Tag: Weightlifting
Best Gym Bags For Powerlifting & Bodybuilding (Updated 2021)
The best weightlifting gym bag can prove most effective for your bodybuilding and powerlifting goals for space and convenience.
Finding a great weightlifting gym bag can be difficult but those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals need one to boost all gains. While there are many different fitness aids, including weightlifting shoes, lifting belts, wrist wraps, and more, having a convenient way to transport these to and from the gym is a necessity. A gym bag worth your while will take care of all your transport needs to and from the gym, while also being suitable for other environments and travel, making this product your new gym partner.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Gym Bags for 2021 to offer great products to maximize your space and convenience so you can tackle any workout. High-quality for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting, these are the best gym bags for men to boost gains.
Best Gyms Bags For 2021
Best Gym Bag Overall
The best gym bag overall will be one of the highest quality and made from durable and long lasting material. Able to hold all of your equipment, many compartments and other features will make your life easier as you travel to and from the gym.
King Kong Apparel CORE35
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs. The outer material is tough, durable, and lightweight while also being water resistant and easy to clean. Multiple external and internal compartments are perfect for storing gear, including an internal shoe compartment and a 13’’ internal laptop sleeve. The best part about this bag is that your weightlifting belt can be strapped around it to maintain proper shape and save space.
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality gym duffel bag designed to support all your needs. Durable and lightweight, while also providing space and comfort, this bag is perfect for any gym day.
Pros
Stores belt on the outside
Huge internal capacity from a weightlifting gym bag
Multiple compartments for all your gear
Great quality and durability to ensure longevity
Cons
If your shoes are larger than US size 13 Mens, then the CORE51 with its larger shoe compartment is a better match for you
Price: $129.95
Check out our individual review for King Kong Apparel CORE35 here!
Best Gym Bag For Space
You want a bag that offers space and works to fit everything you need inside. This can be either with one large compartment to fit everything you need, or many separate ones to keep your whole bag organized.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a lightweight and well-built bag made with incredible materials to boost everyday performance. The UA Storm technology offers a highly water-resistance finish with an abrasion resistant bottom. Two large front zippered pockets allow for convenient storage and a removable and padded shoulder strap offers the best for comfort. A one size fits all bag, this offers great space for all your equipment needs.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a water-resistant and highly durable bag for any conditions. Large vented and zippered pockets are great for organizing and ventilation.
Pros
Lightweight and well-built with great material
Water and abrasion resistant to withstand repeated abuse
Great for space with convenient pockets and storage compartments
Cons
Zippers may be poor quality for a weightlifting gym bag
May have too much space depending on your needs
Price: $27.99-$72.65
Best Lightweight Gym Bag For Durability
With so much inside, your gym bag can heavy and you really don’t need to lug it around before your workout. One that is lightweight, but also durable, is exactly what you need to see those gains you want most.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is a great bag for those looking for durability and extra storage while still being lightweight. A spacious main compartment is accompanied by shoes compartments, multipurpose pockets, and ventilated pockets to only give you the best in terms of carrying your equipment. Heavy duty strap buckles and durable smooth zippers make this bag easy to use as well. Carrying all your equipment can get heavy but a lightweight and durable bag is exactly what you need.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is made from heavy-duty fabric to last you years. Spacious compartments allow for all your equipment like belts, wraps, straps, and more.
Pros
Lightweight and durable for long term use out of this powerlifting gym bag
Many spacious compartments to be used for carrying all your equipment
From a reputable company in Serious Steel
Cons
Shoe compartment does take up a lot of the main compartment
Smaller than expected for a weightlifting gym bag
Price: $99.90
Best Gym Bag For Style & Design
While you want a functional bag, you also want one that will make you look good. When you walk into the gym, others should envy your bag as you will definitely look the part.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is the perfect duffel to flaunt your stuff in the gym. A wide U-shaped opening makes it easy to find what’s inside and with two outer zipper pockets, you can keep everything you want separated away from each other. Made from 100% polyester, the wipeable material is easy to clean and this weightlifting bag is also comfortable. With an adjustable shoulder strap, dual carry handles, and plenty of space, this bag will make you look good and feel better as others will certainly envy you.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is a sport-inspired style bag that is sturdy and durable. A lifetime warranty ensures you always have a quality bag in the gym.
Pros
Wide U-shape for easy access
Durable and comfortable for everyday use from a bodybuilding gym bag
Looks great and is perfect in terms of style and design
Cons
No reinforcement on the bottom
Shoulder strap is not removable
Price: $46.59
Benefits Of A Quality Gym Bag
Having a gym bag that you can trust can prove to be highly effective when it comes to boosting all of your gains inside and out of the gym. The best gym bags for men will be from a company you can trust and can greatly influence space and convenience so you never have the hassle of packing and hustling to the gym again. Benefits of a quality gym bag include:
Ensure you have everything packed: Never have to leave anything at home and allow yourself to pack your equipment, clothes, and supplements effortlessly.
Save space: A good bodybuilding gym bag will keep things tidy and save you space as opposed to just throwing it into any old bag.
Utmost convenience: Packing and unloading your bag has never been easier with compartments and space to be sure you get the most out of your gym bags.
Last a long time: Made from durable material, the right powerlifting gym bag can last you a long time and provide everything you need to thrive.
What You Can Include In Your Gym Bag
While this may seem obvious, the right gym can allow you to include a host of things to better prepare you for your workout. Your fitness clothes and weightlifting shoes will fit effortlessly in your gym bag, as well as any supplements you choose to take, whether that be a protein powder, pre-workout, or intra-workout BCAA. Don’t forget room for your shaker bottle as well.
But the best part about a spacious powerlifting gym bag is that it can fit all of that equipment like lifting straps, weightlifting gloves, resistance bands, and of course, your weightlifting belt. The best gym bags for men allow you to wrap your belt around the bag so it keeps its shape and won’t clutter the inside of your bag. Finding the right gym bag to include all of this may seem dauting but the best bodybuilding bags allow for this and much more.
Gym Bags Vs. Drawstrings & Backpacks
A good, functional gym bag is great for people who prefer to take their things with them into a fitness center or who need to have convenient access to their belongings. But why not just use a backpack or drawstring bag? It’s the same thing, right? Well, there are several reasons why a dedicated gym bag would be preferred and superior to a backpack or drawstring bag for gym use.
Gym Bag vs. Drawstring
First off, we already know that most drawstring bags will bunch up everything together (although some have compartments and more features than the standard drawstring bag), with items stacked on top of the other. And oftentimes, they aren’t as durable for heavier items. Not to mention, your stuff can be more difficult to sort through depending on how big the bag is. And that’s another negative of the drawstring. They can only be so big.
And in most cases, you can store quite a bit more in a decent-sized gym bag and most of these great options on our list will allow you to do so. Many of the quality gym bags are longer and higher from base to top which means there’s room for more options overall. Plus, you have more compartments and features for ease of storage.
Gym Bag vs. Backpack
Backpacks are great because they’re pretty durable with a decent amount of room to store your belongings. And like the drawstring bag, most backpacks are designed to where your items will all be piled on top of the other and it can get pretty deep in there making digging through to find your stuff a challenge sometimes. Now, there are some more high tech backpacks out there which are better designed for convenience and ease of use but they are mostly made to be carried on your back in the same manner a drawstring bag is.
A good gym bag is more elongated so that you can carry it by the handles. Gym bags are generally higher from base to top to where you can separate your belongings in sections.
So, you can carry your gym bag around with you while you train and everything will be so much easier to navigate through. And it’s much easier to carry around by the top handles since the bag is designed for it. But another advantage (purely aesthetic) a gym bag has over a backpack is that if you want to look the part, the former will be more fitting for the environment than the latter, which is an added bonus!
Rogue Vs. Bags On This List
Many people gravitate towards Rogue gym bags but we felt other bags offer better features than many of the bags Rogue does. Don’t get us wrong, Rogue offers a good bag with quality and convenience, but the bags on this list from King Kong Apparel and Gymreapers are great for they contain the best in terms of space with compartments, nice features like wrapping the belt, and the utmost organization to keep your gym experience running smoothly. It’s nothing personal to Rogue, but we just feel some of these brands offer a bit more for the dollar.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best gym bags for men and all your bodybuilding and powerlifting needs, we focus first on the company and the brand. You deserve to have a great brand that is highly reputable working on your behalf to produce only the best bodybuilding bags around. Looking next at quality and what the bags offer is important. The material should be durable and able to last you a long time while withstanding abuse from the constant wear and tear. Each bag should offer compartments and plenty of space for all your gym needs. Lastly, we look at price because we know these products can get expensive but it is possible to find a great gym bag at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What is the best gym bag?
King Kong Apparel CORE35. This gym is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs and is one of the best gym bags for men. Made from great material with tons of storage, this bag offers great features to make your life as easy as possible.
Why can’t I just use a backpack?
You absolutely can use a backpack but know the organization of a backpack just doesn’t compare to that of a gym bag. Gyms bags allow you to capitalize on space for the utmost convenience to make the experience even easier.
Aren’t all gym bags the same?
While gym bags tend to have similar qualities, top tier gym bags will offer the best in terms of amenities and other features. Things like the ability to wrap your belt around the bag is a nice touch that some bags offer. So while gym bags tend to be similar, they are quite different in many ways.
Wrap Up
The best gyms bags for men and those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals have great affects on your overall training and performance. The right bag will allow you to fit everything you need for your workout inside so you never have to leave any equipment behind. A great weightlifting bag will save you time and be of the utmost convenience so no gains are ever sacrificed. Check out these great gym bags and work to improve your training and performance inside and out of the gym today.
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John Haack Crushes A PR Deadlift Of 405kg During Training
Powerlifter John Haack is getting his numbers up in hopes of setting a world record.
Powerlifter John Haack competes in the 90kg (198lb) division and it five weeks out from getting back on stage. The 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation Showdown will take place on Sept. 25-26 and Haack could be looking to accomplish something that has never been done before.
In a recent Instagram video, Haack is seen deadlifting 405kg with nothing but a lifting belt, deadlift shoes, and a pair of wrist straps. This lift was performed during a training session so it will not count as an official record but if done in competition, Haack would hold the world record in the 90kg division.
“I’m ballin out, no ?PR deadlift at 405kgs/892lbs. Just under 5 weeks out #BDE“
According to Haack’s caption, this is a personal record lift. It is fair to assume that Haack is around his competition weight with his next event being so close. With the way he has been training in recent weeks, it is clear that Haack has a plan when he steps on stage in September.
In April at the 2021 US Kern Open, Haack put on quite a show but was bested by Chad Penson. Haack set the bench press world record in the 90kg division with a 262.5kg (578.7lb) lift at the Kern Open. He totaled 970kg in the event but Penson was able to finish with 7.5 more kilograms.
John Haack attempted a 400kg at the Kern Open but was unsuccessful on both attempts. This kept Haack from totaling 1,000kg in the competition, which would have been a record. On August 9, he pulled off a 400kg deadlift and clearly has his sights set on more weight. With Penson present at the WRPF Showdown, there is no doubt that Haack will have revenge on his mind.
This event will take place at Brave Enough CrossFit in Kansas City. It will feature some of the top competitors such as Haack, Penson, Joe Sullivan and Kevin Oak. Haack and the other male competitors will lift on Sept. 25. This is the chance for Haack to show the progress he has made and put up some numbers that have never been done in the 90kg division.
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Peiman Maheripourehir Approaches Deadlift World Record In Recent Training Session
Peiman Maheripourehir pulled off a 492kg deadlift in a recent training session.
The deadlift world record is one that has been on the radar of many powerlifters recently. This includes Peiman Maheripourehir. The Iranian strongman is one of the legitimate threats to the record, currently held by Hafthor Bjornsson, and could be training to eventually have a chance to break it.
Bjornsson set the mark of 501kg last year and few have gotten as close as Maheripourehir. In a recent training session, Maheripourehir pulled off a 450kg raw deadlift followed by a 492kg lift. The final lift was within 10kg of the world record.
“?492 kg & 450 kg raw?”
The first lift could have caused some discussions. The lockout was a bit wobbly and this might have not gotten the nod from judges if it were in competition. This does not mean that Maheripourehir cannot perform the lift. He eliminated all doubts with his raw deadlift — which was performed with ease.
This is not the first time that Maheripourehir has showcased an extreme feat of strength. Back in June, he shared a video on Instagram completing a 425kg for two reps. After performing these reps, Maheripourehir made it clear what his intentions were.
“425 kg raw x 2 reps easy ?..Today’s exercise was done due to personal work (with body fatigue). I will be the father of the deadlift of the world??”
Maheripourehir has not posted many updates but it is clear that he wants to take over the world record currently held by Bjornsson. He has his sights set on 505kg but it is unknown when he will be able to attempt this lift. There have only been two men who have been able to deadlift 500kg. Eddie Hall was the first to accomplish this feat and Bjornsson bested him by a single kilogram.
There is no doubt that Maheripourehir is training to join that list. He knows what it takes to get there and it is unlikely that he accepts any fate short of the world record. This will continue to be a storyline to watch but as of now, Maheripourehir seems like the biggest threat to break Bjornsson’s record.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Julius Maddox Fails 800lb Bench Press Attempt At Wrigley Field
Julius Maddox attempted to break his own record on Saturday night but came up short.
On Saturday night, Julius Maddox was looking to set a new mark for the heaviest bench press of all-time. He currently holds the world record of 782.6 pounds and has had his sights set on 800 pounds recently. Wrigley Field was the venue of what had a chance to be a special event.
Following a game between the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, Maddox wanted to become the first person ever to bench 800 pounds. He ended with two failed attempts and the world record lives another day. This was not the first time that Maddox attempted this lift. In June 2020, Maddox attempted 800 pounds for the first time and ended up suffering a small injury because the bar was misloaded.
Below, you can find Maddox’s two attempts at the incredibly heavy lift.
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Julius Maddox suffered a pec injury back in May and this delayed his progress a bit. He has been training with Larry Wheels to get his strength back to the necessary level to complete this lift. Last week, Maddox failed at a 790lb bench press but felt good enough on Saturday to give it a go.
This would not have been the first time that Maddox broke his own record. He originally took over the title in August 2019 with a 739.6-pound lift. He then crushed a 744.1lb bench press to set a new mark. Maddox would go onto beat his own record two more times. The first came in March 2020 at the Arnold Classic when he accomplished 770lbs. The most recent record came during the Hybrid Showdown in Miami where Maddox pressed the current mark of 782.6lbs.
Julius Maddox’s next attempt at 800lbs could come on another big stage. Earlier in the week, Maddox and Danial Zamani agreed to face off in a head-to-head bench press showdown at CT Fletcher’s Iron Wars V. This event will take place in January and will have plenty of eyes as two of the best bench pressers in the world square off.
This will be a must-see event. For the sake of comparisons, Zamani has pulled off a 777lb lift while training. This is five pounds less than the current world record held by Maddox.
There is no doubt that we will see another 800lb attempt from Maddox in the near future. At full strength and fun health, this is a lift that Maddox will accomplish and then from there, who knows? The sky is the limit.
For more on Julius Maddox, his tips on training and diet, check out our exclusive interview. Follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani To Square Off In Bench Press Showdown
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani are preparing to go head-to-head in a bench press battle early next year.
When discussing the tp bench pressers in the world, there are two names that come to mind immediately — Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani. Who is the best? We might have an answer to that question very soon.
According to an Instagram post by CT Fletcher, there will be a showdown on the bench between Maddox and Zamani at Iron Wars V, a powerlifting competition created by Fletcher himself.
“THE STAGE IS SET!
FOR THE GREATEST BENCH BATTLE IN MODERN HISTORY!
I’VE RECEIVED VERBAL CONFIRMATION FROM BOTH JULIUS MADDOX @irregular_strength THE UNDISPUTED KING ? OF THE BENCH AND REINING WORLD RECORD HOLDER
AND THE IRANIAN ?? SUPERMAN HIMSELF @danialzamani1 THE NO.1 CHALLENGER TO THE CROWN?,” fletcher wrote on instagram.
Maddox currently holds the world record for a raw bench press at 782 pounds. He has an attempt at 800 pounds set up for the end of August. It will be interesting to see if Maddox can make the leap. If there is going to be anyone that has a chance to take the record from Maddox, it will be Zamani. This is something that Maddox has even acknowledged.
Danial Zamani has been putting up some enormous numbers while training. This includes a 766-pound bench press back in July. It is clear that the world record is on his mind and we could see an attempt soon.
Julius Maddox is not shy about commenting on Zamani’s posts on social media. The two are well aware of wha the other can do and this will make the head-to-head matchup even more exciting.
“Getting crazy out here ????” Maddox commented after Zamani’s 766-pound bench.
“thanks brother ❤️❤️❤️” Zamani responded.
“I’m super excited to be there to host and witness history,” Fletcher continued on Instagram. “We will livestream and tape this event, but ask anyone who has ever been to Iron Wars, there’s nothing like being there in person, so if you can, you don’t want to miss this opportunity, coming January 2022 to the Valley of the Beast!! Danial Zamani – Just did 777 in training. Julius Maddox – World Record 782.”
Friendly competition is good for the sport and that is what can be seen between these two elite lifters but there is no doubt that they both want to hold the world record. This event has a chance to be as exciting as it gets so like Fletcher said, you will not want to miss it.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mir Mostafa Javadi Completes Unofficial World Record Of 208kg Clean & Jerk
Mir Mostafa Javadi posted a video completing a lift that would qualify as a world record in competition.
Mir Mostafa Javadi is not a name that you might have heard before but that will change moving forward. On Monday, the Iranian weightlifter posted a video on Instagram showing off his incredible strength. Javadi completed a 208kg (458.5lb) clean & jerk, which is an unofficial world record.
This lift is a single kilogram more than the world record currently held by Lu Xiaojun. The lift can be seen below and if you navigate through Javadi’s page, this is not the first time he has impressed with a lift. In his caption, Javadi kept it nice and simple.
“208kg clean and jerk1kg above the world record✌️✌️?”
Mir Mostafa Javadi has completed a 260kg (572lb) back squat and a 147kg (323.4lb) snatch as well. This lift proves that he has what it takes to compete with some of the best and Javadi might not be flying under the radar anymore.
At 18 years old, Javadi set a Junior Iranian record by snatching 154kg (339lb) at the 2019 Asian Weightlifting Championships. He placed sixth overall at the event. This was his first International competition and competed at the 81-kg division. Javadi returned to the same competition in 2021 in the 73-kg division. He was able to place fifth overall and even earn a medal. Javadi finished third in the snatch behind Yuan Chengfei and Shi Zhiyong.
It is unknown when Javadi will compete again but this is a good sign if he is looking to overtake Xiaojun’s world record. To complete this lift in the way that he did was impressive. When thinking about the weight, it makes even more eye-opening.
The 2022 World Weightlifting Championships will take place in Chongqing, China. This could be a chance for Mir Mostafa Javadi to stop on stage and show what he can do. If he attempts to break a world record, there will be plenty of eyes on the competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
79-Year-Old Frank Zane Is Still Crushing The Gym
Frank Zane recently shared some of his favorite exercises on Instagram.
Frank Zane is one of the all-time greats in the sport of bodybuilding. He totaled three-straight Olympia victories from 1977-1979. It is no surprise that this iconic bodybuilder is still in the gym and doing it at 79 years old.
Zane recently shared one of his favorite exercises to do while training biceps. It is an incline-curl variation that is performed laying face down on an incline bench and having arms hanging down with the dumbbells in hand. Zane took to Instagram to share the video.
“This puts tension on your biceps right at the top. So you let the dumbbell hang down, and you curl up, and stop at the top and then go down slow,” Zane said in the video.
“You want to develop a rhythm when you’re doing them. Rhythm is what counts… You want to do about 10 reps… It’s a great exercise for peaking.”
Frank Zane is known for his battles with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has over two decades of experience on stage and when he speaks on exercises, it is wise to listen. This is not the only exercise that Zane has provided wisdom on. He does not post on social media much but when he does, it is to teach and share over 50 years of experience in training and bodybuilding.
Back in June of 2020, Zane gave some tips on how to build up your triceps. This was done without any special machines, which Zane said “no special equipment needed if you don’t have access to machines.”
Frank Zane is a legend in the bodybuilding world. He took home a Mr. America and Mr. Universe title in 1968 to go along with his three Olympias. Even though he is decades out of competition, Zane still has the mind and motivation to not only train himself but to share his knowledge with the next generation.
Zane has been motivating and inspiring weightlifters for years now and that is not going to change. Even at 79 years old, Zane has a lot to offer and he can help anyone better themselves by just listening to the words he has to say.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mark Wahlberg Appears Shredded Once Again After 14-Week Transformation
Mark Wahlberg is one of the biggest actors in the world and is known for having an incredible physique.
Actors have to adjust their overall look depending on a role they are going to be playing in their latest movie. For Mark Wahlberg, this is nothing new.
Wahlberg is known as one of the biggest actors and has been showing off his incredible physique on the big screen for years. On Monday, the two-time Oscar nominee took to Instagram to show his latest progression.
Mark Wahlberg was seen performing a set of toes-to-bar where he was hanging from a bar and lifting his feet as high as possible. Wahlberg kept his caption short and sweet by simply saying “still celebrating.” He did not reference his change in physique but it is clear that Wahlberg has been putting in some serious work over the last three months.
This is nothing new for the actor. He has been in several roles where he was able to show off his progress in the gym. At 50 years old, Wahlberg is back to having that shredded six pack that he has sported for years.
Wahlberg recently spoke about his recent transformation in an interview with Jimmy Fallon on his late night show on NBC.
“I had to consume for two weeks, 7,000 calories, and for another two weeks, 11,000 calories — and it was fun for about an hour.”
Wahlberg revealed that the process “wasn’t fun” and “you just tough it out.” Wahlberg had to put on an additional 30 pounds for a role in Father Stu, where he played a bipolar priest who used to be a boxer. This film has not been released yet. After filming, it is clear that Wahlberg wanted to get back in shape and he has done so with flying colors.
This is not the first time Mark Wahlberg has lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. He has revealed in the past that he once lost 10 pounds in five days by drinking the broth of boiled animal bones.
The transformation gone through by actors is significant and completed in a short amount of time. This is because of their insane training regimens along with the luxury of home gyms and elite trainers. Wahlberg has both and his results cannot be argued with.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best Weightlifting Belts For Gains & Back Support (Updated 2021)
Stabilize your lower back and support those monster lifts with these weightlifting belts to see big gains.
While some certainly take the more “natural” approach when it comes to their big lifts and decide to not where one, weightlifting belts can be incredibly useful tools to keep you both safe and efficient in your workouts, especially when it comes to huge lifts for stability and added core support. Many people dawn these leather or nylon belts in the gym in efforts to assist lifts like the squat or the deadlift. Aside from keeping people safe by allowing for solid form, those powerlifters and bodybuilders who rock these belts love them because they can lift more weight.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for 2021 to help you progress in your weightlifting journey. From leather to nylon, each is unique in its approach for functionality, durability, flexibility, and support, but can really work to elevate your big lifts.
Best Weightlifting Belts For 2021
Best Overall
Your lifting belt should be a great all-around aid to you in the gym, especially for those of you powerlifters and bodybuilders. A quality belt will provide core support, back support and stability, and the utmost protection as you lift massive weight. But it should also be comfortable and versatile to not interfere with your gains. SBD has created an awesome weightlifting belt that hits all the marks of a great lifting aid.
SBD 13MM Lever Belt
SBD 13mm Lever Belt is an awesome lifting belt designed for powerlifters and strongmen to really enhance overall support and strength. The English hide is prepared over five months in order to ensure strength and longevity so this belt is more comfortable with time and will last you well into your training years. A black oiled finish and red suede interior keeps you looking and feeling great while wearing it. The buckle is easily adjustable with a gliding lever action and prong belt for easy access and with 13mm of thickness, this belt is lightweight and flexible without sacrificing any gains to those powerlifters and bodybuilders.
SBD 13MM Lever Belt is a quality belt with 13mm thickness and 10cm width. Black oiled leather finish with red suede interior offers a sleek look on this belt that is USAPL and IPF approved.
Pros
Built to last, this is a quality and comfortable belt for stability and core support
It is easy to adjust and the many sizes offered ensures a snug fit
Looks and feels great in efforts to provide you with great support
Competition approved is a huge plus
Cons
A premium priced option only available through their website
Only 13mm thickness is available
The red suede tends to bleed when wet, so wearing a darker t-shirt the first few uses will prevent any unwanted staining
Price: $227.50
Check out our individual review for SBD 13MM Lever Belt here!
Best Lifting Belt For Deadlifts
The deadlift is one of those exercises powerlifters and bodybuilders just love to put on serious weight and get that off the ground. As a massive lift by nature, your belt should reflect the goals you seek most when it comes to driving that bar up. Gymreapers has this belt to offer the best support and protection for your back while still allowing for functional movements, especially with deadlifts.
Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt
Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other leg and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively, especially with deadlifts.
Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.
Pros
Great for deadlifts, as well as other legs and back workouts
Superior back support and protection with added core support
Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile and offering stability
Cons
Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy
Price: $89.99
Best Lever Lifting Belt
Belts that have a lever fastening system are incredibly convenient and simple to use so you don’t waste time in the gym and can get down to doing what you love. Pronged belts tend to be a hassle and take too long in between lifts to adjust. Gymreapers designed a great lever belt that is comfortable, simple to use, and seriously effective in seeing gains for those of you powerlifters and bodybuilders.
Gymreapers 10MM Lever Belt
Gymreapers 10MM Lever Belt is designed for athletes through rigorous testing to find the best quality and durability to aid in any and all of your lifts. Great form, fit, and function are matched by a clean design and easy-to-use lever for optimal adjustments and less hassle. High quality leather is coupled with smooth edges and reinforced stitching perfect for overall quality and longevity. Being USPA approved allows you to use this for competition so you can train and compete with a belt you can trust.
Gymreapers 10MM Lever Belt is examined and improved for quality and durability. A clean and easy design is matched by an easy-to-use lever function and quality leather.
Pros
Great form, fit, and functionality out of the belt with core support and stability
The lever function is a clean design and easy to use
Well-tested and researched for optimal effectiveness
USPA approved is awesome
Cons
Material on the buckle could be a bit better
Price: $110.00
Best Lifting Belt For Beginners
Those just starting out as powerlifters and bodybuilders may be unfamiliar with weightlifting belts and what to use them for. To start, an entry level belt should be comfortable and offer support but be very simple to use and here is where a Velcro strap comes into play. Harbinger has created a flexible, yet durable nylon belt with a Velcro strap so beginners can lift big in a simple way.
Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
Harbinger offers a great nylon lifting belt made from thick, flexible, heavy duty nylon which works to provide maximum comfort and durability while maintaining muscle warmth. Since the stitching runs in parallel lines across the entire belt, it allows for uniform support and better stabilization. The 4-inch belt with an extra wide 3-inch strap offers the proper lower back and abdominal support for those heavy lifts and big gains. The steel buckle makes tensioning more than easy for convenience and overall, this belt is great for both flexibility, stability, and core support.
Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt is a great belt for supporting your lower back during those heavier lifts. Thick and flexible nylon is matched by quality and durability for ensured longevity.
Pros
The thick Velcro offers for great durability and support
Comfortable fit and aids in muscle warmth
The steel buckle makes for easy and simple adjusting
Cons
Not as rigid as other belts, so there may be others with more support
With Velcro straps, you always run the risk of durability issues
Price: $15.75/large belt (prices may vary slightly for other sizes)
Check out our individual review for Harbinger 4’’ Nylon Weightlifting Belt here!
Best Lifting Belt For Squats
Another big lift, squatting requires serious attention to form, especially as you stack more and more weight on. What you want out of a great squatting belt is something to offer core support and to keep your back neutral while offering balance and stability with some free movement. Pioneer creates amazing lifting belts that are durable and versatile to keep you safe during squats and seeing huge gains as powerlifters and bodybuilders.
Pioneer Leather Deadlift Belt
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts are made from full grain sole leather to allow for repeated abuse and the prevention of wear and tear over time and are 6.5mm thick. The nickel-plated rivets and buckles hold this belt together and show true craftsmanship both in terms of look and quality. The beveled edges are put in place for added comfort, giving customers a sense of ease that Pioneer cares about the smaller details as well in their quest to make a great belt. Strong enough to be durable and last a long time while also allowing for comfort and versatility, you will feel great about any workout that comes your way. Made right here in the United States, this belt is an all around great addition to your gym bag and workout routine.
Pioneer Weightlifting Belts are great for heavy lifts and provide 6.5mm thickness for quality and durability. The tapered tongue and single prong buckle are perfect for a snug fit.
Pros
Three great size options with all being 6.5 mm thick
Nickel plated rivets and buckle are durable look great
Full grain sole leather allows for great strength and pliability
From a reputable and honest company in Pioneer
Cons
Unknown if belts are approved for competition or not
Price: Prices range from $51.95-$72.95
Check out our individual review for Pioneer Leather Deadlift Belts here!
Best Leather Lifting Belt For Weightlifting
Using a belt during weightlifting can be challenging as some weightlifting belts tend to interfere with your lift and cause more headache than you may like. A belt that will allow you to move freely while still offering great support is out there and Gymreapers is the way to go. Being lightweight and form fitting, you still get optimal movement for whatever exercise you need done as powerlifters and bodybuilders along with added core support and stability.
Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt
Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other legs and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively.
Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.
Pros
Great for deadlifts, as well as other legs and back workouts
Superior back support and protection
Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile
Cons
Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy
Price: $89.99
Benefits Of A Weightlifting Belt
Lifting belts provide for a host of solid benefits for powerlifters, bodybuilders, and other strength athletes, and primarily, they can support your core which is needed to conduct those heavy lifts. Reducing lower back strain is a huge benefit, and although a lifting belt is not a back brace, since it helps keep your core engaged (1), less strain on your lower back occurs and that increased stability allows for better range of movement (2). Now that you have proper form, your risk of injury decreases, and you can now lift more weight efficiently with less worry of unwanted pain. Ultimately, a weightlifting belt provides support, comfort, and versatility to your lifts so you can be comfortable lifting huge weight while also being safe and protecting your overall physical health.
What To Look For
Finding the right belt is really all a choice of personal preference and comfort, but there are some things to consider to find exactly what you are looking for to get out of the belt. For serious weightlifters, you may want to look into a leather lifting belt. These tend to be durable and last quite a long time. You also want to consider if you want a prong buckle or a lever. A lever buckle allows for greater convenience and a snug fit but again, this just comes down to your personal preference on the matter.
Leather Vs. Nylon
Leather weightlifting belts are indeed one of the most popular and effective options for powerlifters and bodybuilders because they provide maximum support for the heavy lifts. There are different types of leather as well and the decision to choose one type of leather is usually based on personal preference. But top grain is usually the most durable where as suede (split leather) is not as much so. There are also synthetic leather belts which are obviously not the same as real leather although some can be pretty effective. A good leather belt should be able to adequately support you by keeping your core muscles compressed and spine stiff throughout the lift (3).
Nylon material is much more flexible than leather and it’s also much more versatile. So, if you need a belt to do CrossFit type activities and/or if you just need some additional back support for walking around the house or anywhere really, then nylon is a good option. Nylon belts won’t entirely have the same support as a leather belt would but it really depends on the resistance loads used for weightlifting/activities (4). Many top athletes and lifters go with nylon for its versatility. And there are often many different materials blended with nylon for maximum durability and support like neoprene, polyester, and cotton.
How We Choose
When looking at the best weightlifting belts, especially for those powerlifters and bodybuilders, it’s important for us to first look at the reputation of the brand because a company should work for you and give you the best product around. The quality of the belt and its material is also very important because longevity and durability matter greatly. You don’t want a belt to last a short time, for it takes some getting used to and once it’s broken in, this can work wonders for you. We lastly look at price. We know sports equipment can get expensive but it is possible to find great products at affordable prices to maximize your gains without breaking the bank.
FAQ Section
What is the best weightlifting belt?
SBD 13mm Lever Belt. This belt is an awesome lifting belt designed for powerlifters and strongmen to really enhance overall support and strength. The English hide is prepared over five months in order to ensure strength and longevity so this belt is more comfortable with time and will last you well into your training years.
Do I really need a belt?
While you don’t really need a belt, it can greatly affect your lifts in a positive way. If you are more comfortable taking a natural approach, that is absolutely fine, but a belt can give you comfort and support in knowing you are more safe lifting that big weight as opposed to without (5).
When is the best time to wear a belt?
It is best to wear a belt when maxing out and performing very heavy lifts. But for those who are more comfortable wearing it for most exercises, that works too. It is important that you don’t become reliant on it because that can cause negative effects that you just don’t want.
Wrap Up
Finding the right weightlifting belt can be challenging. Your weightlifting goals and big gains are important for your overall growth but doing so safely and effectively should be top priority. When looking for a good belt, it is helpful to consider both flexibility and support, but also durability and affordability. A good quality lifting belt can be your best friend in the gym for years and the investment should only be a benefit to you. Check out our list of these top lifting belts and really work to see those big gains get even bigger.
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References
Miyamoto, K.; Iinuma, N.; Maeda, M.; Wada, E.; Shimizu, K. (1999). “Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles”. (source)
Finnie, S. B.; Wheeldon, T. J.; Hensrud, D. D.; Dahm, D. L.; Smith, J. (2002). “Weight Lifting Belt: Motivations For Use”. (source)
Kingma, Idsart; Faber, Gert S.; Suwarganda, Edin K.; Bruijnen, Tom B.; et al. (2006). “Effect of a Stiff Lifting Belt on Spine Compression During Lifting”. (source)
Cholewicki, Jacek; Juluru, Krishna; Radebold, Andrea; Panjabi, Manohar M. (1999). “Lumbar spine stability can be augmented with an abdominal belt and/or increased intra-abdominal pressure”. (source)
Frankel, Christopher C.; Kravitz, Len. “The Weight Belt Controversy”. (source)
Lasha Talakhadze Sets Three World Records at 2020 Olympic Games
Powerlifter Lasha Talakhadze set three world records during the finals of the Men’s +109-kg category.
The Olympic Games is a time for athletes in many different sports from all around the world to show off what they can do. On the biggest stage, Georgian weightlifter Lasha Talakhadze did just that. On Wednesday, Talakhadze set three world records during the finals of the +109-kg category.
Talakhadze totaled 488kg (1,075.8lb) in two lifts. It began with a 223-kg (491.6lb) snatch followed by a 265-kg (584.2) clean & jerk. All three were good for new world records as the 27-year-old notched his second gold medal at the Olympic Games. He also finished at the top during the 2016 Games in Rio.
Lasha Talakhadze took to Instagram to celebrate his newest gold medal.
Ali Davoudi of Iran finished as the silver medalist while Syria’s Man Assad took home the bronze. At this point, Talakhadze seems to be in a league of his on. He dominated his way through his lifts by performing three consecutive in each round and did not miss any of his six attempts. Talakhadze set new Olympic records with each lifts and broke his own world records on the final attempt in each round.
Is Lasha Talakhadze the best powerlifter in the world? It is hard to argue against a reigning two-time Olympic champion but he has seen great success in other competitions. Talakhadze has finished at the top in every international event he has competed in since 2015. He has won five times at the European Championships and four times at the World Championships. Prior to 2015, Talakhadze picked up international victories at the European Junior Championships in 2011 and Junior World Championships in 2013.
Talakhadze had to serve a two-year ban for testing positive for stanozolol in 2013 but he has made up for it and them some. He has totaled nine records in the snatch, four in the clean & jerk, and eight overall.
This is not the end of the road for Lasha Talakhadze and why would it be? He has dominated for six years now since returning from his suspension. Talakhadze will more than likely enter the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as the favorite looking to make some more noise and potentially set new records once again. Talakhadze has been at the top of the sport and it is looking like he is not going to fall anytime soon.
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