When it comes to choosing the correct weight lifting belt, there are a number of factors to consider. The most important thing to first determine is what reasons you have for using a weight lifting belt. There are three main reasons you would wear a weight lifting belt; you either have injured your lower back; you are engaging in heavy weight training and want to lift heavier whilst protecting your back; or you want to show your involvement in bodybuilding to all the other less serious, non-weightlifting belt wearing trainers in the gym.

If you have already injured your lower back and received advise from a professional to support your back whilst lifting, they may have suggested a product for you. Otherwise a light and relatively flexible weight lifting belt will most likely be suitable, and considering it's not something you will be investing in long-term once you recover, a Nike weightlifting belt that retails for around $30 might be what you're after.
Http://www.nike.com

If you are looking for a weightlifting belt for very heavy weight training, or for competitive power lifting, there are a few things to consider. What level of support do you need? Most power belts are 4"-6" wide in the back, and which size you choose should relate to how tall you are (a 6" back can be very restrictive for a shorter person) and what your power lifting organization allows in its rules. It should fit around your waist, sitting on top of your hips, and only cause discomfort when it puts pressure on your hips and only during a heavy lift. What kind of locking mechanism do you require? If you are just a heavy gym lifter, a one or two-pronged buckle will be fine, giving you the peace of mind that it's secure and generally looks a lot nicer than a quick release lever belt, like those a power lifter will probably prefer to use. A power lifter will usually prefer a lever belt because of the discomfort involved in a heavily supported one rep attempt, as well as it being easy for a training partner to tighten for them, and being able to get it much tighter than a buckle. Again, you should consult your organization's rule book before deciding. Inzer makes the most reputable power belts and they are usually under $100. http://www.inzernet.com

If wearing a weightlifting belt is part of your gym attire and needs to look good whilst standing up to daily moderate to heavy workouts, almost any belt that has a secure buckle and a good level of support (approx. 4") will be suitable for you, as all are developed with this function in mind.

Choose something that is comfortable and looks good, because that's what you are in the gym for after all. Some companies offer basic black, tan, and red leather weight lifting belts from about $30, or you can get mid ranged priced belts from $110.

The most fashion-focused weightlifting belt company is Katana weight lifting belts, with every fashion from pink croc-print to yellow and black snake print, their luxury weight lifting belts start at around $175.
http://www.katanaweightliftingbelts.com

With all of these considerations in mind, have fun choosing a new weightlifting belt from the many out there, for continued safe and strong lifting.
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