lifting belts?

JailHouse · 01-31-2008, 04:37 PM

Ive searched and couldn't find the answer i was lookin for. I have a hard time keeping my back completely str8 while doing heavy dead lifts. I was wondering if a lifting belt would help with that. I see a lot of guys at my gym wearing them for 1-3 rep maxs.

DOMS · 01-31-2008, 04:49 PM

I don't use a belt. But then again, the most that I've put on my back is 280.

If you can't keep a neutral spine while squatting, perhaps you're using too much weight? Try dropping the weight by tens until you can keep a neutral spine. Then start to work the weight back up during your works. Just don't up the weight unless you can keep it neutral.

But yeah, when my weights get above 350 or so, I'll use it on max attempts.

Big G · 01-31-2008, 07:07 PM

I read recently (maybe Poliquin?) that a back is not designed to be straight. It functions best curved and, as such, should have a slight inward curve when lifting. The idea of keeping it "straight" is not apparently ideal.

Additionally, I frequently deadlift over 300 without a belt (370lb current PR) and have had no problems at all from following that advice.

There's a trainer at the gym who brags about being in Columbus' Westside Barbell (squatting 500lb+) and he's told that some people over-arch their back on heavy lifts, but I personally have had no problems.

Anyone else got any input on this subject? I'd be interested to hear.

JailHouse · 01-31-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOMS

I don't use a belt. But then again, the most that I've put on my back is 280.

If you can't keep a neutral spine while squatting, perhaps you're using too much weight? Try dropping the weight by tens until you can keep a neutral spine. Then start to work the weight back up during your works. Just don't up the weight unless you can keep it neutral.

But yeah, when my weights get above 350 or so, I'll use it on max attempts.

I dont have this problem with squating its only when im deadlifting.

JailHouse · 01-31-2008, 08:10 PM

I guess i should rephrase my question. What are the benefits of using a belt?

JailHouse · 02-02-2008, 01:23 PM

anybody???

Malley · 02-02-2008, 01:24 PM

Its just another crutch people use imo.....if your form is good you should be fine, but whenever people load up a bar and pay no attention to form thats when things go wrong.

Triple Threat · 02-02-2008, 02:52 PM

I threw away my belt many years ago. Best thing I ever did. If I can't lift a weight without a belt, I don't need to be lifting it.

KelJu · 02-02-2008, 05:03 PM

I tried using a belt during deadlifts but it didn't really do anything. I found that good form where my back was slightly arched back and no belt worked best for me.

Witchblade · 02-02-2008, 07:29 PM

For max effort attempts, I can see the use.

JailHouse · 02-03-2008, 11:39 AM

OK. now what id really like to know is what does a belt do? I don't see how a big bulky belt helps with lifts?

Witchblade · 02-03-2008, 01:23 PM

Keeps your core tight and your back straight.

fufu · 02-03-2008, 02:00 PM

If you can't keep your back straight don't look for a belt to improve that. Your back can still round with a belt and for the most part a belt will improve intramuscular tension which can be exerted as a driving force for lifting. It does not necessarily improve your form.

Bulky belts are best for this because they aren't pliable and flimsly; they provide a good medium for creating tension between yourself and the belt as you push with your adbominals.

Belts don't really help your form, they are more of a mode for increasing your weights. If you are increasing your weights with already sub par form you are looking to get injured.

The most serious injury I ever got was while using a belt deadlifting.

As for a belt when you have your form issues resolved, you can check out elitefts.com. That is where I got mine, they make good equipment there.

JailHouse · 02-03-2008, 02:14 PM

Thanks fufu. Thats exactly the answer I was lookin for. Its like some times i don't have a problem and I'm on, and other times its not workin for me.

KelJu · 02-03-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fufu

If you can't keep your back straight don't look for a belt to improve that. Your back can still round with a belt and for the most part a belt will improve intramuscular tension which can be exerted as a driving force for lifting. It does not necessarily improve your form.

Bulky belts are best for this because they aren't pliable and flimsly; they provide a good medium for creating tension between yourself and the belt as you push with your adbominals.

Belts don't really help your form, they are more of a mode for increasing your weights. If you are increasing your weights with already sub par form you are looking to get injured.

The most serious injury I ever got was while using a belt deadlifting.

As for a belt when you have your form issues resolved, you can check out elitefts.com. That is where I got mine, they make good equipment there.

You don't think using a belt helps prevent back injuries during heavy squats and heavy barbell shrugs? That is the only reason I wear one. I would love it if I were wrong all these years, and I wouldn't have to drag it to the gym anymore.

Witchblade · 02-03-2008, 08:26 PM

Using a belt is a substitute for actually using your own core to maintain proper form. In the long run frequent use of belts is more likely to cause than to prevent injuries.

I see no use for a belt when doing shrugs.

KelJu · 02-03-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Using a belt is a substitute for actually using your own core to maintain proper form. In the long run frequent use of belts is more likely to cause than to prevent injuries.

I see no use for a belt when doing shrugs.

Really? Well picture this. 500lbs bouncing on your spine for 45 reps. Trust me, I tried without a belt, and it put my out of the gym for nearly 2 weeks.

Witchblade · 02-03-2008, 08:31 PM

The weight shouldn't be bouncing at all and it definitely shouldn't be bouncing on your spine.

KelJu · 02-03-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witchblade

The weight shouldn't be bouncing at all and it definitely shouldn't be bouncing on your spine.

Bouncing was a bad word, I didn't mean bounce. The up and own motion is killer on my spine. Plus, I think my spine is good for about 405, then anything over that usually injures me. I would just shrug less for more reps, but my traps respond so well to the extra load. The belt keeps my spine happy, and I have been doing this for nearly a year now.

I'm just saying, I am nearly certain that the belt helps during shrugs.

Witchblade · 02-03-2008, 08:44 PM

Well, if it works for you and your core is strong enough, I'd say keep at it.

fufu · 02-03-2008, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KelJu

You don't think using a belt helps prevent back injuries during heavy squats and heavy barbell shrugs? That is the only reason I wear one. I would love it if I were wrong all these years, and I wouldn't have to drag it to the gym anymore.

Depends on the person, yes and no. I definitely don't think a belt should be used as a means to fix improper form.

What happened when your hurt yourself doing shrugs?

Metallibanger · 02-04-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Using a belt is a substitute for actually using your own core to maintain proper form. In the long run frequent use of belts is more likely to cause than to prevent injuries.

I see no use for a belt when doing shrugs.

Do us a favour and stop posting your nonsense stuffs witchblade

Big G · 02-04-2008, 10:12 AM

At my gym there's an older guy (turns 50 in a couple of weeks I believe) and he's spent his whole life powerlifting. In fact in an upcoming PL meet I understand he's going for some US 50+ DL, squat & bench records. He's obviously been around the block a few times. He has scars from ripping his bicep loose while deadlifting and his tricep loose from CG bench work. He's a beast, no doubt. Strong mofo! Benches 450lb with a suit on.

Anyway... I discussed belts with him recently. He said when he started going to PL meets he'd hear people saying "Bust the belt! Bust the belt!" and he never had any idea what they meant. He explained that what they do is push their back hard in to the belt which causes their whole core to tighten up and create a "block." I guess, with the super heavy lifts some of those guys have been known to bust their belts from the force. I imagine that busting a belt during a heavy lift is probably pretty dangerous, but they apparently call out that mantra while the big boys are doing their monster lifts anyway.

What interested me is how they were using the belts, i.e. "pushing their backs into them." I don't have any experience with belts at all but, I guess, at some point they become a valuable tool. 2-2½X BW lifts is where belts become useful. That's what I was told anyway (and this guy, like I said, has obviously been round the block a time or two).

01-31-2008, 04:37 PM	#1
JailHouse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,590 Photos: 3	lifting belts? Ive searched and couldn't find the answer i was lookin for. I have a hard time keeping my back completely str8 while doing heavy dead lifts. I was wondering if a lifting belt would help with that. I see a lot of guys at my gym wearing them for 1-3 rep maxs.
	Jailhouse Journal

01-31-2008, 04:49 PM	#2
DOMS Metrosexual Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: In a van, down by the river... Posts: 21,725 Photos: 6	I don't use a belt. But then again, the most that I've put on my back is 280. If you can't keep a neutral spine while squatting, perhaps you're using too much weight? Try dropping the weight by tens until you can keep a neutral spine. Then start to work the weight back up during your works. Just don't up the weight unless you can keep it neutral. But yeah, when my weights get above 350 or so, I'll use it on max attempts.
	I never lie because I don't fear anyone. You only lie when you're afraid.â€”John Gotti

01-31-2008, 07:07 PM	#3
Big G Gettin' Diesel. Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cols,OH. It sucks. Posts: 1,212 Photos: 1	I read recently (maybe Poliquin?) that a back is not designed to be straight. It functions best curved and, as such, should have a slight inward curve when lifting. The idea of keeping it "straight" is not apparently ideal. Additionally, I frequently deadlift over 300 without a belt (370lb current PR) and have had no problems at all from following that advice. There's a trainer at the gym who brags about being in Columbus' Westside Barbell (squatting 500lb+) and he's told that some people over-arch their back on heavy lifts, but I personally have had no problems. Anyone else got any input on this subject? I'd be interested to hear.
	Goal...... DL:500lb, Sqt:400lb, Bnch:300lb Current.. DL:375lb, Sqt:335lb, Bnch:260lb Weight: 185lb (up 25lb), bf=15%ish Age:35 Training since 11/06 journal

01-31-2008, 08:10 PM	#5
JailHouse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,590 Photos: 3	I guess i should rephrase my question. What are the benefits of using a belt?
	Jailhouse Journal

02-02-2008, 01:23 PM	#6
JailHouse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,590 Photos: 3	anybody???
	Jailhouse Journal

02-02-2008, 01:24 PM	#7
Malley Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 10,021	Its just another crutch people use imo.....if your form is good you should be fine, but whenever people load up a bar and pay no attention to form thats when things go wrong.
	www.crossfit.com

02-02-2008, 02:52 PM	#8
Triple Threat ... Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Lost Posts: 9,490 Photos: 6	I threw away my belt many years ago. Best thing I ever did. If I can't lift a weight without a belt, I don't need to be lifting it.

02-02-2008, 07:29 PM	#10
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,443 Photos: 2	For max effort attempts, I can see the use.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

02-03-2008, 11:39 AM	#11
JailHouse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,590 Photos: 3	OK. now what id really like to know is what does a belt do? I don't see how a big bulky belt helps with lifts?
	Jailhouse Journal

02-03-2008, 01:23 PM	#12
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,443 Photos: 2	Keeps your core tight and your back straight.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

02-03-2008, 02:00 PM	#13
fufu fiendish thingy Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 16,470 Photos: 7	If you can't keep your back straight don't look for a belt to improve that. Your back can still round with a belt and for the most part a belt will improve intramuscular tension which can be exerted as a driving force for lifting. It does not necessarily improve your form. Bulky belts are best for this because they aren't pliable and flimsly; they provide a good medium for creating tension between yourself and the belt as you push with your adbominals. Belts don't really help your form, they are more of a mode for increasing your weights. If you are increasing your weights with already sub par form you are looking to get injured. The most serious injury I ever got was while using a belt deadlifting. As for a belt when you have your form issues resolved, you can check out elitefts.com. That is where I got mine, they make good equipment there.
	fufu's 1337 Journal Your diet will set you free.

02-03-2008, 02:14 PM	#14
JailHouse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,590 Photos: 3	Thanks fufu. Thats exactly the answer I was lookin for. Its like some times i don't have a problem and I'm on, and other times its not workin for me.
	Jailhouse Journal

02-03-2008, 08:26 PM	#16
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,443 Photos: 2	Using a belt is a substitute for actually using your own core to maintain proper form. In the long run frequent use of belts is more likely to cause than to prevent injuries. I see no use for a belt when doing shrugs.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

02-03-2008, 08:31 PM	#18
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,443 Photos: 2	The weight shouldn't be bouncing at all and it definitely shouldn't be bouncing on your spine.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

02-03-2008, 08:44 PM	#20
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,443 Photos: 2	Well, if it works for you and your core is strong enough, I'd say keep at it.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

02-04-2008, 10:12 AM	#23
Big G Gettin' Diesel. Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cols,OH. It sucks. Posts: 1,212 Photos: 1	At my gym there's an older guy (turns 50 in a couple of weeks I believe) and he's spent his whole life powerlifting. In fact in an upcoming PL meet I understand he's going for some US 50+ DL, squat & bench records. He's obviously been around the block a few times. He has scars from ripping his bicep loose while deadlifting and his tricep loose from CG bench work. He's a beast, no doubt. Strong mofo! Benches 450lb with a suit on. Anyway... I discussed belts with him recently. He said when he started going to PL meets he'd hear people saying "Bust the belt! Bust the belt!" and he never had any idea what they meant. He explained that what they do is push their back hard in to the belt which causes their whole core to tighten up and create a "block." I guess, with the super heavy lifts some of those guys have been known to bust their belts from the force. I imagine that busting a belt during a heavy lift is probably pretty dangerous, but they apparently call out that mantra while the big boys are doing their monster lifts anyway. What interested me is how they were using the belts, i.e. "pushing their backs into them." I don't have any experience with belts at all but, I guess, at some point they become a valuable tool. 2-2½X BW lifts is where belts become useful. That's what I was told anyway (and this guy, like I said, has obviously been round the block a time or two).
	Goal...... DL:500lb, Sqt:400lb, Bnch:300lb Current.. DL:375lb, Sqt:335lb, Bnch:260lb Weight: 185lb (up 25lb), bf=15%ish Age:35 Training since 11/06 journal

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