Lifting Belts, who wears them ? are they necessary ?

[Jeriko]

definitely on heavy squats.  on any other lift only if it helps your mental approach girly man

[affy]

I have never worn one or believed in them, until I started feeling like I had gotten a slight hernia a few months ago from doing heavy curls. I started wearng a belt while curling heavy from then on and it seems to have healed itself and I no longer have that problem.

lol

[SirTraps]

If you go heavy i think its a good idea, disc problems effing suck. I wore mine this weekend pushing a wheelbarrow full of 400 pounds of sand, i dont give a shit-back pain blows.

[jdooly]

Anyone ever come across the chance to purchase a pro's old belt?  That would be sweet to have one of Cormier's (sp?) old one's that says "Real Deal" on it, or somebody else's.  Dorian must have used a few, so what did he do with them?  IMO,  that would be a sweet motivator when you strap that mother on!!

[Jadethegladiator]

Anyone ever come across the chance to purchase a pro's old belt?  That would be sweet to have one of Cormier's (sp?) old one's that says "Real Deal" on it, or somebody else's.  Dorian must have used a few, so what did he do with them?  IMO,  that would be a sweet motivator when you strap that mother on!!

Hey, you can have mine!  Pm me your address & I'll send it out right away.  BTW, do ya need somes gloves to go with da belt? 

[Cee21Jay]

The belt is worn to increase intra-abdominal pressure.  This helps keep your spine aligned when straining on a heavy lift and makes it safer.  A belt is also a reminder to lift properly while in the gym from loading plates to moving DB's around.  I found this written by a G. Welch.

The weightlifting belt, contrary to popular belief, supports the back in a different manner. While there can be some support due to the rigidity of a weight belt, the benefit is minimal compared to the support offered by the increase in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). (8,9,10)

During a normal lifting maneuver such as the squat; the diaphragmatic muscles along with muscles of the torso contract generating pressure on the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity together with its predominantly fluid contents, known as the "fluid ball", are kept under pressure by the surrounding musculature. It is this natural intra-abdominal tension that supports the spinal column. (11) Several studies have shown that weight belts increase intra-abdominal pressure and therefore assist in this natural stabilization mechanism. (3,8,12,13,14) Other studies have shown that increased IAP by use of the weight belt not only relieves the load of the musculature of the lower back, but also reduce the compressive forces on the spinal discs. (15,16,17) Furthermore, it has been reported that the reduction in these compressive forces can be reduced by as much as 50% when utilizing a weight belt. (16,18,19)

I would not reccommend a belt for anything except triples and max efforts (squats, deadlifts). I tend to agree with the above quote.  Belts for biceps curls etc. is beyond me.

[Dr. D]

The belt is worn to increase intra-abdominal pressure.  This helps keep your spine aligned when straining on a heavy lift and makes it safer.  A belt is also a reminder to lift properly while in the gym from loading plates to moving DB's around.  I found this written by a G. Welch.

The weightlifting belt, contrary to popular belief, supports the back in a different manner. While there can be some support due to the rigidity of a weight belt, the benefit is minimal compared to the support offered by the increase in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). (8,9,10)

During a normal lifting maneuver such as the squat; the diaphragmatic muscles along with muscles of the torso contract generating pressure on the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity together with its predominantly fluid contents, known as the "fluid ball", are kept under pressure by the surrounding musculature. It is this natural intra-abdominal tension that supports the spinal column. (11) Several studies have shown that weight belts increase intra-abdominal pressure and therefore assist in this natural stabilization mechanism. (3,8,12,13,14) Other studies have shown that increased IAP by use of the weight belt not only relieves the load of the musculature of the lower back, but also reduce the compressive forces on the spinal discs. (15,16,17) Furthermore, it has been reported that the reduction in these compressive forces can be reduced by as much as 50% when utilizing a weight belt. (16,18,19)

wow....
The belt doesn't INCREASE IAP but decreases it. When people where a belt, they force their abdominal wall into the belt. The Transverse Abdominis , when activated correctly, will draw the belly in and increase IAP.

I think you need to read this.

http://www.chekinstitute.com/articles.cfm?select=16

[Cee21Jay]

wow....
The belt doesn't INCREASE IAP but decreases it. When people where a belt, they force their abdominal wall into the belt. The Transverse Abdominis , when activated correctly, will draw the belly in and increase IAP.

I think you need to read this.

http://www.chekinstitute.com/articles.cfm?select=16

I would not draw conclusions so quickly (especially) from that site.  I would say it can be argued either way.  Try a heavy squat with a belt and contract your abdominals and diaphragm out against a belt and perform a valsava maneuver (if you are an experienced lifter).  I "feel" although anecdotal that this increases my IAP greatly over no belt.  I think quickly looking through the research you will not find a true answer. 

[leonp1981]

I only wear one for my heaviest sets of deads and clean and presses.  I think too many people over use them and then find their lower backs are weak.

[Luv2Hurt]

wow....
The belt doesn't INCREASE IAP but decreases it. When people where a belt, they force their abdominal wall into the belt. The Transverse Abdominis , when activated correctly, will draw the belly in and increase IAP.

I think you need to read this.

http://www.chekinstitute.com/articles.cfm?select=16

The belt must be worn tightly to get the most benifit.  This compresses the fluid ball and supports the spine in everyday activiteis and in heavy lifts thats one way the spine is supported. 

Who the heck can concentrate on this activation of the  trans Adominus in the middle of a set of squats for 12 reps with 500 lbs??  Or a set of bent rows with big weight and reps?? 

I have heard pers. Trainers say what you are.  And maybe if you are doing squat thrusts on a wobble board its a good thing.  But when the going gets truely hardcore the belt is your buddy and if worn properly will increase IAP .