Strength Training Belts
Working out in a gym or at home often requires specialized equipment. From different machines for circuit training to different types of bicycles and other equipment, everything is designed to work a specific part of the body or muscle group. If you work with weights often, especially heavyweights, the strain of lifting those weights can adversely affect your body to protect yourself while lifting strength training belts are the answer.
What types of strength training belts are there?
Strength training belts, sometimes referred to as weightlifting belts or powerlifting belts, also serve as a back support belt. One way to tell the difference in the two types of belts is how much material is used. Powerlifting belts are designed to be used by people who lift weights specifically in deadlifts and squats while weightlifting belts are used more by people who do lifts like clean and jerks and snatches. As such, because of the movements made by the person wearing the belt during these actions, a weightlifting belt is usually around 10 centimetres inches wide across the wearer's back but much thinner, by 50 per cent or more, across the front. Powerlifting belts, meanwhile are also around 10 centimetres thick across the wearer's back but are the same width all the way around the wearer. Taller lifters can select belts that are as much as 15 centimetres wide.
What are some features of strength training belts?
Some weightlifting belts also have a pad inserted into the back section for added support. Most strength training belts are between 10 and 13 millimetres thick. This makes them highly durable and also helps them stay in place when the wearer is lifting and setting down the weights. Strength training belts are also made from a variety of materials, such as:
- Spandex
- Leather
- Suede
- Nylon
Spandex and nylon strength training belts have a little more flex to them than natural materials like leather. Most strength training belts use either buckle closures, plastic snaps or Velcro.
How do you choose the proper strength training belt?
After deciding what style of strength training you plan to do, it is essential to get a belt that fits you properly so that you don't suffer any injuries when lifting. Use a tape measure to measure around your waist when you are wearing your workout clothes and standing at rest. Make sure that the tape is snug against your body without cutting into the flesh. The number you get is the size of the belt that you should get. If you end up with an odd number, choose the next size smaller belt.