Weight lifting belt

[aaron bracco]

Do you use one? What exercises do you use it for? Should i start using one?

 

[HeavyLifter]

I use a contour belt and I love it. It all depends on the person to what type of belt they like. For me I will use my belt when I'm benching, squatting, deads, Clean and press, should press, pretty much if Im going heavy with the weight I'll wear it. Some people like to use the contour belt for extra support but there are more types of belts out there. My husband uses a leaver belt for squats and deads and loves it. Id say if your hurting when lifting or just want some extra support for your back get one.

 

[Cork]

If you are hurting when lifting, a belt is not going to fix anything. If you need a belt to do all those things, then there really is a serious issue you need to fix, probably core strength.

A lifting belt used for anything other than max effort lifting is a crutch. That being said, I haven't used a belt in a while except for 1 recent max effort dead lift. And I like to use it when I do heavy atlas stones.

 

[Paranoid Fitness]

I don't use one myself.
Some guys swear by them.
Others are certain they can be a large factor in causing a hernia.
I've never seen any evidence of a belt promoting any injury.
Bottom line? I think it all comes down to personal preference.

 

[kristaleigh]

I love mine, I pretty much use it when working legs, especially squats, deads and clean and press. That added stability really helped my form.

 

[maxamize]

I never squat or power clean without one. But like cork said, if you are hurting you need to do more core.

 

[bdeljoose]

I used a belt when I was a beginner. I use good form and a weight I can handle. I have no use for a belt now.

 

[SamuelSamson]

Just to look badass in the gym

 

[cck99352]

When I was actively powerlifting, I'd use a belt for max lifts only - squats and deads. I use a lever belt.

 

[theCaptn']

Just to look badass in the gym

You'll look like a douche if your form sucks


Sent from my jewPhone

 

[Cork]

Others are certain they can be a large factor in causing a hernia.
I've never seen any evidence of a belt promoting any injury.

The reason that belts do what they do is because when you flex against the belt, it increases intrabdominal pressure more than just normally flexing your core, making you more stable. While there are a lot of different factors that contribute to hernias (it's actually mostly genetics), the increased intraabdominal pressure increases the base risk.

Not to mention, if you tighten your belt too much, when you flex your abs against it, it can cause excessive arching of the lower back (lordosis) and potentially make you prone to more injury.

...and you risk looking like a douche.

 

[kucz58]

I use to never use one til about a year ago after I had my hernia surgery noe I have a rachet belt by inzer I swear by it perfect fit everytime best money ive spent on any lifting accessory and since using one my personal records are climbing