Thread: Weight lifting Belt

I use an Inzer buckle belt. I keep it snug when buckled, then I just click it loose when my set is over.

What do you think to tight is? I use a powerlifting belt to squat in. At the beging of my set its snug buy the end I think it's making me short of breath.

I once read that wearing belt when squating is not recommended, I think because it gets in the way of strengthening the supporting muscles. What do you guys think? For what purpose is wearing the belt? -- Josh

I use it for lower back support while training heavy. Kinda keeps everything in place

Yeah I have heard talk for years that Belts are over used. Its really the job of your abdominal muscles to provide that Pressure to support your lower back. Which is why a lot of people who over use the belt may lift something out of the gym (no belt) which they can easily lift with the rest of their body but end up hurting their back. This is because they haven't keep those muscles up to par. I allways heard that it should only be used on very high weight low rep movements. Only on the work sets and when working with 5 reps or less.

I keep mine loose enough that I can breath normally, I would only use a belt when your doing your final set at your max weight.

pretty damn tight, but not too tight, you should be able to breathe normal and not feel any discomfort.

I started out using a belt during heavy lifts. My back seemed to be more prone to injuries since the belt took some of the load off of my muscles. I tried doing heavy lifts without a belt and I could feel the exercise better. Also, I havent' had any injuries yet. (knock on wood)

Never use them!

Having had 6 lower back surgeries - and having worn a 'too thin' belt - too tight, I would say beware of belts. Alot has to do with individual structure and belt design.

Originally posted by Mule
Never use them!

I bought one, used it twice, and it's been gathering dust in my closet ever since. Anyone want a free Atlus belt, barely used?

Only belt I use is the one with the chain so I can add weight to dips and chins.

Belts should only be worn on very heavy sets. Nothing more than 5 reps. More like 1-3 reps really. It should be very tight. It shouldn’t affect your breathing too much as you should be elevating your chest as you inhale. If it’s not tight its not doing its job.

It should also be a thick heavy belt, wide all the way around. Its job is to create intra-abdominal pressure. A thin belt or one that tapers in the front will not do this.

I fully agree that belts are over used. You don’t need a belt if your squatting or dead lifting in the 6 reps or higher range. You sure as Hell don’t need one while benching or curling!

Mick

Belts suck. Don't use one. I squat and deadlift in the mid-400s. If you use good form, no belt is needed.

I'll bet ya'll use that cushy thing on your traps when you squat to huh?

My coach don’t let us squat, deadlift or power clean without a belt no matter the weight. I tight it up but not so extreme that will affect my breathing or movement.

Originally posted by Twin Peak

I'll bet ya'll use that cushy thing on your traps when you squat to huh?

Yeah man why should not use it if we have one on the bar all the time. What will I tell my lifting partner: Hey take that off I want to be uncomfortable!!!

Originally posted by Twin Peak
Belts suck. Don't use one. I squat and deadlift in the mid-400s. If you use good form, no belt is needed.

I disagree with that.

Originally posted by Prince


I disagree with that.

Yup, I do too. 400lb without a lifting belt that kind of crazy. That’s taking unnecessary risks and is not going make u any better.

I think a belt is like an insurance policy. Everyone should have one. But hope they don't need to used it. Just having a belt on I think keeps your mind off of injury to a certain extent.

Originally posted by Twin Peak
Belts suck. Don't use one. I squat and deadlift in the mid-400s. If you use good form, no belt is needed.

I'll bet ya'll use that cushy thing on your traps when you squat to huh?

Are you addressing me?

Is a mid 400 squat/dead supposed to be impressive? I guess it could be impressive if your bw is fairly light and your not vertically challenged.

Heavy is relative. If someone weighs 150 or 170 and squats 450 for a 2.5-3xBw squat a belt may be prudent. If you’re 200-220 and squatting 450 for a 2-2.25xBw squat a belt may not be as important.

Most people do not train their abdominals properly to contain the pressure that a 3xbw squat will generate. Crunches and normal hanging knee raises wont do it.

If a belt were not important then why would ALL the top power lifters and strong men wear a belt????

Mick

Originally posted by mick01
If a belt were not important then why would ALL the top power lifters and strong men wear a belt????

Mick

Hey Mick, although i disagree with you using an argument like "everyone else is doing it so it must be right", i do agree that belts can be beneficial. Extra support for the "core".

I only use my belt when squatting my heaviest set and while doing standing militaries.

Oh, and when i wrap a chain and plates around it for weighted dips

I agree, a belt is necessary for heavy lifting.

Depends what lifts really.

I'm not gonna wear one for benching.

Originally posted by The_Chicken_Daddy
Depends what lifts really.

I'm not gonna wear one for benching.

Ha Ha, I meant heavy squats, rows, deads, etc.

I've seen people use a belt for bench, don't know why, didn't ask and I don't think I wanna hear why.

I stopped wearing my belt several years ago. I read that the belt gives you a false sense of security and the belt is not actually needed. I have had zero problems with my back due to the lack of a belt.

Guys in my gym never lift without one on. I have no idea why.

I actually do stiffs for my lower back (and hams) strength and i don't use a belt for it.

You should only wear a belt while doing really heavy weight. It is for back support, to help you keep your back straight. If you wear one all of the time, it keeps you from using all of those small helper muscles in the lower back and torso region that help you keep your back straight. You should do all of your excersises without a belt and only put it on to squat or deadlift heavy weight. This is my opinion only, but this is what I tell all of my clients, and they all agree..