Women, especially girls like us, have unique requirements when it comes to selecting lifting belts, which I, as a weightlifting enthusiast, can confidently state can be challenging.
When selecting the optimal lifting belt for females, one must take into account the design, dimensions, materials, thickness, and additional characteristics.
I will delve into each of these in depth below from a feminine point of view.
What to Avoid – Belts That Women Shouldn’t Buy
If you are a female lifter, there is truly only one standard that I would actively steer clear of.
6-Inches Wide Belts
It is advisable to refrain from purchasing regular back belts that measure 6 inches.
The measurements of these garments are overly wide for a woman’s upper body, with a rear measurement of approximately six inches and a front measurement of around four inches.
This implies that a portion of your chest will be encompassed by this particular belt, and it will be quite uncomfortable.
What Makes a Lifting Belt Different for Women?
The female body naturally has smaller proportions. Women’s belts are available in smaller sizes, although they are comparable to those worn by male lifters. These belts are specifically designed for women who lift weights.
Different Sizes
Most weightlifting belts for men typically measure four inches in width, while those specifically made for women range from three to four inches.
If a woman has a shorter torso length, she may bruise her hips or ribs, or both, when wearing a broader belt.
Additionally, broader belts may limit the mobility of women, resulting in reduced benefits.
Tips for Choosing the Best Lifting Belt You Can Afford
To ensure that you are purchasing the right belt for lifting, you must consider other factors such as the materials, thickness, size of the belt, and measure your waist and body.
Thickness & Width
The most commonly chosen widths are 10mm and 13mm. However, certain belt producers, such as Gymreapers, also offer a 7mm alternative.
Most females should choose either the 7mm or 10mm belts.
Most women would not find 13mm belts beneficial unless you are a professional powerlifter competing in the heavyweight division.
When selecting measurements and their corresponding body areas, it is advisable to consider options in terms of two inches, three inches, and four inches, specifically focusing on width.
Taller ladies can effortlessly utilize broader belts (4 inches), whereas petite lifters should adhere to slimmer alternatives.
Materials – Nylon versus Leather.
Nylon and leather are the most widely used materials.
Numerous women choose nylon belts because nylon provides improved flexibility and decreased restrictions on movement for a wider variety of exercises.
Nonetheless, top-notch leather materials result in more long-lasting belts that can be utilized for extended periods and withstand greater amounts of weight.
Size
If your pants size is S, it is advisable not to opt for the same size when purchasing a lifting belt. It is important to take note of this aspect, as there are certain brands that offer belts specifically designed for smaller waists. However, finding the most appropriate belt for smaller female athletes might prove to be a more difficult task.
Instead, you must measure your waist and check the size chart to ensure that the brand’s provided measurements and instructions meet your own requirements for size and distribution girth.
Your Main Activity/Purpose of Using the Belt
Are you interested in powerlifting or specifically Olympic weightlifting? That’s crucial to understand because these types of belts share similarities and distinctions.
The front narrows down to a width of 3 inches, which subsequently widens to 4 inches at the back, as an illustration. Weightlifting belts generally have broader backs and narrower fronts. Weightlifting belts can be made of either leather or nylon, and they offer greater flexibility.
Powerlifting belts are typically made of leather that is generally more rigid and thicker. These belts usually have a consistent width of four inches from one end to the other end, unlike other belts.
Comfort
Convenience is one of the key factors female athletes seek when purchasing exercise attire.
If you want greater levels of comfort, you may have to sacrifice some support. It is important to know that the key thing is usually the opposite of support and comfort.
If you are unsure about what type of exercise you should do, whether it’s for more cardio or heavy lifting, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional trainer.
Closure Mechanisms: Velcro vs. Prongs vs. Lever
There are three categories of closure mechanisms for lifting belts, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Things to Avoid If You’ll Compete
Lastly, for individuals who intend to participate, there are specific regulations to adhere to concerning weightlifting belts that are acknowledged in competitions.
In basic terms, individuals who engage in contests should refrain from buying belts that do not satisfy specific requirements, like the qualities I previously mentioned.
Are There Risks for Women Who Wear Lifting Belts?
Yes, there are certain risks for women who use lifting belts, but you could avoid them by knowing how to properly wear those.
Lifting Belts Might Increase Your Blood Pressure
Waistbands constrict the blood vessels located in the abdominal region. Therefore, utilizing support bands increases the systolic blood pressure.
Strength training, encompassing various forms of exercises, elevates our blood pressure to a significant extent. As long as you sporadically utilize the waistband, this should be acceptable.
Lifting Belts Could Weaken Your Muscles
However, I know that digesting this information is difficult. It seems counterproductive to wear fitness gear that could help improve only your performance, as there is a risk that your muscles might become weaker.
Firstly, these two things do not happen at the same time.
Secondly, the results you’ll achieve and the risk you’ll expose yourself to vary based on how you wear and use the belt.
They completely depend on their muscles to support the lifting belt instead of bracing. Lifters should not forget to engage their muscles when the risk of weakened muscle mass appears.
Therefore, refrain from wearing these waistbands throughout your entire exercise session. Otherwise, your muscles may become accustomed to staying relaxed constantly.
Examples of Women’s Lifting Belts
Here are some excellent weightlifting belts for women that you should take into account.
Nylon Lifting Belt – Best For All Types of Exercise
This belt comes with a durable buckle and high-quality padding. Its contoured shape is both functional and flattering. These lifting belts are well-known for their increased flexibility, which combines support and comfort. They are made of quick nylon for added convenience.
Most lifters will be happy with it since it allows them to perform a wide range of movements – from front squats to kettlebell swings. They want something comfortable and supportive that they can use for optimal performance, and women who are satisfied with an average level of support should choose this belt.
If you are just starting to lift weights and want to integrate the belt throughout your entire workout, then this belt is an excellent choice.
7mm Leather Belt – Best For Both Support & Comfort
In contrast to thicker leather belts, the reinforced leather material makes it noticeably more adaptable and long-lasting. Particularly during compound movements, it offers exceptional stability and is slimmer than the majority of leather belts but thicker than the 7mm nylon belts.
When it comes to weightlifting belts for women, it offers the perfect combination of benefits. If you desire optimal support without compromising on comfort, this is the ideal choice to purchase.
The design is also tapered, making it fit better for most women since it is 3 inches in the front and 4 inches in the back.
10mm Single Prong Lifting Belt – Best for Serious Female Lifters
This single 10mm leather prong belt is meant to be used by lifters who are serious about training and provides the most support.
If you’re prepared to engage in some intense weightlifting, this belt could be the perfect option for you. It is user-friendly and can be easily adjusted (as it is not a lever belt), but it also features reinforced stitching and sturdy construction.
Additionally, this belt is sanctioned for utilization in powerlifting contests – assuming you have intentions to participate.
Key Takeaways
Women should wear lifting belts to properly support their spines, but it is important for them to be aware of all potential risks.
The pelvic region undergoes increased strain, causing a shift in the body’s center of gravity for added protection. Female lifters use lifting belts to primarily safeguard their spine and aid in lifting.
Post-menopausal women who engage in weightlifting are frequently observed facing this problem. Although this is an uncommon occurrence, a lifter’s womb and even her urinary bladder could collapse if those muscles lack sufficient strength. That specific region comprises the lower muscles of the abdomen.
Therefore, it is advisable to utilize women’s weightlifting belts in order to accomplish two objectives:.
Posture and body form correct maintain users help belts, finally. All the time wear them shouldn’t them, Peters Savanna according to but.
Savanna Peters, a personal trainer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong core without relying on a belt for support. She suggests that certain exercises, such as squats and deadlifts, are designed to challenge your back with heavier loads. However, she cautions against wearing a belt at all times.
Benefits of Using Lifting Belts for Women
Weightlifting belts assist in safeguarding your spinal column and enabling you to lift more substantial loads.
Boosted Intra-Abdominal Pressure
Your core area will be tight and braced, which means you’ll be able to lift heavier weights or perform more strenuous movements.
Improved Core and Spine Stability
Participating in more demanding weightlifting exercises, even if your back maintains its typical power and stability, will additionally fortify the spine and improve your overall body alignment, as previously stated.
By keeping your abdominal muscles contracted, you can protect your spine from injury while lifting weights.
Restricted Lower Back Movement Range
Tight lower back lifting belts hold those muscles in the area of the body that protects only safe and restrictive motions.
Lowered Stress on Your Lower Back
The extra stability resulting from the reduced risks of injury or discomfort in the back will be advantageous for you. Tautness is the fundamental idea when utilizing weightlifting belts as they generate a safe and sheltered setting, allowing you to execute numerous exercises while wearing one.
Reduced Spinal Shrinkage
By using weightier loads in her workouts, the athlete can enhance the tension in her spine. This, in turn, will help the lower back muscles of the athlete to provide better support, allowing for improved performance. This is made possible thanks to the implementation of spinal lifter belts that target the erector spinal muscles.
Lifters are required to breathe in before they lift, indicating that lifting belts can reduce spinal compression by around 10%, including the one located above, according to multiple studies.
