Screwed Up Deads... My Poor Back

[200+]

my question is: Do most of you use a lifting belt when doing squats? and what about deads?

I have never really paid attention to lifting belts and any benefits associated with them, until now. today as i was doing deads i pulled my lower back. I knew it even before it happened. I have done deads hundreds of times, light and heavy, but for some reason today I lifted incorrectly. I did a few sets and on my last set I sort of lost concentration and on one lift I arched my back and then, bam, i tear my lower back. I know better than that too. so now i am wondering if i should be using a lifting belt for now on. maybe it will keep my back straight even when i don't seem to be paying enough focus on the lift at hand. i don't write much i forums, mostly for fear of looking stupid, but this is too important. So, for you experts, what am i doing wrong? Maybe i am doing fine and just missed a lift? after all, i new it was going to happen the second i arched my back, but then it was too late. i assume i need to rest it a few days and then take it easy coming back...

 

[Gazhole]

Looks like you've already identified the problem: You were doing deads and lost concentration. The problem isn't with the lack of a belt, you weren't paying attention to your form and it slipped. I did the same thing a few years ago on some one legged squats, and paid the price with 2 years rehab.

The problem with using a belt too often is that you stop training the lower back and core as much, which just opens you up for injury outside of the gym because those areas will be weak compared to the rest of you.

The answer is simple - don't lose concentration, always check your form is correct either using a mirror, or a trusted and knowledgable (and above all honest) spotter.

I've used a belt a few times on heavy single record attempts, but other than that they are just a crutch IMO.

 

[PushAndPull]

The answer is simple - don't lose concentration

Completely agree, deadlifts and squats are serious exercises and require focus. If you don't feel like you have the focus that day then you should have substituted some other exercise for the day.

 

[Gazhole]

Its true, whenever i don't feel my mind is in it i either take the weight right down and practice form, or do some hypers/lunges. You cant risk movements this complicated, especially with the relatively high poundages usually used.