You might have heard of leather weightlifting belts, or powerlifting belts, but have you heard of the best weightlifting belts with chain? One essential piece of gear that many powerlifters and bodybuilders swear by is not weightlifting shoes, no, it's the weightlifting belt with chain. These belts are not only there to provide support to your lower back and core, but also offer a convenient way to add extra weight for more challenging exercises.
The best weightlifting belts with chain at a glance:
• Best overall weightlifting belt with chain: RDX Dipping Belt - View now on Argos.co.uk
• Best weightlifting belt with steel chain: DMoose Dip Belt with 36 Inch Heavy Duty Steel Lifting Chain - View now on Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget weightlifting belt with chain: Mirafit Weight Belt with Chain - View now on Amazon.co.uk
What are the benefits of using a weightlifting belt with chain?
For individuals into strength training and weightlifting, using a weightlifting belt in your training can have several benefits. We'll explore them below.
Enhanced core support: The best weightlifting belts with chain will offer you excellent support, in particular to your lower back and core muscles. They are known to assist with stabilising the spine with this external support, which minimises the risk of injury during heavy lifts.
Better intra-abdominal pressure: Weightlifting belts promote the creation of intra-abdominal pressure, which helps support the spine during lifts. This pressure acts as a natural weightlifting belt, and wearing one with a chain can enhance this effect.
Progressive overload: Weightlifting belts with chains make it easy to incrementally increase the load on your muscles, aiding in strength and muscle gain over time.
Comfort and durability: Many weightlifting belts with chains are designed for comfort and longevity. They use materials like leather, nylon or neoprene, providing a snug fit during workouts while withstanding the wear and tear of heavy lifting.
Increased versatility: The addition of a chain to a weightlifting belt allows for the attachment of weight plates, making it versatile for a wide range of exercises. You can use it for weighted dips, pull-ups, chin-ups and other bodyweight exercises to progressively increase resistance.
We're here to review and rank the top weightlifting belts with chain, providing insights into their features, benefits and suitability for various strength training needs.
SHOP: The best weightlifting belts with chain
Best overall weightlifting belt with chain
www.argos.co.uk
The RDX Dipping Belt is a great option that combines durability and comfort. Made from polypropylene, it can easily withstand the rigours of heavy lifting. The adjustable chain length allows you to customise the amount of weight you want to add, making it perfect for progressive overload. Its belt is designed to provide a comfortable fit for all body types, so you can focus on your workouts without any distractions.
Pros
- Adjustable chain length for easy customisation
- Comfortable fit for all body types
- Versatile as it's suitable for dips, chin-ups and squats
Cons
- Some users may prefer a leather weightlifting belt for aesthetics
Best weightlifting belt with steel chain
DMoose offers a comfortable belt with good weight distribution, thanks to its neoprene padding. The 36 inch long steel chain allows weight plates to simply be attached and unattached while kneeling and crouching. In addition, the two carabiners means that you can be super flexible in handling, regardless of whether you're left or right handed. All of its qualities make it a versatile choice for anyone looking to add resistance to their workouts, whether you're doing dips, pull-ups, or squats - the DMoose belt has you covered.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel chain and carabiner to easily take weights on and off
- Belt can be adjusted to any size using the chain links
- Comes in multiple colours
Cons
- One reviewer found it was a little lose around the waist
Best budget weightlifting belt with chain
The Mirafit Weight Belt with Chain is a great budget option for weightlifters seeking both durability and versatility. Its belt offers a wide back support for heavy lifting sessions, while its adjustable fit accommodates a wide range of body sizes comfortably. The chain and secure steel quick release clips provide a convenient means to add weight plates, perfect for dips, pull-ups and other resistance-enhanced exercises.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed to fit everyone's body comfortably
- Wide back support
- Features steel quick release clips to add and remove weight easily
Cons
- Doesn't hold as much weight as some of the other belts on our list
Best weightlifting belt with chain for quality
The AQD Dipping Belt is made from the highest quality polypropylene and heavy-duty stitching throughout, making it one of the best weightlifting belts with chain. Its 36 inch long steel chain and two straight-gate locking carabiners means lifters can add and remove weight easily, and add multiple disks to their workouts. With AQF's belt you can confidently push your limits, break through any plateaus and achieve your strength and muscle-building goals.
Pros
- Made from thick polypropylene padding and premium quality mesh to make sure the belt lasts lift after lift
- Padded waist for added support
- Available in cool camo print
Cons
- Wide back design may not be for everyone
Best weightlifting belt with chain available in various sizes
The Next Alpha Weightlifting Belt is the most expensive one on our list, but it also has features like a self-locking and quick release buckle to minimise the risk of any injuries during your workout session. Its belt also has a double use - for weightlifting and for dipping. Unlike other belts on the market, this one won't irritate your skin thanks to its soft cloth material. Another feature to note is the fact the belt varies in size, with a choice from small, medium, large and extra large, so you can select that size that fits you best.
Pros
- Available in four different sizes for a snug fit
- 2-in-1 use for weightlifting and dipping, making it a versatile lifting belt
- Quick release buckle to take off the pressure in one simple motion
Cons
- One reviewer found the carabiners are sometimes difficult to close
FAQs
Do thin or thick weightlifting belts with chain work better?
Typically, thick weightlifting belts give a little more support and stability to your lower back and core. They are often chosen for heavy compound movements like squats and deadlifts, where you need to maintain a rigid torso to protect your spine. Thick belts can also help you lift heavier weights and decrease the risk of injury by providing a more substantial brace for your core.
Thinner weightlifting belts with chains tend to be less rigid and provide slightly less support than their thicker counterparts. They are more commonly used for exercises that require a degree of flexibility and mobility, such as Olympic weightlifting movements like cleans and snatches. Thin belts also allow you to maintain some core stability while still being able to move fluidly.
The decision between the two types of weightlifting belts depends on the exercises you plan to perform while wearing them. If you primarily do heavy powerlifting movements and value a lot of support and stability, a thick belt might be more suitable. However, if you engage in Olympic weightlifting or other exercises that require more flexibility, a thin belt with chain can offer support, without restricting your range of motion.
Should you use a weightlifting belt when weightlifting?
Whether or not you should use a weightlifting belt when lifting depends on a couple of things, like your experience level and the exercises you're performing.
Experience level
Novice lifters may benefit from using a weightlifting belt as it can help them maintain proper form and provide additional support while they develop their core strength. Alternatively, experienced lifters can use belts for heavy lifts or near-maximum efforts but may not rely on them for every exercise.
Exercise type
Weightlifting belts are commonly used for compound movements like squats, deadlifts and overhead presses, where maintaining core stability is crucial. For Olympic weightlifting exercises, no belt at all might be preferred to allow for greater mobility.
Training goals
A weightlifting belt can be a valuable tool if you're wanting to powerlift or build maximal strength. If your focus is on function fitness, mobility or sports performance, you might use a belt less frequently or on specific instances.
Does a weightlifting belt minimise the risk of injury?
Yes - it does so by providing extra support to the core and lower back. This helps to stabilise the spine and reduce the risk of hyperextension or excessive flexion. When you're in the midst of lifting heavy weights, mainly in exercises like squats and deadlifts, maintaining a proper spinal alignment and core stability is key. A weightlifting belt can be used as a reminder to engage core muscles and maintain a more upright posture. This will subsequently reduce the chance of lower back strains or injuries.
Saying that, a weightlifting belt is not the only accessory needed for success. The belt should complement a well-rounded training program and be used judiciously, primarily for maximal or near-maximal effort, to ensure both safety and progress in your weightlifting journey.
Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.