rahaas

Getting back to the original topic:
Lately I've been using the smith machine for front and roman squats. I hate the machine for back squats but have found I can get greater ROM really streching out the quads with no stress on my joints.
I usually do these after back squats and before leg extensions or leg presses.

Metallibanger

800 lb

Witchblade

A belt compresses your stomach contents resulting in increased intra-abdominal pressure. This stabilizes the spinal column so the erector spinae and abdominals have to do less work and there is less spinal compression. A belt also traps your torso in an upright position, which is proper form for deadlifts and squats. You don't really have to push your abdominals into the belt, but you can. You could also tighten the belt more or use a technique called 'bracing'. You can leave the belt on for several repetitions, but if you are constantly pushing your belly into it, you will have trouble breathing. I prefer bracing.

A belt is basically a substitute for a core that can't do the job on its own or for situations when you can't afford the risk (powerlifting). A belt also increases blood pressure significantly.

In short, you were right. Don't listen to the argumentless opinions of metallibanger and the like.

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Built

Thanks Witchblade. I'm pretty careful with my back - I've had problems with it my whole life and I've done much to strengthen my core: unbelted squats, deads, rows... also heavy weighted ab work a few times a week - and of course the usual add-ons that hit core: chins, sprints, accessory work performed standing instead of sitting wherever possible, that sort of thing. I'm interested to see how I fare with a belt for some very heavy ME stuff this fall, but that's all I'll use it for. Besides, from what I understand, a properly-adjusted belt doesn't exactly feel very good - not something you'd want to leave on!

Metallibanger

You will go far little boy

danzik17

I actually had to stop mid-set the other day because I started laughing at a guy doing curls with horrible form while wearing a belt. Good thing I saw it in the mirror so I wasn't facing him though

Made me think of that "Don't be that guy" video posted somewhere on here.

Ron Paul 2008

Journal: Boom goes the dynamite

Metallibanger

I'm sure Arnold didn't have any idea what he was doing

AKIRA

Good pic of a back flip. Or wait....

Comparing Arnold to the average gym rat is blasphemy.


Face it. Belts are (for the most part) for pussies.

6' 209lbs (8/16)
Bench 360 (11/29)
Weighted Pullups 80lbs 3x3 (3/19)
Squat 370
Deadlift after herniation 385lbs 3x3 (3/17)
NASM certified 2/06
Journal

Built

That's right - Arnold's training techniques to this day continue to represent the state of the art of strength and conditioning.

Enjoy "arm day" everybody...

Metallibanger

Arnold's biceps are still unmatched to this day but of course he didn't know what he was doing, imagine what he could have done with the advanced advice of IM experts!

RasPlasch

I am going to have to look at these belts. Does anyone know a type of store that would have some to try on? Do you think sports stores would have them?

Metallibanger

The pink one?

livinlarge

that right metallibanger i have a 850lb deadlift from the floor i am i weight around 320lb i have a 540 bench raw and 1000lb squat parrel i am a pro strongman been training for about 15 years so i don't like to brag because it brings bad carma but you act like you never heard of that but i really can do so i have been compeating for about 3 years now so that is what i do for a living and love every min of it so lift hard and lift big

AKIRA

We didnt say he didnt know what he was doing. We knows what HE had to do for how HE wanted to look. However, if he had the knowledge that we have now then...then yeah, hed be bigger.

Dont forget, in those days, there were hardly any muscular guys at all. Now, we are still a rare breed, but we arent as scarce.

But...heh, putting up a pic of Arnold or ANYONE doing a barbel curl with a belt isnt going to help your point at all.

6' 209lbs (8/16)
Bench 360 (11/29)
Weighted Pullups 80lbs 3x3 (3/19)
Squat 370
Deadlift after herniation 385lbs 3x3 (3/17)
NASM certified 2/06
Journal

Built

He looked great, don't get me wrong - his upper body and tiny waist were, in a word, breathtaking. But his legs were small and he knew it - they were his worst part. In peak condition, in a modern-day competition, he'd be hard-pressed to make top 5 because of this.

Metallibanger

My bad

If that's what you think
Well, he isn't exactly known for having a tiny waist, and we're not talking about his legs

Metallibanger

I'm having fun with you guys

Built

He isn't?

In his prime, Arnold's chest was 57" and his waist was 34". That's quite the size differential!

livinlarge

not trying to be an ass metallbanger so that is cool alot of people don't beleave me when i tell them people stop and watch me do it because it is just amazing or something i leg press around 1800lb and everone in gym watches that that is just amazing but prettey cool to have people just in amzament

min0 lee

No way.

Metallibanger

I'm listening to ZZ Top right now... wow they're the shit!, have you guys heard them?

Metallibanger

Haven't you noticed that he always twisted his waist when posing?

Built

That's Zed Zed Top

- The Canadian.

min0 lee

You can twist yours twice over and I bet you can't get it that small.

Metallibanger

Can you make a bearded ZZ Top smiley min0

min0 lee

It may take me a bit, I've taken a break from the chopz for a while.

Yanick