Aqua belts are a wonderful tool to help with aqua fitness, be it aqua jogging or other aqua aerobics classes.
At first, aqua belts may feel unusual and cumbersome to wear in the water, but they are a wonderful training aid that provides natural buoyancy to your body so you can focus on the workout routine and not just treading water to stay afloat.
I have had a lot of experience with various aqua belt types, and it can come as no surprise that it may take a little experimentation to find the right level of buoyancy and aqua belt shape to suit your own body size and shape.
The two most common complaints with aqua belts are:
- They tend to move up in the water out of position, which is uncomfortable and creates an imbalanced buoyancy.
- They tend to push you over in the water, for example, pushes you forward so you feel off balance.
Firstly, if your aqua belt keeps moving up and away from your waist position, you need to tighten the straps. You need to firmly tighten the straps of your aqua belt to resist the force of the water pushing the aqua belt up from your waist to your chest region.
Secondly, if you tend to feel imbalanced with your current aqua belt, there are other options out there that can help to distribute your body weight and the buoyancy of the swim belt.
Here are some of the best aqua belts for pool exercise which deal with these common issues.
1. Speedo Aquafit Belt
The Speedo Aquafit Belt is my personal favourite aqua belt.
This particular swim belt has two key advantages over other similar designs.
First, it is very compact and folds down to a simple block size, which is easy to fit in my swim bag.
Second, you can reposition the floating blocks. So, if you find that you have too much buoyancy at your back and are being pushed forward in the water, then you can reposition some of the floating blocks to your front section to help you maintain a neutral and flat position in the water.
Because we can move the floating bricks, there is a lot more room for adjustment as getting a comfortable fit with aqua belts can be tricky for some.
It does not offer as much buoyancy as thicker, solid, body foam aqua belts, but is perfect for water jogging and water aerobics.
2. Beco Aqua Jogging Belt
This aqua jogging belt from Beco has a classic design which is fastened around the waist. It has a higher back section, but this is not too high, which can cause some swimmers to be pushed forward.
This is a thick belt with good buoyancy, making it a good option for those who like deep water aqua aerobics.
As there is thick foam on the sides, you feel supported and nicely balanced.
If you are shorter and smaller (like I am), this aqua belt might feel a little uncomfortable as the strong buoyancy can cause the belt to move up so you need to adjust it and fix the straps firmly to keep it in place in order find a comfortable position on your waist.
3. Everest Fitness Swimming Belt
This swimming belt from Everest is a comfortable belt with a nice even profile, so you get good buoyancy all around your waist and do not feel “pushed forward” in the water.
Ideally, aqua belts should be fixed firmly around your waist, above the hips. As the shape of this aqua belt is a little narrow, it can create a good fit around the waist for most.
Remember to tighten the straps firmly for the best fit.
4. PhysioRoom Adult Swimming Float Waist Belt
This PhysioRoom swimming float is the classic aqua swimming belt design with a high back, which you find in most deep aqua fitness classes throughout the UK.
It is very supportive in the water, fits a variety of body shapes and sizes and is easily adjustable.
How you float with a high-back swim belt depends on your body shape. As we all have fat distributed differently in our bodies, some swimmers may love the higher back support, while others may feel that the higher back tips them forward in the water.
This is a brilliant design for taller swimmers.
I am a shorter swimmer (5ft) with a smaller frame. For me, this high-back design tips me forward in the water too much, and I feel like I am pushed onto my stomach.
Perhaps this is a good thing, as I have to work twice as hard to stay upright, but if you have a smaller frame, then the high-back design may feel too bulky for you.
5. Beco BEBelt-Maxi Aqua Jogging Belt
For swimmers who like a medium to higher back design but are not fans of bulky foam, then this aqua jogging belt from Beco could be a happy middle ground.
The thinner material and snug waist will fit a variety of body shapes.
Being smaller and lighter than traditional thick foam aqua jogging belts, this design is sleek. In particular, those who feel that traditional thicker foam is too cumbersome will love the smaller waist profile.
6. Dazzleex Water Aerobics Float Belt
If you are looking for an affordable float belt for aqua aerobics to get you started, then this option from Dazzleex has a simple yet effective design.
The tapered profile and simple waist fixing gets the job done for a fraction of the cost of other flotation belts.
If you want to get started in aqua jogging or aqua aerobics but are not yet committed to spending a lot of money, this is a simple and effective design for a low price.
7. EVA Swimming Float Belt
This is a simple EVA foam belt with individual bricks which you can move around to adjust buoyancy and flotation in the water.
If you are interested in this design, I highly recommend spending the extra money and going for the Speedo Aquafit Belt. However, if you are looking for a budget option, this simple flotation belt is far more affordable.
8. 
Beco Swim Monobelt
The Beco Swim Monobelt is a very simple and comfortable design.
The straight and no-frills belt is of good quality and fits nicely around the waist region. This gives even buoyancy and is great for those who like a less bulky foam design.
9. Beco Maxi Aqua Jogging Belt
This is a larger belt with long straps and supports those who need extra buoyancy. It is stiffer and more robust, making this a very durable and long-lasting product.
Excellent for those who need extra buoyancy support in the water.
Aqua Swim Belts – Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about buying and using aqua belts.
How to Choose an Aqua Jogging Belt
An aqua jogging belt, also referred to as a flotation belt or water jogging belt, is a great tool for athletes and swimmers to add resistance to their aquatic workouts. When choosing an aqua jogging belt, there are several factors that you should take into consideration.
The first factor is the material of the belt. Aqua jogging belts are made from foam, neoprene, or cloth material and each offers its own benefits. The material of the belt will influence how soft the material feels against your skin and the overall design. Some belts will feel large and bulky but have great buoyancy, while others can be made from a thinner material that feels less cumbersome, yet offers excellent buoyancy in the water.
The second factor to consider when choosing an aqua jogging belt is the size. When purchasing a water jogging belt, it is important to get one that fits snugly around your waist so that it does not slip or move while in the water. Most belts come in sizes XS-XL and should be chosen based on your waist size.
The last factor to consider when selecting an aqua jogging belt is the type of straps and closure. Most belts have a snap closure. Good straps are really important for aqua belts, as you need to tighten them firmly to stop the aqua belt from moving as you swim or exercise.
Choosing the right aqua jogging belt is important for a safe and efficient aquatic workout. It is important to consider the material, size, shape and fit of the belt before making your purchase so that you get one that best suits your needs.
Are Swimming Belts Good?
Swimming belts are a great tool for athletes and swimmers to add resistance to their aquatic workouts or add buoyancy so that a swimmer can focus on their workout and less on trying to tread water.
With the right aqua jogging belt, you can enjoy a great aquatic workout that is both challenging and rewarding.
Aquatic belts are designed to simulate land-based running and walking workouts. Aqua belts provide buoyancy that allows the user to move more freely in water, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
Furthermore, using a swimming belt can increase your range of motion and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help to strengthen the core muscles and improve balance.
If you are looking to get the most out of your aquatic workouts, especially deep water aqua classes, then a swimming belt is essential. It is an easy way to add resistance, intensity and variety to your exercise routine.
Can You Swim With An Aqua Belt?
You can swim with an aqua belt, but you may have to adapt your stroke. The aqua belt is designed to be worn around the midsection and provide buoyancy in the water, allowing you to float or gently swim with no strain on your body.
Using an aqua belt while swimming can help improve your fitness level, and water confidence, or help you recover from injury. Since wearing an aqua belt gives you extra buoyancy, it can take the pressure off trying to tread water as you swim.
This can provide a great low-impact workout and allow certain injuries to recover with gentle exercise. Ensure you speak to a Doctor before trying a new water workout routine after an injury.
Do You Need A Belt For Aqua Jogging?
Although you can aqua jog without an aqua belt in shallow water, it is important to consider your goals before choosing to not wear one.
Aqua jogging with an aqua belt is much easier, as they help to prevent you from sinking. Many swimmers prefer to go without the belt, as they get a more intense workout.
For true runners, who want to preserve their running technique, then I recommend using an aqua belt. You have to adapt your gait as you run in water, lifting your knees higher and changing your body position. Wearing an aqua belt can help you maintain some level of consistency with your usual gait.
How Do You Stop An Aqua Belt Riding Up?
To prevent an aqua belt from riding up, make sure to get the right size and adjust it properly. Make sure that it fits snugly against your body and is tight enough so that you won’t slip out of it while in the water. It is essential that the straps are tightened firmly.
Finally, avoid wearing any loose clothing when using an aqua belt, as this may cause the belt to ride up. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your aqua belt stays in place and gives you the best possible workout experience.
Final Thoughts
Aqua belts are an essential tool for any water-based workout and can help you to improve your technique, endurance and overall fitness level.
With the right aqua belt, you can enjoy a great aquatic workout that is both challenging and rewarding. However, it is important to note that not all swimming belts are created equal, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase so that you get one that best suits your needs.
Some trial and error may be required at first. However, most local pools run deep water aerobic classes where you can try an aqua belt for free so you can feel what you love about a good aqua belt before getting your own.
Happy swimming!