Welcome back to our weightlifting belt series! In our last post, we discussed the difference between 10mm and 13mm weightlifting belts and which one is suitable for beginners and professional athletes. In this post, we will discuss the different types of weightlifting belts available as well as the pros and cons for both.
Prong Belts:
Prong belts are the most common type of weightlifting belt and have been around for decades. They are simple and effective, with a buckle and prongs to adjust the tightness of the belt. Prong belts are made of leather or synthetic materials and come in various widths and thicknesses.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can be used for all types of lifts
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Can take time to adjust between sets
- Limited adjustability
Lever Belts:
Lever belts are an increasingly popular fitness gear among powerlifters and weightlifters. They have a lever mechanism that allows for quick and easy adjustments, making them ideal for heavy lifting. Lever belts are also made of leather or synthetic materials and come in various widths and thicknesses.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to adjust
- Provides excellent support and stability
- Ideal for heavy lifting
- Can be used for all types of lifts
Cons:
- More expensive than prong belts
- Limited adjustability
Ultimately, the choice between a prong or lever belt depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the lifter. However, for those looking for a belt that offers fine adjustments and consistent support, our unique belt designs here at Akinci Strength may be worth considering.
We use a buckle that closely resembles a ratchet buckle, which enable users to make fine adjustments to the belt's tightness. This design guarantees that the belt will remain secure during lifts, delivering consistent support to lifters. Additionally, we use top-grade cowhide leather to make their belts, ensuring that they are robust and will last a long time.
In conclusion, weightlifting belts can provide valuable support and stability during heavy lifting. The type of belt you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Prong belts are cost-effective and durable, while lever belts are quick and easy to adjust and ideal for heavy lifting. Akinci Strength's unique belt design offers fine adjustments and consistent support, making it a worthwhile option for lifters.
In our next blog post, we will be discussing the 10 most common mistakes that lifters make when buying a weightlifting belt. From choosing the wrong size to selecting the wrong type of belt, we'll cover it all. Stay tuned to make sure you get the most out of your weightlifting gear!
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Jukic, I., & Tufano, J. J. (2021). Effect of different weightlifting belt conditions on core muscle activation and lumbar spine motion during a maximal squat lift. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(1), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002931
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Salehi, A., Choobineh, A., & Lahmi, M. (2014). The effect of wearing a weightlifting belt on trunk and leg muscle activity and joint moments during squat lift. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 30(6), 685-691. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2013-0255
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Sato, K., Fortenbaugh, D., Hydock, D., & Heise, G. (2019). Comparative effects of different belt types on intra-abdominal pressure and lumbar spinal movement during the isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the back muscles. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(2), 340-346. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001934
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Sugisaki, N., & Kobayashi, H. (2020). Comparison of muscle activity during squatting exercises using different types of belts. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 32(10), 640-643. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.32.640
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BarBend. (2019, June 25). Weightlifting belts: Why you need one, how to use it, and when to ditch it. https://barbend.com/weightlifting-belts/
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International Powerlifting Federation. (n.d.). The IPF rulebook. https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_2022_bookmarked.pdf
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International Weightlifting Federation. (2022). IWF technical and competition rules & regulations. https://www.iwf.net/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2022/01/IWF-TCRR-2022-ENGLISH-3.pdf
- Akinci Strength website: https://akincistrength.com/collections/belts
