when you get it, you are going to want to break the belt in as they come a little stiff. work it some by rolling it as if it were around your waist. also, wrap the end with the holes around the power rack (picture putting the belt on, and getting the prong in the hole) this will help to make it easier to put the belt on, and get it tight. the belt will last you a life time. mine is almost 3 years old, and looks brand new.