Thread: Military Press - Belt?

I personally would use one just for safety reasons for now, or maybe see a doctor in the meanwhile..

but if you do start using it for a while, don't get comfortable with them

Originally Posted by EsseQuamVideri

I have been gearing up for a 5x5 routine in about a month or so. Last Thursday I had to combine shoulders and legs (which are usually split) and I decided that instead of Standing Behind the Neck Shoulder Press I would do Military Press instead. There was more pressure on my lower back doing Military, I found, but I was doing 135 for 6-8 reps and followed this with squat in which I went to 305 ATF x 2 reps. I did this without a belt as I am not a firm believer in them as I think you get strong everywhere except your back. Well, after my workout (a few hours later) I was lifting my 4 month old son (who is 22lbs <-- big boy) when suddenly my back started to spasm painfully. For the rest of that night I had to be VERY careful how I moved or my back would spasm. The next day (Friday) I took off from the gym (and I don't work out weekends) and although I never had any painful spasms I could tell my back was still weak/traumatized. By Sunday I was fine and I am ready to get back to the gym today.

Anyway, it got me to thinking about belts, which I haven't used in over 10 years. With the 5x5 routine coming up should I change my thinking on them?

I do push presses in this fashion with 135 too....for the same number of reps too....I bring my grip in a little more than I do for say seated barbell military press or behind the neck presses...this is so I can bring it down in front of me in a more natural fashion (I don't have to arch my back a lot and lean my head back to bring the bar down)....I stand with knees bent, shoulder width stance...Since I brought my grip in a little bit, I have been able to do these more efficiently and with less pressure on my lower back...(and I feel you, cuz I've felt those painful spasms too, so this isn't coming from someone who doesn't know what you're talking about)

If a belt makes you feel more comfortable when going real heavy, then go ahead and use one. I never use them, but they're fine for exercises like those that you mentioned when going heavy. A double with ATG squats is certainly grounds for using a belt.

The belt only reminds me to keep my gut tight. If I begin to relax my gut I feel the pressure against the belt then I tighten. Abdominal support is important for preventing back injury. If I could remind myself to stay tight during heavy I wouldn't feel the need for a belt. Your lower back is going to get a lot of work no matter what precautions you take. It's just the nature of heavy squats.

wear your belt. you'll thank me in twenty years.

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