Abstract: A weightlifting belt including an elongated belt body adapted to encircle the abdominal region. A heavy duty webbing backup element extends over a major portion of the length of the belt body, and a lumbar support pad is secured to the center of the belt body. Strips of self-gripping fastener material are secured to opposite sides of the belt body adjacent its opposite ends, and form a first closure subassembly of a double closure system. A holding strap is secured to, and projects from, one end of the belt body, and is extendable through a buckle spaced along the belt body from the opposite end thereof. The holding strap carries self-gripping material positioned to engage an additional strip of such material carried between the ends of the belt body. This provides the second closure subassembly of the double closure system.