How to Choose the Right Lifting Belt with Blake Wilson

Should you wear a lifting belt—and how do you choose the right one?

Matt Reynolds is joined by Blake Wilson, founder and CEO of Dominion Strength Training, to explain what a lifting belt actually does, when lifters should begin using one, and how to choose a belt that fits both your body and your training.

Matt and Blake discuss why a belt is not a crutch, how it helps you brace more effectively, and what separates a durable leather belt from the cheaper alternatives. They also compare belt widths and thicknesses, single-ply and double-ply construction, and prong and lever buckles.

In this episode:

What a lifting belt actually does

Why wearing a belt does not weaken your trunk

When new lifters should begin training with a belt

How to choose between a 2.5-, 3-, and 4-inch belt

Single-ply versus double-ply construction

Prong versus lever belts

How to measure your waist and select the right size

What separates quality leather and hardware from cheaper materials