Read more Dead lift or reach for massive power lifting goals without first strapping on a genuine leather 10 mm 4'' wide workout belt for support. The TUFF FIT Power Belt has been made to the highest standard Leather , with durability and quality in mind. 10cm wide and 10-13 mm thick of high strength nylon stitching. It is made to IPF spec from the latest Technical Rule Book. We have used High Quality Leather with a soft non slip suede finish and the steel Lever add to the premium feel and strength of these belts. How do Lifting Belts actually work? A belt supports the back, this is true to a degree however not in the way most would think. A belt works by increasing intra-abdominal pressure by up to 40 percent! Increasing the intra-abdominal pressure provides spinal stability leading to greater force output. This intra-abdominal pressure pushes against the spine from the inside, whilst the core muscles of the abdominal wall and lower back push on the spine from the outside. These two forces (inside and outside pressure) acting against each other to stabilize the spine and reduce the stress on it. This is how your belt actually protects you from injury. Does a Belt actually help Performance? Research shows that WHEN USED PROPERLY wearing a belt can help you generate more force and bar speed on the Squat and Dead lift, which translates into higher one-rep maxes and more reps with any given weight. When should you use a Belt? You don’t need to nor should you wear a belt all the time on every exercise. Your belt should fit tight, if it feels comfortable and you can leave it on for your whole workout then it is not tight enough and you will not be getting any of the benefits from wearing it. It gives most of its benefits on lower body dominant exercises such as Squats, Dead-lifts, Strongman Events and Olympic Lifts. As you get closer to maximum weight use the belt for performance and safety. You should definitely NOT wear a belt if you have health conditions like uncontrolled high-blood pressure or conditions that can be exacerbated by intra-abdominal pressure. Sizing VERY IMPORTANT! To find your size measure around your waist where you will wear the belt - usually around your belly button. Without sucking in your belly pull the tape measure tight. Subtract 1" (2.5cm) from this measurement and use the guide below to choose your size. If in doubt then choose the larger size. Please note that although this sizing guide works for the majority of people, due to different body types there will be the odd occasion where you might want to exchange your belt for a different size - we will be more than happy to do this.