How to Wear a Leather Lifting Belt

Wearing a lifting belt when you're powerlifting or bodybuilding can provide you extra support around the spine -- which can be beneficial for lifting even more weight. Some weight lifters swear by them; others say they're a poor compensation for lifters with weak core muscles and that a better option is to do exercises that strengthen the core. If you're convinced that you need a belt, it needs to be tight and you should only use it when you're doing one-rep or limited-repetition sets at close to your maximum output.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and inhale deeply. Then exhale, which will cause your ribs to lower down a little bit.

    • 2

      Wrap the belt around your abdomen, with the bottom of the belt just above your hip bones. The front of the belt should cover your navel.

    • 3

      Inhale again and then exhale deeply, buckling the belt tightly and allowing your abdomen and back to press against the belt. When you inhale, your back, sides and abdomen should all press against the belt.

    • 4

      Secure the end of the belt inside the loop on the side of the belt to keep the belt end against your side instead of flapping around as you lift.