BOLDFIT Gym Belt

What it does

A belt gives your core something to brace against. You take a big breath into your belly, tighten your trunk and push out into the belt, which helps keep your torso rigid during heavy squats, deadlifts and overhead presses.

When to wear one

• Learn to brace without a belt first.
• Use it for your heaviest sets of big lifts, not for light work, machines or cardio.
• Take it off between sets.

Lever or prong?

• Lever belts lock at the same tightness every time and come off quickly.
• Prong belts adjust easily, which helps if your weight changes or you share the belt.

Sizing

Measure around your waist where the belt will sit, roughly at your belly button. Don't go by trouser size. A 10 cm (4 in) wide belt is the common choice for strength training.

If you have high blood pressure, a hernia or are pregnant, ask your doctor before doing heavy braced lifts.