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Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => Training Q&A => Topic started by: littleguns on November 18, 2009, 07:00:46 AM

Title: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: littleguns on November 18, 2009, 07:00:46 AM
Always the old question....Belt or no Belt and for those that do use....when/what exercises.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: rockyfortune on November 18, 2009, 08:12:11 AM
no belt..ever.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: The_Crusher on November 18, 2009, 10:31:50 AM
Only if your going for max. weight reps on legs or deadlifts, otherwise never.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: IrishMuscle84 on November 18, 2009, 02:02:04 PM
i wore a belt a few times, thing bothered the shit outta me, kept diggin in to my gut everytime i did deads.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: YoungBlood on November 18, 2009, 04:26:05 PM
Only if your going for max. weight reps on legs or deadlifts, otherwise never.

I went through a period of heavy squats. Never used a belt, and then the day I had decided to max out with the weight I wished to peak with, I used a belt. Tried 3 different belts that day, failed with the weight, but just never felt right with the belt on.
Never wore a belt again.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Montague on November 18, 2009, 05:41:23 PM
There aren’t many times I wear a belt, and I certainly do not consider myself an expert on their use.
However, I’ve heard (and known) of a few trainers who spoke of the benefits of wearing different kinds of belts for different lifts.

For instance, the lever belts that Grizzly makes are one solid width for their entire length, which is ideal for some - but not all - exercises, and some people dislike their lack of versatility.

If you wear the type of belt that is tapered/narrower where the ends connect, it can sometimes be beneficial to rotate the buckle to the back so that the wider part covers your abdomen. The reason being you need more support over that area for certain movements.
Likewise, sometimes you need more flexibility/movement in a particular area. Tapered belts can accommodate that as well.

For more info, check the power lifting board, or ask our own JPM.
He knows almost everything about training.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: oldtimer1 on November 18, 2009, 06:21:11 PM
Most elite Olympic lifters don't wear a belt today.  I stopped wearing a belt after using one for 25 plus years.  At first it was hard but I now think it was a psychological thing.  I don't miss the belt now and I feel it doesn't contribute to safety.  Maybe in power lifting with all that surport gear; a big fat belt might be an aid in binding up the hinge for squats and deadlifts.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: chaos on November 18, 2009, 08:37:22 PM
Always the old question....Belt or no Belt and for those that do use....when/what exercises.
What excersises are you concerned about?

Usually only deads and squats get some belt usage on the heavier sets.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: jpm101 on November 19, 2009, 09:03:29 AM
PL'ers seem to be the only one's hung up on using lifting belts.A few Olympic lifters might, from time to time. When training, mostly used on sets of 2's or 3's or max singles. And for a very limited period of time. Cinched correctly, the breathing will be impaired and the blood flow slowed down quite a bit. If you have high blood pressure there may arise a problem if used for higher reps.  That is why they should only be used on max or near max lift's.

Some lifters will place a folded towel (small of the back area) under the belt for more support. If you have a custom made, higher quality (mucho bucks) belt than this should not  be needed. Inhale the most you can and have some one cinch the belt to the tightest they can and them some more. Some lifters can become dizzy if the belt is left on too long. You are limiting oxygen to some important parts of the body.

A few BB'ers will wear lifting belts, mostly very loose. More of a vanity thing because it makes the waist/gut look smaller and the upper body broader. Other than the "trying to look good" factor,a real lifting belt is never really needed by a BB'er. Just my view, that's all. Good Luck.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: mass 04 on November 19, 2009, 10:08:30 AM
Most guys IMO use the belt as a crutch to either a.use weight they have no business using or b.use shitty form and hope the belt saves them.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Hulkotron on November 19, 2009, 05:28:55 PM
YoungBlood I like your avatar 8)
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: CalvinH on November 20, 2009, 07:12:20 AM
No belt.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: JasonH on November 20, 2009, 07:33:19 AM
I only use a belt for deadlifting because I fucked up my lower back in my younger days by using no belt on that very exercise. I'll sometimes use one for heavy squats but more often than not I go without.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: YoungBlood on November 20, 2009, 08:31:05 AM
Quote
YoungBlood I like your avatar  8)

Thank disturbia, I just snaked it from one of his posts. :P
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: chaos on November 20, 2009, 06:17:49 PM
No belt.
You don't deadlift or squat.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: dyslexic on November 21, 2009, 08:40:15 PM
Most always wear a belt. I have a 33 to 34" waist at 10% bodyfat. The belt helps me keep from pushing out my belly during intense workouts.

Not really looking at it from the same perspective as everyone else...
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Jim55 on February 25, 2010, 03:01:25 AM
I used a belt for years especially doing Squats, I started to get lower back pain, never use one at all anymore and haven't had a problem since.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Yev33 on February 26, 2010, 12:32:12 AM
I use a belt for barbell rows  pretty much all sets including some of the heavier warm up sets,and only for the heavy work sets on squats and deadlifts.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Hulkotron on February 27, 2010, 05:44:08 PM
I have never used a belt but have recently started using straps on SLDL.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: haider on February 27, 2010, 05:47:22 PM
Don't see why a bodybuilder would need it.

Very good for PL purposes, gives you lots of support on heavy ass squats and deadlifts.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: Lion666 on February 27, 2010, 08:36:09 PM
nah...

start your training career without, lift right and you will never need one.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: #1 Klaus fan on February 28, 2010, 05:17:22 PM
Many people like myself train always without it, yes, even max out and feel fine. Belt is only good if you want to add some extra poundage your body isn't otherwise able to handle.
Title: Re: to Belt or not to Belt
Post by: _bruce_ on March 02, 2010, 07:55:00 AM
No belt