If you are into weightlifting, then you know how difficult it can be to lift the weight using the right posture. A little carelessness can cause severe strain on your back and you may break a limb as well. When lifting weights, you should follow all the gym rules properly. You should wear the right shoes and start with a low weight so that you can get adjusted first. If you start lifting heavy weights right away, you may injure yourself. A weight belt can be very helpful in this regard. It can support your back, reduce the risk of back injuries, and improve your lifting power as well. Weight belts are highly recommended for compound movements like squats, cleans, and deadlifts as they are the heaviest movements and have more risk of injuries if performed incorrectly.
When you buy a waist belt, you should make sure that it sits around the waist and not the hip; otherwise, it won’t support your back properly. You can choose between a neoprene belt and the leather belt. If you are an Olympic weightlifter, then you should look for something flexible and rigid at the same time so that you can carry a greater load. You should consider the fastening of the belt. For squats and deadlifts, you should choose a double-prong belt. If you want more flexibility, then you should choose single-prong belts. As there are many different kinds of weightlifting belts in the market, it can be quite confusing to pick up the right one. We have picked the Dark Iron Fitness Leather Weightlifting Belt for review as it is one of the most sold weight belts and has received excellent reviews from customers as well.
Design
The belt is black with distinctive red stitching that looks very stylish. It is a cowhide leather belt that is designed to support your back while you lift weights. It is 5 mm thick and is lightweight. It won’t feel bulky on your waist, yet is as effective in supporting your back as a thicker belt. It is compact and weighs only 1.5 pounds which feels almost weightless. You can easily carry it in your gym bag and take it with you wherever you go. The belt is adjustable and doesn’t slip. So, you will have the perfect fit to make you feel comfortable. It is not stiff even when you first start using it. You will not find the flexibility you find in this belt in other weight belts in the market. Â
The height of the belt is 4 inches that support the abs, back and the entire core. This allows you to lift more weight without causing any strain or injury to your back or spine. There is a black plastic flap beside the buckle that protects your clothing from damage due to the buckle during a workout.
Build Quality
It is one of the top quality belts you will find in the market today. It is made of cowhide leather and is built to last. As there is no imitation or cheap leather parts, the belt won’t wear out. You won’t feel bulky or constricting after wearing the belt and it won’t affect your performance.
It is flexible and not that stiff which makes it perfect for the regular users. As it is made of genuine leather, it won’t break, tear or wear easily. It is not very stiff and won’t dig into your sides. It has two-prong buckle closure which makes the belt more durable. The closure is also reinforced with rivets so that its fit is strong and stays in place. You won’t encounter any problem using this belt even for years. Still, in case if anything goes wrong, you can contact the customer service. They are very quick to respond and helpful as well.
Size
You can get this belt in 5 different sizes from XS to XL. The XS size measures 23’’ to 31’’ and the XL measures 41’’ to 49’’. So, the belt will fit users of any size.
Comfort
This belt is a perfect blend of support and comfort. It is ideal for the regular gym user as it is flexible and of the right size. The belts that are used by professional weightlifters are usually stiffer and larger which the regular gym users will find difficult to use.
Effectiveness
This belt can improve weightlifting performance and help you to push beyond your limits. You will no longer hesitate to lift the weight when you know that you have strong support. The belt is made up of high-quality materials that conform to your body.
This belt is soft and flexible that doesn’t cause any pain while lifting. It is a super supportive belt that will help you to lift heavy weights comfortably. You can deadlift and squat over 600 pounds easily. This belt has the right width and thickness that provides extra strength, power, and support. Users will be able to improve their lifts instantly by 10% on average when they use this belt.
Price
This belt only costs $39.99. You will not get another belt of this quality at a cheaper price. This belt has the right height and thickness to provide you a comfortable weightlifting experience and improve your performance as well.
Pros
- It is a stylish and compact belt which you can keep in your gym bag.
- The belt is inexpensive and so anyone can buy it.
- It is ideal for regular gym-goers.
- It is made of durable cowhide leather.
- It uses a two-prong buckle closure which gives it a snug fit.
- You can get this belt in 5 different sizes.
- The belt is wide enough to support your back when you lift weights.
- It is quadruple stitched, so it won’t wear or tear easily.
- It is resistant to water.
- It has a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- This belt is only 5 mm thick, which may not be appropriate for the professional heavy lifters.
- Some users find the excess part of the belt to stick out and thus affecting their performance.
Final Verdict
The weightlifters in the past didn’t give importance to the weight belts. They felt that it hindered their athletic performance. However, the scientific data shows the opposite thing. You will greatly benefit from a weight belt if you are lifting, pushing or pulling weights. You will also get higher rates of muscle fiber activation that will improve your performance. As a result, it will keep you stronger and healthier.
The bag is made of cowhide leather that is durable and won’t wear or tear. The 4-inch belt is strong and it will support your back well. You won’t feel any strain while lifting the weight and moreover, you will be able to improve your performance by lifting more weight than usual. There is a high risk of injury when you do weightlifting and so you must wear a weightlifting bench to reduce the chance of any injury. The Dark Iron Fitness Leather Weightlifting Bench is best in terms of quality and price. You will be able to have a comfortable and safe experience by using this belt during weightlifting.