Buy Powerlift Belt? Tips to Choose the Right One and the Pros and Cons

door Martijn de Jong

When you step into the gym, one of the first things you often see people using is a Powerlift Belt. Not only during heavy Squats or Deadlifts, but also during bicep curls, a Powerlift Belt is often unnecessarily used while people are lifting 30kg dumbbells up and down in the hope of growing their biceps.

What do you look for when buying a powerlifting belt?

A belt can be a great tool but some people use it more as a fashion item to look cool in the gym.

In this article we cover the following:

What is the purpose of a Lifting belt?
Why should you first learn to train well without a belt?
How do you wear a Powerlifting Belt?
How do you choose a Powerlifting Belt?
Advantages and disadvantages of a Powerlifting Belt?

What is the purpose of a Lifting Belt?

As mentioned above, some people wear their belt all the time. These people probably do not understand what the belt is for. The belt should be worn so tight that it is uncomfortable to wear in order to work optimally.

Try wearing it for 30 minutes and closing it and tell me how you feel.

The point of wearing the belt tight is to create stability, to ensure that your spine does not move and also the belt increases intra-abdominal pressure.

Why should you first learn to train well without a Powerlifting Belt?

Some people use a belt for certain lifts because they want to make sure their body is 'extra' safe during sets. They are a bit afraid that the weight could crush them if they don't wear a belt. Maybe (and we're not saying it's a must), but it might be a good idea to first get familiar with strength training and certain exercises and different types of weight before adding a Powerlifting Belt.

Form should always be number one in strength training before you add certain accessories. So start first with weight that you can perform as well and as safely as possible before you load the bar with weight :)

How do you wear a Powerlifting Belt?

Placing the belt is very personal. Often a lifter needs to place the belt so that it covers most of the abdominal muscles and erectors. Usually just a little above the pelvis, to allow maximum intra-abdominal pressure, which is the main benefit of wearing a Powerlifting Belt.

The key is to create maximum intra-abdominal pressure and support. Some people wear it a bit higher on the lower back, some a bit lower, you just have to play around a bit to see what feels best for YOU. Note; The belt should NEVER hurt.

How do you choose a Powerlifting Belt?

As with most things in life, it depends. Powerlifting belts are usually not comfortable. Almost all belts are very stiff at first and it will take some time before they are "broken in" to your body and feel a bit more comfortable. If you want your belt as tight as possible, you are often better off with a belt that has a clip closure rather than a belt with one or two prongs.

The belt with a clip closure makes it easier to tighten compared to one with a pin and is also easier to loosen. This does not mean that the belt with a pin does not fit tightly around your waist, but probably not as tight as the one with a clip closure.

Note; Tighter is not always better. You want your belt tight enough so you can breathe well and it doesn't hurt.

Some people like an extremely tight belt so they feel safer during heavy lifting, which can sometimes be scary.

Advantages and disadvantages of training with a Powerlift Belt

Advantages of lifting belt

According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the best reason to use a belt is to increase intra-abdominal pressure during heavy strength training.

This pressure also ensures that your spine does not collapse under heavy weight and can give you an extra sense of safety during lifting, which can also have a psychological effect before, for example, lifting a 1RM.

You feel extra safe and powerful because you wear a belt. And we all know; The mind is a very POWERFUL aspect.

Disadvantages of Powerlift Belts

Sometimes people think "Oh, I have a belt on anyway, let me add some extra plates" which can still easily cause injury because you try to lift too much weight. Some people also believe that when you wear a belt, you don't train your erectors as hard as without a belt; there are many different opinions about this, but keep this in mind.

Advantages of the Powerlift Belt from Thor Athletics

Maximum support during heavy strength training.
Easier to apply pressure from your abdominal muscles for a stronger brace.
10mm thickness for maximum support.
Chrome clip closure.
Fully stitched logo.

powerlift belt Thor athletics

We hope this brings you some clarity about a Powerlift Belt. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. You can also always email us or fill in the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

In the following article, we will talk about the Knee Sleeves. If you are interested in our Powerlift Belt, click the link below. https://thorathletics.nl/collections/lifting-belt-collectie/products/lifting-belt-krachttraining-fitness