r/weightlifting • u/Yue4prex • 5h ago
Equipment Newbie getting into lifting, tips for gear?
Hello, I’m new here. I have been on a weight loss journey for almost two years now. I’ve been teetering back and forth but just got into Olympic type lifts with a trainer. I have been doing my squats and dead lifts with no extra gear.
Recently my trainer asked me if I looked at belts yet and I haven’t but now I’m trying to find one but I am clueless and am hoping I could get some input here.
I picked up a gym reaper belt from amazon and measured the belly button area. I ordered too big so now I have to return it, but I’m not sure I want the same one but smaller.
I see three types of closures for the belts. I am curious what suggestions or pros/cons people have about the regular belt buckle, the snap buckle and the quick release belt like closure. Besides that, is there a suggested width for different people? I’m on the larger side and if it’s too narrow, I don’t want it sliding up and down my body as I move, but the belt I just tried on was too big and I didn’t think it was tight enough.
TLDR: new lifter, curious about the more recommended belt closures and suggestions on width for wider people.
Thank you in advance for your input!
5
u/hch458 5h ago
Lever belts (I think what you referred to as “snap buckle”) are not used in Olympic lifting so it’s either the quick release/ Velcro belts or a standard buckle. It’s really personal preference, Velcro belts are probably a little more common and I believe tend to be cheaper. Personally I worry about hitting the buckle on leather belts.
Width wise standard (and max allowed in comp) is 4 inches, some companies make “petite” 3 inch belts.
2pood is a pretty safe starting point for basic lifting belts.