[ Gear · Belt ]
Hyrox lifting belt: when it's useful and when it's not
A lifting belt is over-used in Hyrox training and under-used on race day for good reasons. In training, you don't always need it, but for the few minutes you're under heavy sled or sandbag load, it can preserve your back across a 12-week build.
On race day most racers don't wear a belt. It restricts breathing on the run, gets in the way on the burpee broad jump, and the load on any single Hyrox movement is sub-maximal for an experienced lifter. The exception is a known back issue.
[ What to look for ]
- Soft, flexible (nylon or velcro), not a stiff powerlifting belt.
- Quick-release buckle if you might take it off mid-race.
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Right size for your waist, too loose is useless.
[ What to avoid ]
- Stiff 10 mm powerlifting belt, too restrictive for race use.
- Belts with metal prong buckles, slow to remove mid-event.
- Wearing a belt for every single set in training, your core needs to work without it.
Belt, frequently asked questions
The plan does.
Right kit, wrong plan: still slow. Right plan: any decent kit will do. Take the quiz, see your Week 1 free.