belt when squatting?

[nikegurl]

years ago when i was squatting i did use a belt for my heavier sets. it was a leather belt - not the widest but pretty heavy. it was wider in the back and tapered on the sides and front (not a powerlifter belt). i only used it for squats and only on my last 1 or 2 sets.

i have no clue where it is now. i've started squatting again. not up to the weight i had been using before. i do find that on my last few sets i feel some discomfort in my lower back. it's not terrible pain and it's fine as soon as i'm done with squats so i'm not injured. i've had a couple of people check my form and tell me i'm doing them perfectly. but still the lower back nags at me a bit.

i've been thinking about a belt for support. would a valeo type be a good choice this time around? (never worn one before)

or would it be better to avoid using a belt and hope that the lower back discomfort eases as my back gets stronger and more used to squatting again?

 

[Rob_NC]

Boy, this is a topic for debate.

IMO, I would try to strengthen the lower back muscles, not forgetting the abs. This is good even if you don't lift heavy. It will help prevent injuries from lifting a heavy object at home.

I wouldn't use a Valeo belt since they seem rather soft and add little support. I think they work ok as a kideny belt when riding a motorcycle.

I use an Inzer buckle belt when squatting heavy or doing heavy back work. My lower back is strong, as are my abs. I like the added support it offers.

 

[Arnold]

I wear a belt.

 

[TJohn]

IMO, if you're just starting out go without the belt so your lower back muscles develop and are able to take the load (using perfect form of course). However if you're lifting huge weights while dl'ing or squatting I would say wear one. Me personally, I only wear one when I get up into the big weights (for me that is )

TJohn

 

[LAM]

what stance do you use ? a narrow stance puts more stress on the low back vs going shoulder width or wider.

if you are squatting for hypertrophy I would lower the weight until you build up strength in the low back. do you do any direct stimulation to the low back like these ? (minus the barbell)

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/ErectorSpinae/BBBackExtension.html

 

[nikegurl]

i'm using about a shoulder width stance. i do hypers for lower back on back day.

i'm trying to use a fairly heavy weight (for me) to put on size. i'm still using sets of 6 reps on my heavier sets (no singles or anything like that)

i miss the security of using a belt but thought since my weight isn't as high as it was when i was using it before that i shouldn't bother with a belt. then i considered that if the belt allows me to handle more weight then my legs might benefit and i should use one again...

 

[Mudge]

I used to not use a belt in high school, and could be part of the reason why I have back issues today. I do use a belt now, and only squat about half of what I once did, but it really helps me up the poundages.

I do use direct lower back stuff in my routine for back days, and that also helps me out alot.

 

[LAM]

It's funny how belts effect people different when squatting. I have to completely herniated lower discs and squat ATF with no belt now and no pain. I used to wear a belt before when I was PL'ing and suffered from discomfort.

 

[Mudge]

I imagine you probably know how to put it on right, so

 

[LAM]

my weights are significantly lower, I used to be 700+ squater. now I only use 225-315 when going ATF.

 

[Arnold]

I only squat around 225-250 as well, but I still use a "soft belt".

 

[nikegurl]

hey prince - when you say soft do you mean like the valeo as oppossed to leather?

 

[Mudge]

Eesh, I used to get to 405 in HS, now I am ~200

Anywho, I did see on the "other board" this very same question, and someone else said the same as Lam, herniated discs, hmm.

I considered a soft belt but thought a leather would be better (due to stiffness), maybe I was incorrect, it is pretty wide though which was definately a requirement, so it does not seem to dig into me/bother me at all.

My belt is Valeo, they are just a company. Alot of blue collar workers use a soft belt, just a stitched belt instead of leather, would fit the contours of your body more.

 

[nikegurl]

i liked my leather belt but hated that it took forever to be comfortable and not so stiff. i may give a soft belt a try. (but i'll keep training my lower back and abs too)

 

[Arnold]

Originally posted by nikegurl
hey prince - when you say soft do you mean like the valeo as oppossed to leather?

Yes, leather is very uncomfortable, and I do not go very heavy anymore....so soft works well for me.

 

[Mudge]

Make sure the belt is in the midsection, not stuck on your hips.

I dont find mine uncomfortable at all, although I have more surface area...

 

[msoper]

Wear a belt for heavier weights. Warmup weight is ok to do without a belt.

 

[LAM]

Mudge...fortunately my disc herniations came as the result of a rear-end car accident not from the gym...

 

[Robboe]

Personal preference.

 

[Triple Threat]

I never use a belt. That includes 1RM squats and deadlifts. When I reach a point where I can't lift any more weight, so be it.