posted Sat, 10/05/2013 - 11:40
2198
Weight Belt : Yes or no?
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What's your opinion on lifting belts? I have a messed up back. I avoid squats and deadlifts like the plague. I've heard mixed reviews. Some swear by them, some swear against them. I have a cheap one that I rarely use because I don't want to rely on it but lately I've been feeling like it actually helps me. Maybe it's just a peace of mind thing.
Anyway I'm thinking about investing in a decent one and curious about thoughts and what belts people use (brands). Or is that considered source talk lol
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For me these studies don't mean sqaut (no pun intended). My lifts feel more stable and an all around sense of well being. Do not confuse have a sense of well being with a feeling of invincibility. I don't worry about my core becoming weak from wearing a belt. That's what core exercising is for. The sole purpose of the belt for me is stability during squats and deads and to help prevent back injury. It's really plain and simple. I've done them with a belt and without a belt. For me it's better with a belt. I don't need a study to tell me what I know from practical experence!
Save your money it's all a head game with those belts. there are several well written articles out there but here is just an everyday one to read: http://www.directlyfitness.com/store/weight-lifting-belt-evidence/
Most belts are not designed to fit the every day person. When you go to the store do you buy a one size fits all?
So a belt protects your abs or back or both? I'm dealing with Diastasis recti (split abs) from my last pregnancy and I've been considering a belt. I was thinking it would help keep my abs together, but a few people at my gym said it will weaken my core. :( I need something, especially for squats/lunges but I don't want to make the problem worse. Dr.s are not much help, I'm pretty sure my OB has no idea what a squat is...
I would say use one ... a wide good quality heavy leather belt and wear it as tight as you can stand, it will not weaken your core trust me it will help with your problem and make your core stronger as you heal.
It goes on when i get outa the car... comes off when i leave the gym, its not the belt that protects the lower back its the vacuum of air forced against it internally that creates the protection... also helps to build a solid ab wall too as a side effect.
Thanks again everyone. Great info. My current belt I bought many moons ago after I f'd up my back. It's a cheap Nike belt, it's comfy with a velcro strap and back when I bought it, it was a good fit because I had a huge beer belly. Now it's too big. I have to pull it as tight as it allows me to. It's very comfy but I don't have trust in it.
Would never enter a gym without an inzer belt on. I know some say lifting with a belt weakens the core etc. Any one that has moved big weight knows that the prevention is just to damn important. I know what weakens my core, laying in a hospital unable to train awaiting back surgery.
AnonI like the fact that it keeps the core tight, rather than allowing it to expand on heavy standing lifts..doing heavy, standing lifts where the core is being activated is where the widening and bulk comes from that most bodybuilders try to avoid.
BigBmajI think there is some debate on this topic. I've read stuff on both sides.
I remember watching a Westside video years ago and Louie Simmons talking about how no one with slim waist could move severe poundages. This is the way to circumvent this somewhat.
I use my belt whenever I do bent bar curls; rows; or any back exercises. It helps you keep good form and also from trying to use your back instead of whatever muscle(s) you are trying to train
Yes on the belt and absolutely do your deads and squats. I went under the knife in 99 for severe herniated discs and a big ass incision and 18 staples later I was somewhat repaired. I did this dead lifting a weight I could easily lift. I was goofing around with my buddies talking shit dead lifting 285. I used shitty form and rolled my back getting the bar too far away from my center and it felt like someone dumped a hot glass of water on my lower back. I remember it like it was yesterday. After years of opiate abuse (which I still battle from time to time) I found my way here about a little over a year ago. Started taking my training and dieting serious again. The most important is focusing on form and I'll never dead lift or squat again raw. I say absolutely use a belt, use excellent form and do those damn dreaded squats and deads. I'm forever glad I found this place it has been life altering. I'm even bridging my wife slowly. I am confident one day she will be here!
Lower easy weight I don't use one.. When I get in the 5-8 rep range I start using one.. If you have a spinal injury it would be best to use one.. But still be very very careful with your injury
Yeah that's pretty much what I use it for. Or any bent over lifts . that I have concern I may break form due to failure on a last rep. Sometimes that failure comes out of nowhere and that's when bad shit happens
Oh yeah definitely rows!! I want to try to keep perfect form and work the shit out of my traps and lats >
That brings me back to the 80's. I agree with the posts below. Heavier weights, power lifts, a belt is a good idea.
Absolutely! I use my belt on squats and deads and it's been a great relief on my lower back. I just had a back injury earlier this year. (Herniated disc) and my real good friend on here NextBigThing32 put me onto a weight belt from TLF. I never train without now!
I'll check em out. Thanks. Back injuries suck!
Id say once your past the 315 range. You should look into one lol
Yeah that doesn't apply to me lol. I have 3 bulging discs. One surgery and lots of arthritis. I want to protect myself no matter what weight I'm carrying. I just don't want to rely on it and eventually weaken myself at the core. I'll never be a power lifter. I lift to be healthy, feel good and improve my physique