Weightlifting belts are a unique type of training gear. They provide support, stability, and compression around your core once your ribs end. They give you something to push against when a heavy lift is trying to take you down. And, aside from helping you fight just a little harder during your workout, they help you train safely! But how exactly can you pick the right weightlifting belt for you? Let’s talk about what to watch if you’re shopping for lifting belts for women.

3 Things Lifting Belts for Women Need

There are different types of lifting belts, and they all offer their own unique benefits. But here are a few things you need to consider before purchasing.

1. The Proper Closure

What type of training do you do? Do you mostly focus on functional fitness? If so, you’re probably doing WODs where you don’t need a belt the entire time. In this case, you need a belt that’s easy to remove and put back on. For instance, the LYFT-RX weightlifting belt utilizes a steel buckle and heavy-duty plastic roller, followed by velcro. It makes for secure but fast usage because it’s quick to fasten and unfasten.

On the other hand, for functional fitness, you wouldn’t want something like a triple-prong closure on a thick leather belt. Something like that is more so designed for powerlifters, who are moving tremendous amounts of weight and need something far more intense.

2. One-Piece Construction

In order for lifting belts for women to stand up to the test, they can’t be made of a bunch of smaller pieces. For example, the LYFT-RX belt is solid one-piece construction. We use 100% premium nylon and remove unnecessary padding, neoprene, and trimming. It’s four inches wide, which means you get balanced and consistent back pressure, and, as an added bonus, it’s competition-approved!

Remember, the more pieces a belt is made of, the more opportunities there are for it to fall apart.

3. A Variety of Sizing Options

No two women are built exactly alike. So, why should lifting belts for women be a one-size-fits-all approach? Instead, we craft our weightlifting belts in five sizes, ranging from Small to XXL. To find the perfect size for you, use a tape measure, inhale, and measure around your navel, not your hips. 

• Small: Up to 31 inches
• Medium: 31 to 35 inches
• Large: 35 to 39 inches
• Extra Large: 39 to 43 inches

If you’re debating between two sizes, go with the smaller one.

If you follow these tips, your belt will be one of the strongest allies on your fitness journey.

Final Tips to Make the Most of Your Weightlifting Belt

We’d like to leave you with a few final pieces of advice for making your belt work for you.

Inhale and push against it: To use a weightlifting belt, before your rep, take a deep breath in, and push your belly out and against the belt. This is how you create that pressure and stability. If you don’t do this, then your core is still limp inside the belt, which is ineffective and also puts your spine in a dangerous position. Wearing a belt doesn’t mean you don’t have to try.

Use it to complement your own raw strength, not replace it: A weightlifting belt isn’t a quick fix for weakness. It enhances what you already have. Continue to work on building up your own core strength and stability. This is important for preventing injury!

Wear it for your heaviest reps: If you’re doing an Olympic weightlifting sesh, you don’t really need a belt for the more moderate weights. This is when you should be working on building strength. Only belt up when things get really challenging.

Unfasten it in between reps: If you’re doing heavy cleans, don’t keep the belt tightened the whole time. Give your core a break in between reps.

Don’t wear it for exercises that don’t warrant it: Wearing a weightlifting belt for burpees or box jumps isn’t going to give you an edge. It’s going to hinder you. These movements don’t necessitate a weightlifting belt.

Ready to grab a belt and get to work? Check out LYFT-RX’s full selection now!