Powerlifting vs Weightlifting Belt: Which One Is For You?

1. Powerlifting vs Weightlifting Belt: Which One Is For You? You see powerlifting belts and weightlifting belts all over Instagram and Facebook. Your favourite trainers and celebrities like Henry Cavill and Jack Hughman wear these at the gym. But do you know what factors differentiate them from each other? Let’s find out!

2. Significant Differences Between Powerlifting vs Weightlifting Belts Both the belts may look quite similar at the first look, however, there are a few differences depending on the use. Powerlifting belts are used to mainly lift the heaviest of the weights by squatting, deadlifting, or benching, whereas in weightlifting, the process is much faster as you snatch the weight from the ground to overhead and back. As many people cannot differentiate between powerlifting and weightlifting, these two forms create significant differences in the training process and the exercises performed. So, the belts differ from each other as well. Your choice is going to depend on your requirements, so let’s uncover that mystery and get started: Material Let’s get the basic difference out of the way first: a powerlifting belt is usually rigid and a weightlifting belt is flexible. On one hand, you have powerlifting belts that are mostly made of leather and are non-stretchable. You will also find a few made of vinyl but it’s better to stick to the leather because it is easier to wrap around the body owing to its stiffness.

3. Buckle Design Coming to the buckle design, weightlifting belts normally have Velcro straps while powerlifting belts use a buckle that is similar to what you find on your normal belts. Buckles on powerlifting belts vary from a lever mechanism to a prong mechanism. Now, if you look at powerlifting belts, their buckles are easier to fasten because they are constructed with a prong or lever (as mentioned above). The former is similar to your regular belt buckles. Design of the Belts Powerlifting belts have the same width all the way around which is normally around 4 inches. This width remains consistent in order to provide powerlifters equal support throughout their torso. Moreover, powerlifting belts help lifters create 360 degrees of tension around their torso, so they can easily squat and deadlift at the same time. Thickness of the Belts The thickness of your belt, be it a powerlifting belt or a weightlifting belt, can make or break your workout session! Powerlifting belts range from 10 mm to 13 mm in thickness. The 10 mm thickness is the most commonly available one on the market and it provides enough rigidity to perform a workout without any hindrance.

4. Type of Lifts Powerlifting belts are better suited for heavy, low-rep exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Weightlifting belts are better suited for Olympic lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk, which require more flexibility and mobility. Support and Stability Powerlifting belts provide more support and stability to the lower back and core, allowing you to lift heavier weight with better form. Weightlifting belts provide support to the abdominal muscles, helping to maintain proper posture during overhead lifts. Thickness and Stiffness Thicker and stiffer belts may provide more support, but can also be more uncomfortable and difficult to break in. Thinner and more flexible belts may be more comfortable to wear, but may not provide as much support during heavy lifts.

5. Powerlifting Belt Vs Weightlifting Belt – Suitable Exercises Powerlifting Belt Squats A powerlifting belt is essential for squatting heavy weight, as it helps stabilise the lower back and core, reducing the risk of injury. • Wear the belt snugly around the waist and position it just above the hip bones. • Take a deep breath and brace the core • Descend into the squat while pushing the belly out against the belt • As you reach the bottom of the squat, push the knees • Drive up through the heels while keeping the core tight. Deadlifts Deadlifting heavy weight places a lot of stress on the lower back, making a powerlifting belt crucial for this exercise. • Wear the belt tightly around the waist and position it just above the hip bones. • Take a deep breath and brace the core • Begin the lift by pushing through the heels – Keeping the back flat and the core tight • Lift the weight off the ground, exhale and push the belly out against the belt to maintain stability

6. Weightlifting Belt Clean and Jerk A weightlifting belt can help improve form and prevent injury during the clean and jerk, which involves lifting a barbell from the ground to the shoulders, then overhead. • Wear the belt tightly around the waist and position it just above the hip bones. • Take a deep breath and brace the core. • Perform the clean by pulling the barbell up and drop under to catch the barbell on the shoulders. • Prepare for the jerk, push the belly out against the belt to maintain stability • Drive the barbell overhead while keeping the core tight. Snatch Similar to the clean and jerk, the snatch is a weightlifting exercise that involves lifting a barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid motion. A weightlifting belt can help stabilise the core and prevent injury during this exercise. • To use a weightlifting belt for the snatch, wear the belt tightly around the waist and position it just above the hip bones. • Take a deep breath and brace the core • Lift by pulling the barbell up under your head. • As you stand up with the weight, push the belly out against the belt to maintain stability and keep the core tight.

7. How Do Belts Help in Training? Belts play a crucial role in aiding your workout routines. A belt is a reminder for you to keep your spine in the correct position. It stabilises the spine during heavy lifting scenarios, providing you with the intra-abdominal pressure you need for a fruitful lifting session. The use of belts is not limited to just supporting your back and protecting the core muscles. They help put the lower back muscles and abs to use. However, it is still advised to learn the proper techniques and ways to improve your form.

8. Conclusion Belts are a must-have fitness gear that every athlete or trainee should have for an enhanced and safe training experience. People might think weightlifting or powerlifting belts help lift heavier weights but that is a common misconception. Their principal purpose is to reduce the stress on the spine and provide the necessary support to the lifter’s body. The right belt will help you enhance your performance. So, learn about their differences if you want to achieve a snatched body without injuring your back!

9. What will I do next? What will you do with your findings next? How will you further your research/findings?