The 6 Best Weightlifting Belts For CrossFit & Weight Training

Weight belts have been around long before you or I ever set foot in the gym. They will be around long after we hang up our gym shoes. Without a doubt, lifting belts, when used correctly, can assist you in lifting heavy weights that you may not otherwise be able to without one—or keeping proper form when heavy lifting occurs under high amounts of fatigue like the kind of strength training CrossFit Athletes engage in. In this article, we will uncover what the best CrossFit belt is for you.

My shortlist for the Best CrossFit Belts:

Best Overall Belt For CrossFit: Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt

Best Belt For Metcons: Element Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt

Best Belt For Strength Lifts: Iron Bull Weightlifting Belt

Best Leather Belt: Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt

Best Priced Belt: Gym Reapers Quick Locking Belt

Best Starter Belt: Dark Iron Fitness Belt

The mechanism behind this is that it acts as a restrictive strap around the torso, to provide extra support allow maximal intra-abdominal pressure, and keep the trunk strong, stable and the lower back pain-free.

Without the use of the belt, the body must rely on the muscles around the abdomen during heavy lifts such as the obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis etc. to activate as a natural weight-lifting belt. With the contraction of the abdominals, the diaphragm, and maximal inhalation of the breath, the same strength, stability, and safety are produced while lifting heavy loads.

Physical Therapists, Strength coaches, and Athletes alike can argue all they want but, the fact remains, that once you put the belt on, you can move more weight than you will without it. That statement has been proven anecdotally many times over. 

There are many different kinds of belts out there but the type of belt that you should purchase will depend on personal preference as well as what you will need it for. 

The best weightlifting belt for Olympic Weightlifting athletes Or Crossfit Athletes and Power Lifting athletes will differ due to the demands of each sport. Powerlifters will generally need a more rigid belt because they are lifting heavier weights relatively speaking. As well as they will also need a more secure fastening system like a double-pronged buckle so that the immense amount of intra-abdominal pressure does not pop the belt off due to a less secure velcro closure. 

But, on the flip side, CrossFit Athletes may be hindered by the double-pronged buckle because of the time it takes to unfasten it. The best lifting belt for a CrossFitter may be nylon belts with velcro closure because it has an increased ease of use and can be quickly unfastened to transition from heavy lifts to movements that may not need weight belts like pull-ups. 

Below I have listed the best CrossFit belt for various preferences so you can pick the best option for you and start smashing some new PRs!

The Best Weightlifting Belt For Crossfit Athletes:

Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt

It’s built to last, meaning you might not need to think about buying another belt for a long while. Crafted in the USA and co-developed with the 2x CrossFit Games champ Mat Fraser, it features a 5” back panel tapering into 4”, along with a sturdy 3” nylon support strap—providing great support for heavy lifting sessions. 

The 1/4” thick Foam Frame with a ripstop exterior and anti-microbial interior ensures durability and hygiene. Adjustments are a breeze thanks to the smooth buckle, roller, and easily locatable strap end. Plus, the belt allows for a personal touch with its 3×2” Hook & loop section for custom patches.. Trust me, once you try this belt, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best belts you can buy in the CrossFit space.

Pick up your Rogue nylon lifting belt.

Element Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt

CrossFit performance is all about quick and seamless fastening and unfastening during the toughest workouts. Made from top-notch nylon, this belt is sturdy yet doesn’t get in the way of your movements due to its thinner design. 

I’ve tried belts that are heavy on support but don’t allow for a deep breath when you need it. However the Element belt provides maximum support for consistent intra-abdominal pressure but without restriction. Plus, it’s competition-approved for Olympic lifting and functional fitness comps, so no worries there!

It’s built for performance with a uniform four-inch width profile that’s been vouched for by powerlifters, Olympic lifters, and functional athletes. If you want a belt that’s reliable, functional, and durable, this one’s worth checking out.

Grab your Element self-locking weightlifting belt.

Iron Bull Weightlifting Belt

Crafted from top-notch suede leather, it provides a non-slip surface that’s crucial during intense lifting sessions. The double-prong locking mechanism is where this belt truly shines. Where it lacks in easy on and off it makes up for extra reinforcement and stability, especially when pushing heavier loads. It has a 4″ wide heavy-duty belt that ensures your back, abs, and core receive uniform support. 

Plus, it’s “competition-approved” by USPA & IPL, meeting the standards of top athletes. It is fully adjustable with 10 rows of holes, ensuring you get that snug fit for maximum support regardless of your waist size. If you are looking for a belt for your next heavy strength cycle the Iron Bull Belt could be right for you.

Grab your Iron Bull weightlifting belt.

Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt

The Ohio Belt from Rogue Fitness is crafted from 10mm thick, vegetable-tanned American leather, is a 4” wide belt, and is all about providing robust, consistent support allowing for maximal stability under load. It has a single-buckle design ensuring it won’t come undone and you won’t lose tension at the bottom of a squat. A reality I know all too well with typical velcro belts. 

Since it is leather it may need a brief “break-in” period for optimal comfort but with time and use you’ll be good to go. It’s no secret that Rogue Fitness products can be a bit expensive, but if you are in search of a leather belt then there is no other option other than the Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt.

Grab your Rogue Ohio lifting belt.

Gym Reapers Quick-Locking Belt

One of my pet peeves with clunky belts is they can get caught on the bar during Olympic lifts are dig into the rib cage with deadlifts but this belt keeps it sleeker and avoids this with a same-width design for consistent support around your midsection. Crafted from high-grade nylon materials, it’s lightweight, performance-based, and built tough for enduring those grueling sessions. 

So, if you’re ballin’ on a budget but after a belt that offers a bang for your buck without skimping on quality, this one’s worth a shot.

Grab your Gym Reapers quick-locking belt.

Dark Iron Fitness Belt

The belt provides a sturdy foundation with its leather material and a double-pronged buckle. This may make it subpar for metcons but it can get the job done and doesn’t come with the same price tag that the Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt comes with.

If you want to try your hand at using a weightlifting belt and transition over from training for health to performance then the Dark Iron Fitness belt could work for you.

Grab your Dark Iron fitness belt.

3 Key Questions Before Buying Weight Belts: 

1) Are you training for performance or life?

I think this is arguably the most important question to ask yourself before you toss on weight belts. What is your goal for your strength training? Are you looking to prepare yourself maximally for an upcoming competition where the only acceptable outcome is beating another human being such as say the Crossfit Games or an Olympic Weightlifting competition? 

Or, are you trying to get as functionally capable as possible, so that you can perform any task asked of you in your life without having to second guess if it’s safe or even possible? If you can answer yes to the former, put the weight belt on. 

Nothing else matters but points and prizes. If you fall into the functional for-life category, then a weightlifting belt may not be the best option for you because you want to train the muscles of your abdomen to provide core support. Why? Well, chances are you’re not putting on any weight belts on before picking up your kids or changing a flat tire. If you believe that you need to then you should move to the next question. 

2) Are you covering up an underlying issue?

As I mentioned above, human beings can produce a tremendous amount of intra-abdominal pressure without the use of weight belts through the contraction of their abdominal muscles. You may not find yourself reaching for your new belt as a performance enhancer, but as a crutch to allow you to perform as best as you can in the presence of a motor control/bracing issue or to avoid pain. 

The first step in good movement practice begins with motor control of the muscles involved. Meaning, you must first be able to activate the muscles involved in the action and not rely on the compensatory recruitment of other muscles in the area. 

When this compensation occurs, the result is subpar performance and potential pain either overuse of a muscle not designed for the task it’s being given or improper positioning. Such as when the lumbar spine moves under load from a lack of stability when intra-abdominal pressure is not created.

The lifting belt is a great way to cover up the inability to activate your abdominal muscles and create pressure naturally. Before you take your next heavy set attempt to create intra-abdominal pressure naturally: Squeeze your but, breathe in through your nose to protrude the belly out, contract your abdominal muscles on top of this inhale and then hold this position as you move through the movement. 

If you were able to do so with the same trunk stiffness as with the belt, then using weight belts is warranted for an added boost in abdominal support. If not, then you should likely ditch the belt and practice your Valsalva Maneuver or work on improving motor control of the abdominal muscles. Barring you have no underlying medical conditions that would make the Valsalva Maneuver dangerous.

3) Does the movement you are performing even warrant a belt?

This one is a huge pet peeve of mine. I have no problem with the use of weight belts. I even encourage them and think they are a must if you are competing. But as long as the two questions listed above have been answered. What I do have a problem with is when weight belts are used when there is no reason for them. Weight belts have in some training populations become simply part of the uniform of a gym goer. 

Some feel it completes the aesthetic of a person who trains hard and it becomes more of a fashion statement than anything else. I am not here to tell you how to express yourself. I am here though to tell you that if you feel that you need to wear a belt for lat pull-downs or bicep curls, you have not answered the above two questions correctly or honestly.  

Similarly, there may be instances where although the use of a weight belt may be warranted from a movement standpoint, it may not be from a task standpoint.

For example, tasks where there is a heavy cardiovascular component such as mentioned before for CrossFit Athletes and the use of the belt would restrict the ability to get enough air into the lungs. You may ask yourself what about Strongmen? I would say that strongmen events most definitely warrant the use of weight belts because they are: 

A) Prioritizing performance

B) Likely have practiced the ability to create intra-abdominal pressure naturally.

C) Are not breathing at the same rates or for as long as CrossFit Athletes have to. 

But, with that said, there are instances where CrossFit Athletes should wear weight belts. Like when they must lift heavy loads under fatigue or just perform heavy lifts in general. 

Using a good weightlifting belt may be warranted for you. I think if you ask any Strength Coach, Personal Trainer, or Physical Therapist they will agree with me that they are effective and can provide a decreased risk of injury. However, being effective and being warranted are two different things.

Before you strap your weightlifting belt on for your next training session, take a moment and ask yourself these three questions. If the answers suggest the use of a weight belt, then have at it. 

Weightlifting belts have stood the test of time as essential tools for enhancing lifting performance. Used correctly, they can significantly aid in supporting heavy lifts, ensuring proper form under fatigue, and mitigating potential risks of injury. The best belt for you depends on your personal needs, preferences, and the demands of your chosen sport.

In this comprehensive review, I’ve curated the top belts for various purposes in CrossFit and strength training. From the Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt, offering unparalleled comfort and quality, to the Gym Reapers Quick Locking Belt for those seeking quality within a budget, each belt caters to different needs.

Whether it’s the Element Self-Locking Belt designed for seamless transitions during metcons or the Iron Bull Weightlifting Belt for maximal strength lifts, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.

Remember, choosing the right belt is crucial for optimizing performance and safety during workouts. Before making a selection, consider your goals, underlying issues, and whether the movement warrants the use of a belt.

So, if you’re ready to take your training to the next level and find the perfect weightlifting belt tailored to your needs, click one of the links above and grab the belt that aligns best with your fitness goals. 

Your next PR is waiting!