What should you look for when buying a powerlift belt?
A powerlift 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 Powerlift Belt?
- How to choose a Powerlifting Belt?
- Advantages and disadvantages of a Powerlift Belt?
What is the purpose of a Lifting Belt?
As mentioned above, some people wear their belt all the time. These people probably don’t understand what the belt is for. The belt should be tight enough that it’s uncomfortable to wear in order to work optimally.
Try wearing it for 30 minutes and tightening it, then tell me how you feel.
The point of wearing the belt tight is to create stability, to ensure your spine doesn’t move, and the belt also increases intra-abdominal pressure.
Why should you first learn to train well without a Powerlift Belt?
Some people use a belt for certain lifts because they want to ensure their body is ‘extra’ safe during sets. They are a bit afraid the weight might 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 Powerlift Belt.
Form should always be the number one priority in strength training before adding any accessories. So start with a weight you can perform as well and as safely as possible before loading the bar with weight :)
How do you wear a Powerlift Belt?
Placing the belt is very personal. Often, a lifter needs to position the belt so that it covers most of the abdominal muscles and erectors. Usually, just a little above the pelvis, to allow for maximum intra-abdominal pressure, which is the main benefit of wearing a Powerlift 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 experiment a little to see what feels best for YOU. Note; The belt should NEVER cause pain.
How to 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’re often better off with a belt that has a clip closure rather than one or two pins.
The belt with a clip closure makes it easier to tighten compared to one with a pin and is also easier to loosen. This doesn’t mean that a belt with a pin doesn’t fit tightly around your waist, but probably not as tight as one with a clip closure.
Note; Tighter is not always better. You want your belt tight enough to breathe well and not cause pain.
Some people like an extremely tight belt so they feel safer during heavy lifting, which can sometimes be intimidating.
Advantages and disadvantages of training with a Powerlifting Belt
Advantages of a 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 prevents your spine from collapsing under heavy weight and can give you an extra sense of security while lifting, which can have a psychological effect before, for example, lifting a 1RM.
You feel extra safe and powerful because you’re wearing a belt. And we all know: The mind is a very POWERFUL aspect.
Disadvantages of Powerlifting Belts
Sometimes people think, 'Oh, I’m already wearing a belt, so I’ll just add some extra plates,' but this can still easily lead to injury because you’re trying 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 it 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.
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 out the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
