Weight lifting belts reduce stress on the lower back by lifting weight in a vertical position and help prevent hyperextension of the back when lifting weight on the head. A belt reduces lumbar tension by compressing the abdominal cavity. This increases the intra-abdominal pressure, which offers more support in the lower back.

This allows the erector muscles of the spine, which normally provide support for the lower back, to make less effort during exercise. Another benefit of intra-abdominal pressure is a greater reduction in contractions of the spine (less compression of the back).

A belt will help maintain your back alignment, which can be very beneficial if you have had a recent injury and can help prevent injuries caused by weight gain. The belts can give you more confidence to lift more weight, it can even give you more confidence to train harder for longer. Belts can not only help you lift more weight in the gym, but they can also help you at other times when you need to lift weight such as moving furniture.