lifting belts

[CushingRW]

what are your opinions on lifting belts for someone who isn't a goliath?
I'm doing sets of deadlifts between 275 and 315, and worry about my lower back, at this
weight would a belt do any good?
Same for squats, I'm doing sets in the same weight range. Am I any less likely to get
injured using a belt at these weights?
I dont need the comments about how much of a pussy I am, because my deadlift sucks,
or my squat sucks.. etc...
I realize I'm not training those body parts hard enough/frequently enough when I bench as much
as I squat.
Just opinions I guess

[Emmortal]

Personally, I've always felt if I need a belt to lift the weight, I probably shouldn't be lifting it.

[laurion]

If you want muscle to grow you have to push it past what it can comfortably do, your spine is directly affected by your back workouts and your not trying to build your spine so you should protect it.  The weight doesn't matter what matters are you going for a lift which is near YOUR max or not.  If you are then you should protect your spine as you run the risk of allowing it to bear some of the load cause lets face it when you do deadlifts you have to be very carefull to keep good form and the slightest variation to good form at heavy weight can slip a disc so why risk it?  A belt can keep that disc from slipping and various other injuries from slight improper form.  For instance when I approach my 8 rep set (I never go for max on deadlifts, too dangerous) I always wear a belt.

[Emmortal]

Inzer probably makes some of the best belts around if you are interested in a brand name.

[Gene]

Don't use them

[Hedgehog]

IMO, you should leave the belt outside the gym except when trying for max lifts.

The belt stabilizes, and if you don't use it, your midsection will get stronger.

Especially on Squats, front squats and deadlifts, avoid the belt, unless of course maxing out.

[wes]

I think the use of belts are fine,especially on heavy lifts.

Never had a problem with ab or lowerback strength because I wore one.

[jpm101]

I agree with HedgeHog. If your going for a 1 or 2 rep max once on a while, than maybe OK. But most guy's do not have a clue as to how to fit and wear a lifting belt anyway. Worn correctly(extra tight), the breathing is going to be limited, as is the circulation, to a degree. That's why only 1-3 reps max should be used for one set only. If you do buy a belt than it should be in person, rather than by mail order. Like buying a better quality shoe, try it on first.  We have a couple of belts hanging on the gym wall for who ever wants to used one. Last time I looked, they were gathering dust.

Spending more serious time on strengthening the lower back and the abs will insure better core development. So as, you will have a natural strong and muscular "lifting belt" developed around the lower back. GoodMornings are on the top of my list.  Can improve anyones squat and DL. Followed by SLDL's as a good second choice. Heavy ab work, not those marathon waste of time high rep workouts, can help balance out the strength of the lower back. Example: get in the ab crunch position and hold a 100lb BB above you. Now rep it out. Should get a feeling in the abs like never before. Good Luck.

[The Squadfather]

I agree with HedgeHog. If your going for a 1 or 2 rep max once on a while, than maybe OK. But most guy's do not have a clue as to how to fit and wear a lifting belt anyway. Worn correctly(extra tight), the breathing is going to be limited, as is the circulation, to a degree. That's why only 1-3 reps max should be used for one set only. If you do buy a belt than it should be in person, rather than by mail order. Like buying a better quality shoe, try it on first.  We have a couple of belts hanging on the gym wall for who ever wants to used one. Last time I looked, they were gathering dust.

Spending more serious time on strengthening the lower back and the abs will insure better core development. So as, you will have a natural strong and muscular "lifting belt" developed around the lower back. GoodMornings are on the top of my list.  Can improve anyones squat and DL. Followed by SLDL's as a good second choice. Heavy ab work, not those marathon waste of time high rep workouts, can help balance out the strength of the lower back. Example: get in the ab crunch position and hold a 100lb BB above you. Now rep it out. Should get a feeling in the abs like never before. Good Luck.

you're so hardcore.

[dan18]

you're so hardcore.

lol always with the dig personally i wear one squats ,deads ,standing shoulder presses,I some times forget its on.. Bottom line fuck ''everyone''do what you want its youre work-out..

[mass 04]

I like the "guys" who wear them doing kickbacks and laterals.

[MisterMagoo]

depending on what the workout is, ill have the belt on for a while. there's no shame in it. i have an inzer lever and it's my saviour.

if "safety" is your concern, don't worry about it. chances are you're not going to hurt yourself if you don't lift with a belt. however, the belt will enable you to go heavier and isn't that the point? yeah, it "robs" you of core work, but the easy fix is just to make sure you do enough to target the core muscles at other times.

[Bluto]

last time i used a belt was when i was helping a friend to move

[The Squadfather]

depending on what the workout is, ill have the belt on for a while. there's no shame in it. i have an inzer lever and it's my saviour.

if "safety" is your concern, don't worry about it. chances are you're not going to hurt yourself if you don't lift with a belt. however, the belt will enable you to go heavier and isn't that the point? yeah, it "robs" you of core work, but the easy fix is just to make sure you do enough to target the core muscles at other times.

exactly the way i feel, personally the only thing i wear a belt for is squats but it always makes me laugh when you hear this crap about how belts supposedly "weaken" your lower back or rob your "core" of work as if that bar on your back for squats is being supported by the belt instead of your back muscles.

[MisterMagoo]

exactly the way i feel, personally the only thing i wear a belt for is squats but it always makes me laugh when you hear this crap about how belts supposedly "weaken" your lower back or rob your "core" of work as if that bar on your back for squats is being supported by the belt instead of your back muscles.

exactly. the belt doesn't replace your core, it just adds support by increasing the pressure. put enough weight on the bar, you'll feel your lower back and abs getting  a workout.

[webcake]

Im thinking of getting a belt, will probably use it for squats and SLDL. I dont really buy into the whole notion of wearing one will weaken your core, or weaken the core workout. As far as im concerned, if you think you need or want one, get one.

[triple_pickle]

i use the belt only for the heaviest squats and deads.  i used to wear it for many other exercises but stopped, ironically, after an epigastric hernia surgery as the belt was pressing against the scar, which was fuccking painful.

[MisterMagoo]

there is, quite literally, no reason to scrap the belt.

if you're a bodybuilder, you want to stimulate your legs to the maximum capacity. putting a belt means you can use more weight, thus more stress on your leg muscles.

if you're a powerlifter, you want to move the most weight possible. you can move more weight with a belt than without.

now don't use it as a crutch, but i don't see anything wrong with using the belt on squats, deads, and whatever else you're testing your limits on.

[wes]

I definately agree with Dave and Zach.........been saying the same thing for years.

Use a belt when you feel you need it,then make sure you work abs and erectors seperately to keep them strong.

The belt offers support,it doesn`t lift the weights for you.

Weighted hyperextensions and ab work,along with deadlifts will keep your abs and lowerback strong.

[yorge]

Cardillo makes a great belt.  Check ebay every once in a while for a good deal. I picked up two for under 40 bucks a piece recently. They are worth it even at full price though.  I made the mistake of buying a velcro type belt and nearly killed myself when it came undone during a set of squats. 

[JasonH]

I only use a belt for deadlifting and squatting - anything else is pointless IMO. I'm even trying to get out of the habit of using one while deadlifting as i don't think it's really benefiting me too much.

[ngm21084]

i dont know ive only been dead lifting for a while but ive never used a belt but just yesterday i was going for my heaviest deadlift as of yet which was 370 for 5 and so i threw on a belt that my gym has....i put it on and i didnt feel good with it at all...so i did my five then i took the damn thing off the next set 20 pounds heavier and i got it for 4 and felt much  more comfortable without the belt...i guess i might have been wearing it wrong i dont know...

[wes]

Just not used to it.

If you don`t like it don`t wear one but I need the extra support especially since my lowerback is a mess these days.