Author Topic: How many of you use a belt? (Read 7586 times)

Method101 · « **on:** August 03, 2008, 10:02:09 AM »

Ime talking for deadlifts and squats.. right now i feel like i cant do either of these exercises without a belt or my back will feel like shit for the next 24hrs.. especially the squat, maybe if i hadn't used it from so early on i wouldn't rely on it now.. though i don't use it for any other lifts.

chaos · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2008, 10:20:46 AM »

I only use it on heavier sets, I do my warm ups and if I feel good, I'll do my first heavy set without it.

_bruce_ · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2008, 10:51:05 AM »

My tiny lifts don't require a belt - yet.
Furthermore my belt is shit - bought it at a bb-store... the side that covers your abdomen is smaller than the side that covers your back... pretty useless.

chaos · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2008, 10:52:58 AM »

Quote from: _bruce_ on August 03, 2008, 10:51:05 AM

My tiny lifts don't require a belt - yet.
Furthermore my belt is shit - bought it at a bb-store... the side that covers your abdomen is smaller than the side that covers your back... pretty useless.

Why is that useless? Is it leather?

burn2live · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2008, 11:16:14 AM »

I don't in training, only in competition

burn2live · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2008, 11:16:52 AM »

Quote from: _bruce_ on August 03, 2008, 10:51:05 AM

My tiny lifts don't require a belt - yet.
Furthermore my belt is shit - bought it at a bb-store... the side that covers your abdomen is smaller than the side that covers your back... pretty useless.

Turn the belt round, so the thicker part is to the front. Much more beneficial

_bruce_ · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2008, 12:38:55 PM »

@Chaos - leather-belt -> lady-version... others were too big.
Useless because having the thick side in front prevents the crucial intra-abdominal pressure... or so I read.

@b2l - tried it... feels strange + I'm too clumsy to fasten it properly that way...

burn2live · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2008, 01:03:43 PM »

Quote from: _bruce_ on August 03, 2008, 12:38:55 PM

@Chaos - leather-belt -> lady-version... others were too big.
Useless because having the thick side in front prevents the crucial intra-abdominal pressure... or so I read.

@b2l - tried it... feels strange + I'm too clumsy to fasten it properly that way...

Yeh, putting on a belt back to front is pretty awkward!

tonymctones · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2008, 01:27:11 PM »

I do for my heavier sets, more for my stomach than for my back though.

chaos · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2008, 02:05:03 PM »

Quote from: _bruce_ on August 03, 2008, 12:38:55 PM

@Chaos - leather-belt -> lady-version... others were too big.
Useless because having the thick side in front prevents the crucial intra-abdominal pressure... or so I read.

@b2l - tried it... feels strange + I'm too clumsy to fasten it properly that way...

"lady version...others were too big"? WTF how small are you?
Mine is smaller in front than in back, I have no problems with it.

_bruce_ · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2008, 02:35:40 PM »

I'm 5'8" ~180-185. I have a rather petite structure, though solidly proportioned so it's hard to spot.

DieHards · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2008, 05:04:08 PM »

Quote from: Method101 on August 03, 2008, 10:02:09 AM

Ime talking for deadlifts and squats.. right now i feel like i cant do either of these exercises without a belt or my back will feel like shit for the next 24hrs.. especially the squat, maybe if i hadn't used it from so early on i wouldn't rely on it now.. though i don't use it for any other lifts.

i def use a belt when i start getting up their in weight esp on squats, i use a old fashion leather belt or the schiek belts that jay uses. they are actually really comfortable. i wouldnt risk back injury. once people hurt their backs they r never the same and gets worse when they get older obviously.

after all god did not intend for humans to hoist 405 on our backs going for as many reps as we can.

IMO i rather be safe than sorry, i wouldnt want to go through life with serious back problems. but hey thats just me.

either way, good luck

mike

thewickedtruth · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2008, 07:48:49 PM »

only when i need one or feel my back is fatigued from a previous workout and could use the help. For the most part i stay away from them to keep my core strong. I've even stopped benching in one until I'm around in the 400lb range when benching. Seems to be working!

triple_pickle · « **Reply #13 on:** August 05, 2008, 06:43:24 PM »

Quote from: burn2live on August 03, 2008, 11:16:14 AM

I don't in training, only in competition

yep

Overload · « **Reply #14 on:** August 06, 2008, 07:34:54 AM »

Max attempts only.

You want your core to be strong.

Build up your core by NOT using a belt.

Emmortal · « **Reply #15 on:** August 06, 2008, 03:40:24 PM »

I don't even own a belt anymore, gave it away to a buddy of mine since it was just collecting dust.

candidizzle · « **Reply #16 on:** August 06, 2008, 03:45:57 PM »

only when i want to be a magician and accentuate my waist to shoulder ratio.

jpm101 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 06, 2008, 05:47:21 PM »

Never felt the need for an belt doing any workout. Even for PR training. I have worn one in the distance past when going for a max of 1 or 2 reps.

To wear it correctly you will have to have someone help you tighten it to the extreme. If you can get one finger in between the belt and body it's not tight enough. Inhale strongly as you cinch the belt up. You going to restrict the breathing quite a bit, that's why 1 or 2 rep only. If you feel that there is not enough support for the small of the back, than fold up a large towel and put it at the point of the small of the back. That is one of the main reason why a custom fitted lifting belt should be first choice, if into serious lifting, that is.

In strengthening the core (over worked term I know), pay attention to exercises like GoodMornings, SLDL', Romanian DL's, hypers, etc.. First choice, for me, would be GM'ings in a PR. Also train the ab wall heavy and hard. The upper/lower ab pack is a very powerful short range muscle group. If total core training is desires, than some direct oblique work. Though DB and general overhead pressing can affect them also.

Not wearing a lifting belt does not always mean that the mid section/core will be well trained. Added insurance, with belt or no belt, would be some focused lower back and ab work. The whole trunk (interior/exterior) area will benefit, giving a strong base for power. Good Luck.

Overload · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2008, 07:13:32 AM »

I also wanted to add that not ALL belts are created equal.

I use an Inzer power belt, not one of those flimsy $15 belts you get at a normal sporting goods store.

http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FOREVERBELT_BUCKLE13

DK II · « **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2008, 07:29:34 AM »

I don't use belts.

If you have to use a belt, you are using too much weight for your back to handle.

That is my explanation.

jpm101 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2008, 08:36:42 AM »

One of the reasons that some like to wear a belt during their workouts is because of the warmth and slight increase in blood circulation around the small of the back. Even the feel of a belt around the lumbar and ab area can give a false sense of support and security. But never the less, some kind of security when lifting.

The mental aspect of training is very powerful indeed (maybe 50% or more at times). I can not be critical of this if it makes the trainee more confident when working out. (of course a sports rub or cream will do the same thing) Just that they understand that wearing a belt this way (loose, moderate or semi tight) has no effect on the structure support of the muscles, joints or whatever. And may even invite injury.

As Can-did suggest, there are the mirror gazing BB'ers who only wear a belt for the illusion of a smaller waist and broader shoulders. Might as well wear a girdle, which I would not doubt some do under their clothes when out in public. Along with a semi lat spread. Good Luck.

Geo · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2008, 08:52:00 AM »

Quote from: jpm101 on August 07, 2008, 08:36:42 AM

As Can-did suggest, there are the mirror gazing BB'ers who only wear a belt for the illusion of a smaller waist and broader shoulders. Might as well wear a girdle, which I would not doubt some do under their clothes when out in public. Along with a semi lat spread. Good Luck.

my compression shorts make "me bum" look smaller !

jpm101 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 07, 2008, 09:16:19 AM »

I see Geo is presenting his new fall line of men's hug and tuck underwear. Exclusive showing at his Fashion Valley store this coming weekend for those who care. Of course he may want to put some more padding in the crouch area, not the best example of white power I must say. Good Luck.

Geo · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2008, 11:54:03 AM »

Quote from: jpm101 on August 07, 2008, 09:16:19 AM

I see Geo is presenting his new fall line of men's hug and tuck underwear.

we all do what we can ..

MisterMagoo · « **Reply #24 on:** August 07, 2008, 02:00:35 PM »

Quote from: DonkeyKong on August 07, 2008, 07:29:34 AM

I don't use belts.

If you have to use a belt, you are using too much weight for your back to handle.

That is my explanation.

if you don't have to use a belt, it means your lifts are too weak.

anyway, i have an inzer lever, not ratcheted too tightly but enough to give me support when i shove my stomach against it.