Strength training and powerlifting are becoming increasingly popular among women. Women are loading up the barbell more than ever before in an effort to improve full-body strength by completing heavy squats, deadlifts, and other wonderful compound exercises. The issue is that significant weight lifting puts a lot of strain on your muscles and joints, which is something that everyone, including women, deals with. This is where lifting equipment, such as a weight lifting belt for women, can make a significant difference in workouts.
Male Olympic lifters, wrestlers, and powerlifters were the most common users of weight-lifting belts. However, these belts are increasingly being used by recreational lifters. They’re usually made of leather, neoprene, or nylon, and Velcro or a clasp secures them around your waist. What do they actually do, despite their appearance? Is it necessary for women to wear them for heavy lifting?
Here, you will learn how to choose the ideal lifting belt for women.
SHOULD WOMEN USE LIFTING BELTS?
Yes, it’s because of the assistance they can offer! Weight lifting belts are best recognized for providing back support, but their true function is far more involved. The belt does not provide back support; rather, it is the body’s reaction to the belt that provides the support. Lifting belts function by allowing your torso to brace against the waist, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. The increase in intra-abdominal pressure helps to support your spine, allowing you to carry bigger weights safely.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A GOOD WOMEN’S WEIGHTLIFTING BELT
Tip 1: Find the Suitable Width
The most crucial aspect to look for in a weightlifting belt for women is its width, as you want it to be wide enough to improve intra-abdominal pressure. Consider starting with a 4″ if you’re doing regular weight lifting or Olympic lifting. A 6″ is for people who are taller. Moreover, it’s famous among guys)! Powerlifters engage in strength competitions and may require a varied width to accommodate their lifting style.
Tip 2: Select a Heavy-Duty Material
There are two primary types of lifting belts for women: leather and nylon. Nylon belts aren’t always terrible and can be a good lifting belt, but they lack the durability and rigidity of leather. They also don’t generate enough internal pressure to keep your spine stable. Leather lifting belts, on the other hand, are stiffer and stronger, allowing for adequate and continuous intra-abdominal pressure. Even those made of vegan leather offer exceptional durability and abrasion resistance!
Tip 3: The Thicker, The Better
Again, it is down to personal preference when it comes to lifting, but if you really want to get the support & feel the intra-abdominal pressure, choose a belt that is 10-13 millimeters thick. Anything somewhat thinner is acceptable as long as you can feel the pressure; however, buying one that is too thin will not give you adequate support or be strong enough to last a long time.
In conclusion, lifting belts can be an effective training tool for both men & women. In terms of design, lifting belts for women are identical to their male counterparts. The key distinction is that women’s weightlifting belts are designed to fit female athletes with smaller waist measurements.