muscle Stabilization

A tight belt on the lower region activates and stabilizes your core muscles. Abdominals, obliques, and lower back remain firmly intact.

There are fewer chances of twisting during exercise movements. Weight-lifting belts also prevent excessive pressure on core muscles during the bending.

Confidence Boost

Wearing a weightlifting belt can have a psychological effect as well.

It holds your core muscles and supports your lower body, giving you the confidence to perform even better without any stress or injuries.

Moreover, you can conveniently lift heavier weights.

Is All Weightlifting Belt The Same?

The most complicated thing with weightlifting belts is their size. Different companies have different size charts.

But there is one general size chart buyers can use before buying a lifting belt. For more accuracy, check the standard measurements with the company’s sizing.

Most companies market weightlifting belts in 5 sizes. Sizes with their general measurements are hereby:

• Small: 23 to 29 inches
• Medium: 30 to 33 inches
• Large: 34 to 38 inches
• X Large: 39 to 43 inches
• XX-Large: 44 to 55 inches

By seeing these sizes, it is clear that all weightlifting belts aren’t the same.

What Size Weightlifting Belt Should I get?

Over time, weightlifting belts gained massive popularity due to their positive impact on your posture and stability.

If you are unsure about the size of your lifting belt- here is a complete guide. We will take you through a step-by-step guide that will help you find a perfect fit.

Select the right belt

Even before the measurements of your body, the type of belt is essential to decide. There are two main types of lifting belts.

• Weightlifting belts: These belts are 4 inches wide from the back and 2.5 inches wide from the front. These belts offer a great range of motion during weight lifting.
• Powerlifting belts: The waist measurement is nearly the same for both. But it is different in two variations 3″ and 4 inches. Powerlifting belts are good for support during the exercises like squats and deadlifts.

Know Your Waist

For accurate waist measurement, you need to figure out the location of your natural waist. The best way to locate it is to point to your belly button, and right above it is where you can measure your waist.

Measure Your Waist Circumference Correctly

Use a flexible measuring tape around your natural waist. Make sure there are no bends in the measuring tape. Measure in inches.

Refer To The Standard Belt Size Chart

Commonly, manufacturers in the market provide their size charts. You can use those size charts and waist measurements to get the best belt size.

The proper fitting of the belt is essential, as the lengthy one will make you uncomfortable during the workout.

Test The Fit

Once you have found the belt that fits you perfectly, test it with your gym gear. It shouldn’t be tight to suck your stomach.

Check if you are breathing comfortably. A tight belt will not give you better results. So, never think of making this mistake.

What To Consider Before Buying A Weight Lifting Belt?

Several factors work as deciding factors, but some are the main properties to consider when buying a lifting belt.

Belt Width

Lifting belts are available in different widths ranging from 4 to 6 inches. The width of the belt depends on your stature.

For short stature, 4 inches is good enough, and taller individuals will require a 6-inch belt.

Choose your belt wisely, wrong width can cause discomfort and disturbed posture during the exercises.

Belt Material

Lifting belts are made of different materials. The most common ones are nylon and leather. Ancient bodybuilders often use leather belts.

Leather is a tough material, and it gives rigidity to your core as a result your flexibility is compromised.

On the contrary, nylon belts have better flexibility and don’t limit your movements. Nylon belts are used by Olympic lifters.

Traditional leather belts are preferred, but if you want more range of motion, you can opt for a nylon belt.

Bulking or Cutting

The selection of a belt not only depends upon the properties of the belt. But it also relates to your training (bulking/ cutting) goals.

Your waist measurements vary whether you are in the cutting or bulking stage. Both routines will require different sizes of belts. In the cutting stage, your waist is smaller than the bulking period.

Conclusion

Weightlifting belt has countless benefits. Most importantly, it gives your spine and lower body stability and strength to lift heavy weights. Moreover, it keeps you safe from workout injuries.

Getting the right size of a weightlifting belt is crucial, but when you follow proper guidelines, you can get the best out of it.

Know your waist circumference, your width requirement, and your aim to buy accurate weightlifting belts. Different size charts are available with the help of which you can know your size.