A respiratory effort belt connector system and method for securing the belt to the user's body is provided. The respiratory effort belt connector system includes a belt coupled to the grip of a connector and a receptacle housing. The receptacle housing having a receptacle opening, a guide notch, a locking recess, and a locking lug located above the locking recess. The connector includes a barrel having an end configured to be inserted into the receptacle opening and a locking bar coupled to the barrel. The locking bar is configured to be aligned and inserted into the guide notch and then rotated into the locking recess where the locking bar/connector are retained by the locking lug of the receptacle. A connector neck couples the grip, which is configured to be accessible, to the barrel.