Belt and deadlift

So I have a 10mm lever belt and for squats it feels great to use the belt. However, I've trained for 3 years now and I've used a belt for deadlifts on like two occasions and I've never really liked it. It always digs into my stomach when I go down and it just feels annoying.

I know belts don't help as much on deadlifts as they do for squats (usually) but there is usually some help; I definitely can see it helping when I'm more upright but just the bottom/initial part just feels terrible and it just ruins my concentration. However, anything that adds more to my deadlift and is still raw is obviously a good thing so I'm wondering whether I should keep using it and see if I get used to it or not. I have a meet in 4 weeks (my second ever) and I'm not sure if I should bother learning it now in hope it has any benefits or just wait after the meet so I don't change around any variables. Thoughts?

Use only when you go heavy. I don't use it til I get past the 425ish range and single reps. Try it some more and it shouldn't be suffocating you in terms of how tight you set it

Not sure how much my opinion will help I have DAT deer power keg
Ive started wearing my belt higher lately and it feels a lot more natural to ,idk if it just some type of mental cue or what but it helps me push my stomach against it more...if that makes sense try that out

I like cheap fabric belts for deadlifts, like the really basic ones that you can just pick up at big box sporting goods stores. I have the inzer belt too and did use it at my last meet to pull, but it is a bit uncomfortable, as you describe.

[QUOTE=awolnation2117;1032306113]Use only when you go heavy. I don't use it til I get past the 425ish range and single reps. Try it some more and it shouldn't be suffocating you in terms of how tight you set it[/QUOTE]

This is dumb. Using a belt properly doesn't make your core weak or any bs like that so use it whenever u want. And if your belt annoys you, you want to get as much practice in it as possible so you get use to it, especially if you have a meet coming up. A couple things you can vary are location and tightness. Some people like their belt high, some like it low. Try out different positions. Personally, I like it high so it doesn't crush my hips when I go down to the starting position. You can try different levels of tightness as well. Alot of people say they like their belt tighter for squats than deadlifts. Try loosening it up 1 for deadlifts and see if that feels better. And then try to use it for as many sets as possible till it becomes natural for you.

Use it only for heavy reps, try placing it higher, don't over tighten it.

like said above, a belt doesn't make your core weaker.

i like my belt on deadlifts higher and one notch looser when compared to how i wear it for my squats.

Yes I used a friend's double-prong belt and put it a little higher and it did seem nicer. However, that would be rather impractical with a lever belt because I'd have to keep unscrewing it and loosening it up or tightening it for squats and so on. Might then look into another belt but not sure I can justify it just for deadlifts.

good ideas itt so far. I practically have the same problem as OP and know that a belt will really help me in the long run.

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1032315543]Yes I used a friend's double-prong belt and put it a little higher and it did seem nicer. However, that would be rather impractical with a lever belt because I'd have to keep unscrewing it and loosening it up or tightening it for squats and so on. Might then look into another belt but not sure I can justify it just for deadlifts.[/QUOTE]

I got a 10mm Inzer Forever Lever belt and I don't see it as much of a hassle. I just bring a coin in my bag and can change the setting while I'm resting between warmup sets or something. My weight and water bloat changes quite frequently so I'm always switching it between 3 different holes. And during a competition, you will have alot of time between squats and deadlifts to change the tightness. But, hey, if you wanna spend the extra money to buy another belt than go ahead. I'd rather just save my money and spend 1-2 mins changing the hole from time to time.

Hmm, didn't think of using a coin. I'll check now if it works and yes, okay, if it does then that's good.

Well I dunno, I've seen belts that they say are for deadlifts (usually thinner). If not too expensive it might be worth a look but again I have no idea as I never really see such things being used but some do recommend them.

buy a spud deadlift belt. super happy with mine. I prefer to wear in on box squats too over my 13mm inzer

I haven't noticed this but I would definitely try to move the belt around... Namely up a little higher than you'd wear for squats. I just ordered a lever today though so don't remind me of the pain that comes with adjusting it. :(

[QUOTE=arian11;1032309723]This is dumb. Using a belt properly doesn't make your core weak or any bs like that so use it whenever u want. And if your belt annoys you, you want to get as much practice in it as possible so you get use to it, especially if you have a meet coming up. A couple things you can vary are location and tightness. Some people like their belt high, some like it low. Try out different positions. Personally, I like it high so it doesn't crush my hips when I go down to the starting position. You can try different levels of tightness as well. Alot of people say they like their belt tighter for squats than deadlifts. Try loosening it up 1 for deadlifts and see if that feels better. And then try to use it for as many sets as possible till it becomes natural for you.[/QUOTE]

Before you dub my post as "dumb" do a little research on it. There's some compelling evidence out there to suggest otherwise- but I've already formed my opinion on the matter. Why would I use a belt at 135? Once the weight gets heavy I like the additional support it brings and I don't sit there and rep 405. Once it's that heavy I usually single rep to ensure no compromise of form. You may call this "stupid" but I prefer to think of it as knowing my limits and training the way that works for me.

Rustled jimmies... A little.

[QUOTE=awolnation2117;1032470293]Before you dub my post as "dumb" do a little research on it. There's some compelling evidence out there to suggest otherwise- but I've already formed my opinion on the matter. Why would I use a belt at 135? Once the weight gets heavy I like the additional support it brings and I don't sit there and rep 405. Once it's that heavy I usually single rep to ensure no compromise of form. You may call this "stupid" but I prefer to think of it as knowing my limits and training the way that works for me.

Rustled jimmies... A little.[/QUOTE]

Please show me research.

Also, I wasn't saying not using a belt at 135 is stupid. I was saying your suggestion to OP was stupid. He is saying a belt is uncomfortable for him on deadlift and he has a meet coming up. So why would he use his belt less often by only using it when he goes heavy? He should be putting the belt on for every set including warmups. Not necessarily because it is going to protect his back any better or make him train any better. But because he'll get more practice in it and get more use to it till he doesn't even notice it. His situation is specific and you are trying to take my words and apply it to your training and getting butthurt that I am personally attacking you. Re-read OPs post. Think of what you would do if you had a meet coming up in 4 weeks and the equipment you wanted to use felt uncomfortable. Use it more or use it less?

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1032305033]
However, anything that adds more to my deadlift and is still raw is obviously a good thing[/QUOTE]

RAW RAW...belts not even once...

That being said, listen to arian and if you're looking for a new belt Anderson powerlifting has 13mm single prongs for less than 70 shipped...usually takes less than a week to arrive...

I never DL with a belt. I just don't like the feel of it. I like the suggestions in here though. Definitely going to try some of them.

I think having a couple belts is a great idea. I have a 13mm lever and a 10mm double prong. I like both of them for different things. Its only $100. Skip a few meals out or something.

Good info here. Gonna try my belt tomorrow with some of these ideas.

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1032305033]

I know belts don't help as much on deadlifts as they do for squats (usually) but there is usually some help; I definitely can see it helping when I'm more upright but just the bottom/initial part just feels terrible and it just ruins my concentration. However, anything that adds more to my deadlift and is still raw is obviously a good thing so I'm wondering whether I should keep using it and see if I get used to it or not. [/QUOTE]

Sorry, you're not truly raw.

A belt, not even once.

[QUOTE=androstan;1032639433]Sorry, you're not truly raw.

A belt, not even once.[/QUOTE]

Dafuq...this has already been covered by me...gtfo...

[QUOTE=Trah275;1032722803]Dafuq...this has already been covered by me...gtfo...[/QUOTE]

Reading the entire thread fail.

Unfortunately Arian's advice didn't work (coins are too thick). Might just get a screwdriver and play around but it may seem a tad odd to have a screwdriver at the gym... :P

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1032782553]Unfortunately Arian's advice didn't work (coins are too thick). Might just get a screwdriver and play around but it may seem a tad odd to have a screwdriver at the gym... :P[/QUOTE]

Many sports require screw drivers... I pretty much have one in my bag the whole time. And I'm a girl. Deffo not odd. What coins were you using?!

I have used a 13mm belt for years when I pull. It is very uncomfortable and nothing makes it better.


You need to get tighter.

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1032782553]Unfortunately Arian's advice didn't work (coins are too thick). Might just get a screwdriver and play around but it may seem a tad odd to have a screwdriver at the gym... :P[/QUOTE]

I guess the coins they make round here are extra thin since I use one to adjust my belt all the time. Oh wells. Take a look at some deadlift specific belts that are thinner.

[QUOTE=wakechica;1032793773]Many sports require screw drivers... I pretty much have one in my bag the whole time. And I'm a girl. Deffo not odd. What coins were you using?![/QUOTE]

Regular British coins lol.

Nah I understand it might always be rather annoying. However, I was just thinking that at the least if I can get it higher up it will be less uncomfortable and also might help more. I'm not sure about the latter, but I have seen some deadlift with their belt rather high.

[QUOTE=michael_xyz;1033723283]Regular British coins lol.

Nah I understand it might always be rather annoying. However, I was just thinking that at the least if I can get it higher up it will be less uncomfortable and also might help more. I'm not sure about the latter, but I have seen some deadlift with their belt rather high.[/QUOTE]

Hmm that would be why, all our coins are thick as. Try and get some US currency... lot thinner. Don't go for Euros ;) Or just get a mini screwdriver kit/short handled flathead.

Deadlift is the lift that I benefit the most from going beltless and then belting up for competition.