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Enhance Your Exercise With the Best Workout Belts

Last updated: 20 Sep 2022
If you've reached middle age or have a serious orthopedic medical history, most people recommend you stay away from the gym. This is actually the complete opposite of what you should be doing, though, as working out in adulthood or after surgery (per your doctor’s recommendations, of course) is a good way to stay fit and active. One of the major obstacles on your workout journey may be muscle stress or back pain, which can deliver a death-like sensation across your entire back. You can control — or sometimes even avoid — this pain if you know your workout gear, and apart from basic attire, orthopedists recommend workout belts as a way to ease this deadly sensation and relax the muscles for some much-needed spinal support. Head below to check out the leading workout belts of 2022 for the next time you’re looking to work up a sweat.

Best Overall

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Dark Iron Fitness Workout Belt

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Great for Beginners

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Element 26 Workout Belt

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Most Comfortable

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ProFitness Workout Belt

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Waterproof

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RitFit Workout Belt

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Various Sizes

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Harbinger Workout Belt

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Show Contents
Detailing the Leading Workout Belt of 2022

Finding Your Next Workout Belt: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve never bought a workout belt before, following recommendations and a reliable guide can help you get a quality product. Read this section thoroughly to arm yourself with the necessary information to find a high-quality workout belt in 2022.

What to Look for While Buying a Workout Belt

Consider the following while shopping for a workout belt to make sure you get your money’s worth.

Material

Workout belts are usually made from either leather or nylon material. Leather ones are contoured, heavy, durable, and tough on the outside, while nylon belts are lightweight, versatile, and super comfortable. Nylon belts aren’t that durable, though, which is why professionals should opt for leather workout belts instead. Nylon belts can be great for beginners, though, and they’re often not that expensive. 

Width

Some workout belts have an uneven width and are wider in the back. Opt for an equal-width belt that matches your build — the length of your waist and hips should match the width of the workout belt, so make sure you measure before you buy. 

Closure type

Workout belts have different types of closures to secure them and adjust their fit. Some people prefer a velcro strap closure, but these can be hard to handle. A dual-prong roller buckle can adjust the tightness of a workout belt in seconds, making these the ideal kind of closure. 

Benefits of a Workout Belt

Workout belts are designed for weightlifting and hardcore exercises, but they also offer some other benefits as well. Head below to check them out. 

Improves postures

A workout belt supports your lower back, which can help reduce neck and shoulder pain. Research shows that these pains are the main reason behind the “hunchback” posture, but a belt can help improve this without much effort. 

Intra-abdominal pressure

Intra-abdominal pressure while lifting heavy weights can help reduce spinal stress, but sometimes it doesn’t rise and increases the risk of an injury. With a workout belt, though, you can increase IAP without suffering from back stress. 

Detailing the Leading Workout Belt of 2022

Dark Iron Fitness Workout Belt – Best Overall

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Workout belts are in high demand. This often leads to high prices, but products like the Dark Iron Fitness Workout Belt can help you avoid a painful time at the gym and also save you a few bucks in the process. It’s 40 inches long and can support a maximum weight of 270 pounds, and its universal design means that pretty much anyone can use it. 

This buffalo-hide leather workout belt is tough, but it’s also soft and smooth on the inside. It boasts a sturdy metal buckle, attachment straps, and comfortable padding, but even so, it’s light enough that it can feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. All these elements support hardcore exercise and weightlifting, and this workout belt is our top recommendation mainly because of the value it offers for its price.

Pros

  • Features size adjustment options
  • Super comfortable cushioned padding
  • Impressive level of flexibility
  • Double- and triple-stitched in high-stress areas

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger waist sizes
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Element 26 Workout Belt – Great for Beginners

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Beginners may find it hard to work out with something around their waist, but the Element 26 Workout Belt makes this easy to get used to. Its simple design features a silky surface, with a self-locking metal buckle that opens up only when you pull its release mechanism. This workout belt is made of high-quality nylon, giving it water resistance and excellent maneuverability, perfect for those sweaty, high-intensity days at the gym. 

Its thin material makes it pretty light for a workout belt, but it also offers the necessary amount of support required by beginners. It measures four inches in width and is equipped with mesh padding for increased comfort levels, and it’s durable and foldable, saving valuable space inside your gym bag. The cherry on top? This workout belt is available in a ton of different sizes and colors. 

Pros

  • Great for beginners
  • Easy and comfortable to wear
  • Approved for use in professional competitions
  • Available in many sizes and colors

Cons

  • Can feel a bit flimsy
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ProFitness Workout Belt – Most Comfortable

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Workout belts are beneficial for athletes, but they’re not always comfortable and might even distract you from what you’re trying to focus on. The ProFitness Workout Belt, though, not only offers great results, but it’s also the most comfortable option on our list thanks to its suede interior. It’s four inches wide and made of high-quality leather, allowing it to support greater pressure and resistance.

This workout belt also features a heavy-duty double-prong buckle that makes for easy adjustment and increased safety. Its leather material gives it durability that won’t crack under excess pressure, and it helps you keep your lower back safe from injuries. This workout belt is available in various sizes ranging from small to extra-large, and if you’re not satisfied with your purchase after giving it a try, don’t worry, because the manufacturer offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Impressive level of durability
  • Helps maintain posture
  • Great for weightlifting and cross-training
  • Attractive leather design

Cons

  • Must be washed separately
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RitFit Workout Belt – Waterproof

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Waterproof belts can be hard to find if you don’t want to compromise on quality, which is why the RitFit Workout Belt is unique. It’s equipped with a waterproof foam interior, and the whole thing is constructed from high-quality ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) that’s environment-friendly and excels when it comes to elasticity. 

This workout belt is also tough enough to support your lower back, helping you out when it comes to doing squats and lunges. It’s six inches wide, and for safety and adjustability, there are velcro straps and a sturdy steel buckle. This workout belt is available in various sizes and fun designs, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to get a top-class workout without sacrificing their back.

Pros

  • Unique waterproof design
  • Ergonomic, comfortable build
  • Ideal for moderate weightlifting
  • Multiple styles available

Cons

  • Not very durable
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Harbinger Workout Belt – Various Sizes

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If you’re tired of searching for a workout belt in your size, you should try this one from Harbinger. Available in five standard sizes, its adjustable nature gives you even more options, letting you find the perfect waist size up to 48 inches. This workout belt is made of high-quality, durable leather, and not only is it strong, but it’s also super comfortable to wear while working out. 

The soft layers of suede and foam on the interior of this workout belt offer a nice cushion, while its tough exterior provides it with rigidity and support. It’s four inches wide and features a dual-prong roller buckle in place of a typical velcro strap, and with this buckle, you can adjust the fit of your workout belt without too much effort. 

Pros

  • Comfortable and durable
  • Extra-wide belt design
  • Thickness helps prevent waist pain
  • Many sizes available

Cons

  • Design is pretty average
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People Also Asked

What are the types of workout belts?

There are four types of workout belts — bodybuilding, powerlifting, dipping, and velcro belts. All these belts are designed for a specific function, structure, and closure, but they all support back stamina and help with workouts. 

Should beginners use workout belts?

Workout belts are ideal for anyone who has suddenly shifted to intense workouts or has previously undergone surgery. By relying on their core and midline, beginners should try to practice without them. 

How should I clean my workout belt?

Not all workout belts should be washed, considering the different materials they’re made from. You can use a brush to clean dirt off your belt or a damp cloth for a deeper clean. You can also finish with a protector spray to add some shine to it. 

Kevin G. Harper
By Kevin G. Harper
Kevin G. Harper is a journalist based in Indianapolis, Indiana with 5 years of experience covering sports, outdoors, technology, and all of the internet trends. As a content creator and editor, he has gathered experience working with teams of editors on various social media, internet blogs, and eCommerce projects. In his free time, Kevin enjoys fishing, following college basketball and football, and trail running with his dog, Banjo. He also enjoys gaming with his friends, trying new restaurants, and reading on his balcony.
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