Thread: Belts vs core

Squat with a belt and then without one, that will give you your answer. I'd venture to say most people weaken their core before their legs cant squat the weight.

Safetys belts remove pressure from the core muscles -- particularly the spinal erectors. So, in short, yes belts make it easier.

They're intended primarly for core stabality/spine safety when performing certan lifts at sub-maximal loads. Using them in the instance of an 8 RM squat or deadlift is unnessary.

Granted you have a bad back, but performing such spine-heavy lifts with your weakened area removed from the process while surrounding muscle develop is probably not the wisest idea.

I'd suggest going to a medical professional to address the problem(s) with your back, so you can begin to fix it. Even with a safety belt, a bad back isn't safe from further injury.

In fact, squats, dead, good mornings, etc, performed at higher-rep, lower-intensity could possibly be good for strengthening your lower back. Don't take that advice as solid, though. I know very little about injuries. We have a sticky in the training thread about training around back injuries. You should check that out in the meantime. But, I would seriously consider going to a doctor before you continue with the weight belt.

See a sports doctor. Regular doctor will just take the easy way out and tell you to stop lifting rather than fix the problem.

i do the same as the OP, i wear a belt when lifting heavy and none when im fkin with cables or lighter weights.As for the question does it make your core weaker, to an extent id assume so but i dont think it makes a significant difference,especially if you train your abs/core.

Chears for the feedback boys!! much apreciated, iv recently changed jobs so my backs not realy an issue anymore i dont realy hav a bad back now but it was when i first got the belt like almos a year ago and im just use to wearing it now and i hav more confidence in realy pushin myself heavy weights with it on. I was compensating and doin abs workouts as well tryin to build my core. Rekn il just mix it up n wear it sum weeks n not the next so my core strengthens up. cheers again fellas