If you have recently tried to do squats without a lifting belt, or the one at your gym or home gym doesn’t provide the support you need, you can easily find yourself with some pulled muscles due to hyperextension.
Amid an intense workout plan, a minor injury like this due to a simple error can cripple your results. Imagine that you had set a target to reach a new max rep for your squats within a month, you took some pre-workout. Well, some pulled-back muscles will destroy the prospect of achieving this goal.
Ready to get your new belt? Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks:
- Gymreapers Quick Locking Weightlifting Belt: Overall best lifting belt in 2023
- Element 26 Self-Locking Belt: Best belt-locking features
- Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt: Best belt design
- Flexz Fitness Lever Weight Lifting Leather Belt: Most customizable
- ProFitness Weightlifting Belt: Best for building form
- RitFit Weightlifting Belt: Best budget-friendly choice
- DMoose Weight Lifting Belt: Honorable mention
1. Gymreapers Quick Locking Weightlifting Belt – Best Overall
The clear frontrunner for the best lifting belt in 2023 is this Gymreapers belt. In addition to a great design built to last – including a lifetime warranty- this belt’s price is right around the level that you would pay for some of its inferiors.
What Stands Out
For starters, we love that there are approximately 12 different styles to consider. This belt also has a solid metal buckle that won’t slip while you are doing your workouts. This belt also has a lightweight design that makes it easy to take on the go.
2. Element 26 Self-Locking Belt – Best Locking Mechanism
If you are sick of the same-old velcro design that will quickly wear out and become loose, you might use a metal automatic-locking design such as this one instead. This belt comes in at least eight different colors and can be bought in all sizes.
What Stands Out
Although we like a balanced velcro with metal buckle design, the velcro-less design here is revolutionary and effective. To remove the belt, you only need to release the lift and then slip it off! Not to mention, professional weightlifters use this belt in competitions!
3. Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt – Best Belt Design
The level of care and workmanship put even into some of the most seemingly-minuscule aspects of the belt design are apparent here. Not to mention, this is a durable design that can give you up to 600 pounds of support.
What Stands Out
The minor aesthetic details are evident here – making this the best lifting belt for those who want a new companion to take to the gym for years to come. Of course, there is also a strong leather design to keep this belt in one piece for an entire lifetime.
4. Flexz Fitness Lever Weight Lifting Leather Belt – High Level of Customization
This is a great option to check out if you want a little more quality and aren’t afraid to pay a higher price. Although this isn’t the cheapest lifting belt, it is very durable. Not to mention, there are multiple designs to choose from, along with all popular belt sizes.
What Stands Out
There is a solid metal buckle for this belt that is lever-powered. Therefore, it won’t ever slip during your workouts. The thin 10mm belt design is also great for those who want an adequate level of thickness – but not to the point where the belt is bulky and heavy.
5. ProFitness Weightlifting Belt – Best For Form
The ProFitness Weightlifting Belt might be the best option for extra assistance in your form. With a strong metal buckle design, you can always keep your belt tight. The belt comes in two designs and all popular belt sizes.
What Stands Out
This is the best lifting belt for those who need a little more than just extra back support. Naturally, due to its light and thin design, users will be forced into better posture or suffer the consequences of discomfort. If you have been told that your form is the bulk of your issues – this is a good belt to check out.
6. RitFit Weightlifting Belt – Budget-Friendly
Many of us in the fitness community do not see things like buying a lifting belt to be an investment. Instead, they will view them as an unnecessary evil. If this describes your situation, you may be on the lookout for a budget-friendly option.
This simple hook and loop belt doesn’t have the fancy leather designs we see above – but it does offer back support.
What Stands Out
This belt has a simple design that is great for beginners and those who don’t want to whip out an arm and leg just to get a new lifting belt. Although, don’t be fooled here: this belt is budget-friendly but still quality enough to be used by beginners and professionals alike.
7. DMoose Weight Lifting Belt – Honorable Mention
Due to the high acclaim and notoriety this belt has received throughout the years, alongside its unique features, no list of the best lifting belts in 2023 would be complete without this wonderful cushioned lifting belt.
What Stands Out
There is a thick 6-inch belt design here made with high-quality paddings, such as neoprene. This might be the best choice if you are after comfort and quality above all. The velcro design here can also be paired with the auto-locking buckle to ensure that your belt stays tight.
Top Features to Look For in the Best Lifting Belt
To help you get the best lifting belt to meet your needs, here are the top features you need to look for before buying.
Locking Mechanism
One of the most common features to be on the hunt for is the locking mechanism. One common complaint people have about a lifting belt is the locking mechanism and level of support. Make sure that there is a secure locking mechanism such as velcro, buckle, and so on.
Belt Size
The belt size should be one of the most important features to look for right away. Typically, the best way to know your belt size is to take out a tape measure and go all around your waist. Do not suck in to anticipate future weight loss – either. Get the best belt size to fit your body as it is today.
Meets Your Budget
Finally, one of the last things that many people will do before they get a weight-lifting belt is to ensure that that is both quality enough to meet their workout needs. Of course, quality is only worth it up to a certain extent. This is why price matters.
Buy the Best Lifting Belt For Your Needs Today
If you want to bypass all the hard research and start with the best lifting belt, the Gymreapers Weightlifting Belt is the best one to get right now. However, if you need more clarification about the belt locking features, and want the best locking mechanism around, go for the Element 26 Self-Locking Belt instead.
Finally, the Dark Iron Fitness Belt might be the best choice for those who want an attractive, reasonably priced, and durable belt design. In any case, please remember to do your own research and not just take our word for it.
Although we did our best to give you the best options, your personal needs will eventually indicate the best lifting belt for you. Purchasing a new weightlifting belt may also go hand in hand with your new home gym set up.