belt for squats/deads?

[gtbmed]

except some Oly lifters wear belts...

 

[PreMier]

so do some strongmen.. but its not the norm and they usually arent the top tier

 

[gtbmed]

I would say that a good amount of O lifters wear belts for the Clean and Jerk in competition. I'm talking about the elite lifters out there. It may be 1/3 of the lifters.

It's really a personal preference thing IMO. I've always felt that the belt is constricting but some people like the tightness better.

 

[Built]

This is a great thread. And I loved what Siff has to say about pulling in the abs for squatting. I've tried that, and it NEVER felt right.

 

[MDR]

you should only "need" a belt when you are using loads at/above 80% of the 1RM. using a belt with lighter loads doesn't allow the core to to strengthen as well as the other body parts under load and tension.

basically using a belt when you don't need it helps to create a weak link in the low back, setting yourself up for injury in later years...

Agreed. I always use a belt when I get closer to a max load, but not the rest of the time.

 

[min0 lee]

Most of the times if I am not doing heavy weights I still leave it on unless it's to hot, then I take it off.
I've lost 1 belt and have the other stolen, so I just leave it loose for the most part.

 

[MDR]

Most of the times if I am not doing heavy weights I still leave it on unless it's to hot, then I take it off.
I've lost 1 belt and have the other stolen, so I just leave it loose for the most part.

I leave mine in the trunk the days that I use it, and get it and put it back after use. If somebody stole my belt I'd be very upset. Had it for a long time.

 

[Philmb]

Here is what I do for deads and squats: warm up to 225 lbs - no belt. Then put a belt on for heavier weights. That way I get the benefit of the "no belt," and "belt," pro/cons. BTW, the belt does allow me to use heavier weight. I am not saying everyone should do this, just that it works for me.

 

[onthesetflickr]

I use a belt for deadlifts but make it super tight otherwise it does not do anything. You should feel uncomfortable almost .