Belts and Deadlifting, what do you suggest?

Alleyezonme · 03-04-2007, 02:26 PM

Up till today i never used a belt while deadlifting, however my last workout back day when i was doing some stiff legged deadlifts, the last of my sets, it felt wrong so after 2 reps i stopped and just did like 2 more regular deadlifts, but anyways, it got me thinking im getting pretty heavy in weights as ive been doing it for about a month now, so i purchased a belt, today i did my back and it felt like i had ALOT more support, it felt great and i feel like i could max way more using a belt, but anyways ill continue to lift with a belt just because i like support, but whats yours guys opinions

fufu · 03-04-2007, 02:45 PM

You can lift more, but it shouldn't be a crutch for bad form.

I only see the need for a belt if -
1.) you are a powerlifter
2.) you are training something that a fatigued back with hinder

and that's about it. There are probably a few more reasons I can't think of.

If you are doing something and it feels "wrong" that means you should lighten the load and/or work on your form, not strap on something to move more weight.

I don't think a belt should be used all the time. You need to train your back and abs by doing deadlifts and squats, if you wear a belt all the time those muscle's strength will cease in proportion to others. In real life situations(out of the weight room) this could lead to an injury because you have trained yourself not to use those muscles in conjunction with others.

The other route is if you do wear a belt all the time, make sure to specifically train your lower back and abdominals.

**Gazhole** · 03-04-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fufu

There are probably a few more reasons I can't think of.

Past minor injury?

But yeah, i agree with that 100%.

Witchblade · 03-04-2007, 07:46 PM

Only use a belt if you're a powerlifter and you're in the last weeks for a competition.

JonnyStead · 03-05-2007, 07:30 AM

I use a belt for squats because I want to protect my back in case I 'pivot' about a bit but for deadlifts I would recommend not using a belt just because correct form and strength building from this exercise is so important. That's just IMO thoguh

DOMS · 03-05-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

I use a belt for squats because I want to protect my back in case I 'pivot'

This tells me that either your form is sub par, you're using too much weight, or that you lack confidence in yourself.

Ditch the belt and really work those back muscles. And don't forget the ab work, either.

Doublebase · 03-05-2007, 12:23 PM

I try to avoid using a belt. I have one in my basement that a buddy gave me. I was going for a new max with deadlifts. I threw the belt on and it really did help. I liked the support it gave me. I agree with what you all are saying. I will only use it if I am going for a 1 rep max.

KelJu · 03-05-2007, 02:42 PM

Belts do not help me when I deadlift. It is tight when I stand straight up, but when I bend over to go to starting form, the belt loosens and doesn't provide any support.

I practice the strictest form I can, and have still had slight injuries here and there. I wish I could give you some good advice, but I'm worthless in this case.

Seanp156 · 03-05-2007, 02:55 PM

I usually use a belt for anything over 335lbs on deadlifts, but I've discovered I don't like it on all that tight... I squat with the belt on the 2nd notch from the end, but deadlifting feels best with it on the 3rd notch from the end. It's uncomfortable to get into a hips low position with the belt on tight for me and my form ends up suffering sometimes.

BigDyl · 03-05-2007, 04:30 PM

Belts are more for safety than anything.

Someone who throws on a belt isn't automatically going to be able to deadlift 100 lb's more.

ShapeUP · 03-05-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

Belts are more for safety than anything.

Someone who throws on a belt isn't automatically going to be able to deadlift 100 lb's more.

if they have never used a belt and have been training for several years it can increase a one rep max significantly...prolly not 100 though.

**CowPimp** · 03-05-2007, 09:33 PM

Don't let it become a crutch, but I don't see anything particularly wrong with using a belt for those really heavy attempts (85-90% of your 1RM or more).

SAMIAM · 03-06-2007, 01:58 AM

This is how it starts first the belt, then the straps, eventually you end up stuffed into a three ply suit like a stuffed sausage trying to look like you're about to burst a forehead vein while three of your buddies stand over you rowing 400 lbs so you can say you got a big bench.Just kidding!
I agreae that other than injuries and max attempts they are a dtriment to strength training in most cases.

JonnyStead · 03-06-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOMS

This tells me that either your form is sub par, you're using too much weight, or that you lack confidence in yourself.

Ditch the belt and really work those back muscles. And don't forget the ab work, either.

Its none of those really - I started doing deads only recently in comparison and therefore my back is 'catching up'. I cope with my squat weight just fine and the form is OK - but I dont take risks with my back. So I suppose you could put it down to 'confidence' but I'm happy that once my deadlift weight has improved (and its improving by 2.5 - 5Kgs a session) I can ditch the belt.

BigDyl · 03-06-2007, 11:42 AM

I think everyone needs an ego check here.

It's almost more egocentric to lift without a belt to say "I lifted without a belt, I'm special" than to be safe and use a belt and still use proper form.

fufu · 03-06-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

I think everyone needs an ego check here.

It's almost more egocentric to lift without a belt to say "I lifted without a belt, I'm special" than to be safe and use a belt and still use proper form.

I don't think it is like that at all. For a few reasons:

1.) some people don't want to spend money on a belt
2.) you don't need a belt to be safe if you keep your form tight
3.) generally people lifting purely for functional strength wouldn't use a belt because you never would wear one in daily life activities.

On the other side of the coin - people may strap on a belt to pull as much weight as possible thinking it is a replacement for good form

mike456 · 03-06-2007, 12:24 PM

if you don't care about functional strength, go ahead and use it if you want.

**Merkaba** · 10-08-2008, 11:02 AM

Fuck a belt

RasPlasch · 10-08-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazhole

Past minor injury?

But yeah, i agree with that 100%.

Yep. I fractured a vertabrae in my spine. So I use a belt ALWAYS when I go for max deadlifts.

Lost Grizzly · 10-08-2008, 05:27 PM

I use a belt, but I have had minor back problems and don't want any down time.

**Built** · 10-08-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

Its none of those really - I started doing deads only recently in comparison and therefore my back is 'catching up'. I cope with my squat weight just fine and the form is OK - but I dont take risks with my back. So I suppose you could put it down to 'confidence' but I'm happy that once my deadlift weight has improved (and its improving by 2.5 - 5Kgs a session) I can ditch the belt.

So the plan is to get the big "mass-movers" strong - but use a belt to prevent the stabilizers from keeping up.

Hoglander · 10-08-2008, 07:40 PM

My doc and I blame my hiatal hernia on the belt. I've had 20 plus years of a daily medication for chronic heartburn. Thanks weight belt and thanks youngish stupidity.

03-04-2007, 02:26 PM	#1
Alleyezonme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 85	Belts and Deadlifting, what do you suggest? Up till today i never used a belt while deadlifting, however my last workout back day when i was doing some stiff legged deadlifts, the last of my sets, it felt wrong so after 2 reps i stopped and just did like 2 more regular deadlifts, but anyways, it got me thinking im getting pretty heavy in weights as ive been doing it for about a month now, so i purchased a belt, today i did my back and it felt like i had ALOT more support, it felt great and i feel like i could max way more using a belt, but anyways ill continue to lift with a belt just because i like support, but whats yours guys opinions

03-04-2007, 02:45 PM	#2
fufu fiendish thingy Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 16,732 Photos: 8	You can lift more, but it shouldn't be a crutch for bad form. I only see the need for a belt if - 1.) you are a powerlifter 2.) you are training something that a fatigued back with hinder and that's about it. There are probably a few more reasons I can't think of. If you are doing something and it feels "wrong" that means you should lighten the load and/or work on your form, not strap on something to move more weight. I don't think a belt should be used all the time. You need to train your back and abs by doing deadlifts and squats, if you wear a belt all the time those muscle's strength will cease in proportion to others. In real life situations(out of the weight room) this could lead to an injury because you have trained yourself not to use those muscles in conjunction with others. The other route is if you do wear a belt all the time, make sure to specifically train your lower back and abdominals. fufu's 1337 Journal Your diet will set you free.

03-04-2007, 07:46 PM	#4
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,474 Photos: 2	Only use a belt if you're a powerlifter and you're in the last weeks for a competition. My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

03-05-2007, 07:30 AM	#5
JonnyStead Good old English grit Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: England Posts: 387 Photos: 4	I use a belt for squats because I want to protect my back in case I 'pivot' about a bit but for deadlifts I would recommend not using a belt just because correct form and strength building from this exercise is so important. That's just IMO thoguh I'm 34 - when am I officially an old fart?

03-05-2007, 02:55 PM	#9
Seanp156 Myostatin Whore Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 6,512 Photos: 3	I usually use a belt for anything over 335lbs on deadlifts, but I've discovered I don't like it on all that tight... I squat with the belt on the 2nd notch from the end, but deadlifting feels best with it on the 3rd notch from the end. It's uncomfortable to get into a hips low position with the belt on tight for me and my form ends up suffering sometimes. My Journal

03-05-2007, 12:23 PM	#7
Doublebase Lightweight, Ya Buddy! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 7,325	I try to avoid using a belt. I have one in my basement that a buddy gave me. I was going for a new max with deadlifts. I threw the belt on and it really did help. I liked the support it gave me. I agree with what you all are saying. I will only use it if I am going for a 1 rep max.

03-05-2007, 02:42 PM	#8
KelJu Thats Dr. Keke to you! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In my imagination. Posts: 10,162 Photos: 2	Belts do not help me when I deadlift. It is tight when I stand straight up, but when I bend over to go to starting form, the belt loosens and doesn't provide any support. I practice the strictest form I can, and have still had slight injuries here and there. I wish I could give you some good advice, but I'm worthless in this case.

03-05-2007, 09:33 PM	#12
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,615	Don't let it become a crutch, but I don't see anything particularly wrong with using a belt for those really heavy attempts (85-90% of your 1RM or more). The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos

03-06-2007, 01:58 AM	#13
SAMIAM Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 48	This is how it starts first the belt, then the straps, eventually you end up stuffed into a three ply suit like a stuffed sausage trying to look like you're about to burst a forehead vein while three of your buddies stand over you rowing 400 lbs so you can say you got a big bench.Just kidding! I agreae that other than injuries and max attempts they are a dtriment to strength training in most cases.

03-06-2007, 12:24 PM	#17
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,294	if you don't care about functional strength, go ahead and use it if you want. Journal

10-08-2008, 11:02 AM	#18
Merkaba "King of Cheat Meals" Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: sc Posts: 1,625	Fuck a belt Ban 2 1/2 's !!!!!! -------------------------------------------- Some Pics. All Natural

10-08-2008, 05:27 PM	#20
Lost Grizzly Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Near Food Posts: 117	I use a belt, but I have had minor back problems and don't want any down time.

10-08-2008, 07:40 PM	#22
Hoglander Cleaner Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,501 Photos: 10	My doc and I blame my hiatal hernia on the belt. I've had 20 plus years of a daily medication for chronic heartburn. Thanks weight belt and thanks youngish stupidity.

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