Weightlifting Belts For Women - Are They Necessary

Women's weightlifting belts are used mostly by female powerlifters. Because once you start moving a substantial amount of weight, your core and lower back may appreciate the additional support.

Keep in mind though, that wearing a weightlifting belt is not essential, some women don’t wear them at all, no matter how heavy they lift. It boils down to personal preference, the key is to find what works best for you. Then if you do decide to use a weightlifting belt, you need to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Weightlifting Belts For Women Contents

There Are No Rules About Weightlifting Belts For Women

What Lifts Require A Weightlifting Belt

What Does A Weightlifting Belt Actually Do

Are There Different Types Of Weightlifting Belts For Women

At What Point In Her Lifting Journey Should A Woman Consider A Weightlifting Belt

There are no rules about weightlifting belts for women

You may see other lifters, male and female, in the gym wearing a weightlifting belt, but that is their choice, there is nothing anywhere that says you should or shouldn’t wear a belt.

Even in powerlifting meets, from a competitive perspective, belts are allowed or not, depending on your preference. There may be some restrictions around the width of the belt, you should check the rules of your own competition.

What lifts require a weightlifting belt

Weightlifting belts are worn mostly for squats, deadlifts, overhead presses and sometimes bench, to support the lifter if they are over arching their back.

It is not necessary, or even advised to wear a weightlifting belt all the time on these lifts, in fact, women are encouraged not to. The reason for this is because wearing the belt will compromise your natural core strengthening on that lift.

Use the belt for the heavy lifts where you need the additional support. When you’re warming up it’s not necessary to wear the weightlifting belt.

What does a weightlifting belt actually do

The purpose of the weightlifting belt is to support your core and also provide more stability for your spine.

Are there different types of weightlifting belts for women

Yes, there are a range of weightlifting belts for women on the market. It might feel a little overwhelming when you first start looking for one. They’re generally not cheap but can last a lifetime so it’s a worthwhile investment if you intend to be a belt wearer.

There are different widths of belt, thickness, materials… Some are tapered, some are not. There’s leather, nylon, neoprene… You will also find different fastenings, there are standard prog buckles, levers, velcro and ratchet fastenings.

As you delve into the market for weightlifting belts you will also find that there are standard lifting belts, bodybuilding belts and powerlifting belts.

And if you’re really serious, you can get yourself a custom belt made.

Hopefully you can see that there really is a lot to consider, and getting a comfortable fit for you is essential.

If you can, try some out before you decide which style you want to commit to.

At what point in her lifting journey should a woman consider a weightlifting belt

Again, there are no hard and fast rules, it boils down to the individual.

Some lifters say when you are moving weights past your bodyweight, but we say that a woman should consider a weightlifting belt if and when she feels like she needs the additional core support during her lifts.