Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt - Premium Weightlifting Belt for Serious Functional Fitness, Weight Lifting, and Olympic Lifting Athletes - Lifting Support for Men and Women - Deadlift Training Belt

The Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt is everything I was looking for in a lifting belt and more! The quick-release design makes it incredibly easy to tighten for heavy lifts and loosen between movements without ever having to take it off—perfect for transitioning between workouts in CrossFit. It provides excellent core support without being bulky or restrictive, allowing full mobility for all types of exercises.The build quality is top-notch, lightweight yet durable, and it delivers great value for the price. I also have to give a shout-out to Element 26's outstanding customer service—when my original belt wasn’t the best fit, they quickly replaced it with a better size at no extra cost.If you're looking for a comfortable, durable, and functional weightlifting belt that you can wear throughout your entire workout, this is the one! Highly recommend for CrossFit, weightlifting, and general strength training.— Wes

BACKGROUND INFO (feel free to skip if you’d like)I think it is important that I begin this review by stating that when it comes to weightlifting belts, I’m in the mindset that they are not necessary. In fact, I did not think I’d ever use one until a fitness company (NOT Element 26) offered to send me free weightlifting belt, no strings attached. I was hesitant to accept their offer because I wasn’t sure I’d even use the belt, but I decided that since the belt was free, I’d try incorporating it into my heavy deadlift and squat days. I had recently noticed that my stability and form during these heavy days needed some improvement; maybe a belt could help. The day I received the free (not Element 26) belt, I immediately tried it on … and I immediately knew that I would never be wearing the belt during my workouts. The belt, although well made, was not comfortable. My biggest issue with the belt was that the back was wider than the front; this creates not only issues with comfort, but also functionality. I returned the belt and, oddly, I found myself a bit disappointed. By this time, I had talked myself into giving a weightlifting belt a try and I was actually looking forward to it. That being said, I did some research and decided I would purchase a belt that I felt would best suite my needs.THE REVIEWI chose the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt because it seemed to offer the most bang for the buck while meeting my specific needs (although a 10mm thick, leather belt with a single prong buckle may provide a lifetime of unsurpassed support; I didn’t want the expense, nor the break in period typically required of these belts). From the moment I put the Element 26 belt on, it felt right. The width of the belt and the ability to tighten it exactly how I want it made the belt very comfortable. The self-locking mechanism made the belt feel very secure. The lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee made me feel like the financial investment (although minimal compared to some other belt costs) was well worth it. I was ready, and a bit excited, to put the belt to the test.So far, I’ve used the belt for two heavy deadlift days and one heavy squat day. Please keep in mind that I am not a power lifter or anything. I’m lifting about 150% - 200% of my body weight during these exercises. My needs may be different than yours. Not being a belt user in the past, I cannot provide insight as to how the belt compares to the performance of other belts, but what I can say is that the belt has performed to my expectations … expectations set by the claims and descriptions found on the Element 26 website.The belt is well made and appears to be very durable. I am not concerned about the build quality of the belt; I’m confident it will last a very long time. If something does go wrong, E26 offers a lifetime warranty.I can adjust the belt to the perfect amount of compression; I’m not limited to a specific set of holes found on prong buckle belts. It’s super easy to adjust the belt too. I’ve seen guys at the gym wearing different style belts doing some pretty strange things trying to get their belt to fit just right. It looks awkward, to say the least.The belt feels very secure when the self-locking mechanism is engaged; there is no slip or movement in the belt. It does not loosen up during lifts. This is extremely important to me; I want to know that the compression I feel during the first rep is the same compression I’ll feel on the last rep.The belt is a great width, it does not interfere with my hips or ribs during any exercise. It allows for comfortable full range of motion from the start. I’m very surprised at how comfortable this belt is.The belt is lightweight and doesn’t take up much room in a gym bag.Being uniform in width all the way around allows the user to move the buckle to their side or their back or wherever is most comfortable for them. Regardless of where the buckle is, the belt is providing the same amount of compression all the way around. Note: I, personally, do not find the buckle to be uncomfortable anywhere along my waist; it never gets in my way.I like how easy it is to “unlock” the belt after I complete a set without the need to completely remove it. I can quickly adjust the belt to fit loose around my waist while waiting to begin my next set.Although I’m not concerned with my appearance and I’m the furthest thing from a fashionable gym goer, this belt does look great. Just because appearance isn’t important to me, doesn’t mean it’s not something others look for. If you want your equipment to be equally fashionable as it is functional, this belt should check both boxes for you.When all is said and done, I am very happy that I made the decision to purchase the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt. I’m so happy with the belt and the Element 26 brand that I recently placed an order for the Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Lifting Straps. I’ve also got my eye on the Element 26 Isoprene Polymer Hand Grips, but those will have to wait until I’ve got some extra cash to spend.

Nice belt for moderate bench pressing

The Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt is a top-notch accessory for anyone serious about weightlifting, functional fitness, or Olympic lifting. This belt offers superior support and stability, making it an invaluable tool for both men and women engaged in heavy lifting and deadlift training.Pros:Self-Locking Mechanism: The self-locking feature provides a secure and customizable fit, ensuring that the belt stays in place during intense lifts.Premium Quality: Made from high-quality materials, the belt is durable and designed to withstand the rigors of heavy lifting while providing excellent support.Comfortable Fit: The belt is padded and ergonomically designed to provide comfort without compromising support, making it ideal for extended training sessions.Versatile Use: Suitable for various types of lifting, including functional fitness, weight lifting, and Olympic lifting, offering versatility in your training routine.Effective Support: The belt provides excellent lower back support and core stabilization, helping to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.Cons:Sizing Considerations: Ensuring the correct size may require careful measurement, as an ill-fitting belt can impact comfort and effectiveness.Overall, the Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt is an outstanding choice for serious athletes looking for reliable support and stability during their lifts. Its high-quality construction and secure fit make it a great investment for anyone dedicated to improving their weightlifting performance.

Im a complete beginner to lifting belts. I got medium. I tighten it and the thick part overlaps. I measured myself to be about 33 inches around my waist/belly. So not sure if I measured wrong or what. But it works, it depends on if you want it to overlap or not. Measure your waist well, if you get one too big, it might not go tight enough for you. The thick part (support part) does touch my ribs and pelvis, but its not uncompertible, since I should be keeping my back straight anyways, and I hope I get more muscle around there and it shouldn't be a problem. It feels like it supports well. Breathe in and tighten core, and it feels snug. The quick release feels like it works, but also feels like it needs some getting used to. Quality feels ok, but it's velcro so I'm not sure how long it will last since it will be used many times during workout. You will need to reach around to undo velcro and then the quick release. Pretty simple to use. Seems affordable for a beginner. I've only used it for deadlifts so far. My back was feeling sensitive, but I had no issues using this, so I think it works. 🤔 do your own research and consult a professional.