How to Use a Dip Belt for Weighted Dips and Pull-Ups

Once you can do 12–15 clean dips or 8–10 strict pull-ups with your bodyweight, adding reps stops being the best way to get stronger. A dip belt lets you hang weight from your hips so you can keep making progress. Here's what a dip belt is, how to use one safely, and the best exercises to do with it.

What is a dip belt?

A dip belt is a padded belt that sits around your hips, with a chain that hangs down in front of you. You thread a weight plate or kettlebell onto the chain, clip it back to the belt, and the weight hangs between your legs while you train.

It's different from a weightlifting belt. A lifting belt is a stiff belt you brace against during squats and deadlifts. A dip belt is for carrying extra weight on bodyweight exercises.

Our dip belt

The Hustlers Only Dip Belt with Steel Chain is built for heavy weighted dips and pull-ups:

• Solid steel chain, 30 inches long, with a D-shaped ring
• Belt length of 32 inches, one size fits all
• 22mm-thick padded back for cushioning
• Weight capacity of up to 300 lbs
• Available in black, red, green and blue

Regular price Rs. 5,000. At the time of writing (October 2026), it was on sale at 25% off; check the product page for the current price.

How to put on a dip belt

1. Wrap the belt around your hips with the padded part across your lower back and the chain hanging in front.
2. Thread the chain through the hole in a weight plate, or through a kettlebell handle.
3. Clip the end of the chain back onto the belt's ring so the weight hangs between your legs.
4. Adjust the chain length so the weight hangs below your knees during dips but doesn't hit the floor or the dip station.
5. Step up to the bars or pull-up bar carefully, holding the weight steady with your legs so it doesn't swing.

Best exercises with a dip belt

Weighted dips

Works your chest, shoulders and triceps. Lean slightly forward to bias the chest, or stay more upright to bias the triceps. Lower under control until your shoulders are around elbow height, then press back up.

Weighted pull-ups

Works your back and biceps. Start from a dead hang, pull until your chin clears the bar, and lower slowly. Cross your ankles to stop the weight swinging.

Weighted chin-ups

The same as pull-ups but with your palms facing you, which brings in more biceps.

How much weight should you start with?

• Start light: a 2.5kg or 5kg plate is plenty for your first sessions.
• Only add weight when you can do all your sets and reps with good form.
• Add small jumps, such as 1.25–2.5kg at a time.
• Keep your full range of motion. Half reps with a heavy plate aren't worth it.

Safety tips

• Warm up with bodyweight sets before adding load.
• Check the chain and clip are secure before every set.
• Step down carefully at the end of a set, keeping the weight close to you.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain in your shoulders or elbows.

Dip belt vs weighted vest

For lighter loads and conditioning work, see our weight loading vests.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start using a dip belt?

When you can do around 12–15 good-form dips or 8–10 pull-ups with your bodyweight, adding weight is a good next step.

Can I use a dip belt with a kettlebell?

Yes. Thread the chain through the kettlebell handle and clip it back to the belt.

Is a dip belt the same as a lifting belt?

No. A dip belt carries extra weight for bodyweight exercises. A lifting belt is a stiff belt you brace against for squats and deadlifts. See our best weightlifting belts guide if you need one of those.

Does the dip belt fit everyone?

Our dip belt is one size fits all, with a 32-inch belt.

Final thoughts

A dip belt is one of the simplest ways to keep getting stronger on dips and pull-ups. Start light, add weight slowly and keep your form strict. Get yours from our dip belt collection.