Author Topic: to Belt or not to Belt (Read 4043 times)

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.

rockyfortune · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2009, 08:12:11 AM »

no belt..ever.

The_Crusher · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2009, 10:31:50 AM »

Only if your going for max. weight reps on legs or deadlifts, otherwise never.

IrishMuscle84 · « **Reply #3 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.

YoungBlood · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2009, 04:26:05 PM »

Quote from: The_Crusher on November 18, 2009, 10:31:50 AM

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.

Montague · « **Reply #5 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.

oldtimer1 · « **Reply #6 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.

chaos · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2009, 08:37:22 PM »

Quote from: 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.

What excersises are you concerned about?

Usually only deads and squats get some belt usage on the heavier sets.

jpm101 · « **Reply #8 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.

mass 04 · « **Reply #9 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.

Hulkotron · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2009, 05:28:55 PM »

YoungBlood I like your avatar

CalvinH · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2009, 07:12:20 AM »

No belt.

JasonH · « **Reply #12 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.

YoungBlood · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:31:05 AM »

Quote

YoungBlood I like your avatar

Thank disturbia, I just snaked it from one of his posts.

chaos · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2009, 06:17:49 PM »

Quote from: CalvinH on November 20, 2009, 07:12:20 AM

No belt.

You don't deadlift or squat.

dyslexic · « **Reply #15 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...

Jim55 · « **Reply #16 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.

Yev33 · « **Reply #17 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.

Hulkotron · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2010, 05:44:08 PM »

I have never used a belt but have recently started using straps on SLDL.

haider · « **Reply #19 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.

Lion666 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2010, 08:36:09 PM »

nah...

start your training career without, lift right and you will never need one.

#1 Klaus fan · « **Reply #21 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.

_bruce_ · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2010, 07:55:00 AM »

No belt