Weight belts?

[Chris_T]

So I mainly lurk here, but once in a while I have a question. I was doing some reading here on what programs you all use, and I came across 5-3-1. I saw a lot of people using it, so, my curiosity piqued, I paid the man $20 and downloaded the PDF. Looks pretty good.

Anyway, he recommends using a weight belt for the program. I know their use is controversial (my trainer was dead-set against them) and I was wondering what people's thoughts were regarding using a belt for deadlifts and squats.

[KeithTheSnake]

I prefer to use a belt for my heaviest deadlifts and squats, but not for the warm-up sets. My preference is for a belt that is just as wide in the front as it is in the back, as I believe the belt's purpose is to increase pressure in the abdominal cavity. That's my two cents.

[Brackneyc]

Only time I ever use one is to add weight for dips and pullups.

[ibidu1]

I use it when I go heavy on squats and Military shoulder presses I have a bad lower back it helps me not injure it.

[mslman71]

I wear one on a few exercises. It assists me with back stability directly and improves proprioception.

[discdoggie]

Only time I ever use one is to add weight for dips and pullups.

x2.

[Guinea-pig]

I can't see my self doing heavy dead lifts or squats with out one.

[DanielBeauchamp]

I use them for sets at ~90% or more of my max on squats and deadlifts.

It's mainly for the added stability. It's a myth that your midsection doesn't get worked as hard with a belt.

[crupiea]

I use them for sets at ~90% or more of my max on squats and deadlifts.

It's mainly for the added stability. It's a myth that your midsection doesn't get worked as hard with a belt.

I am like this. at around 90% or so.

If you are just starting a 5-3-1 you really dont need it for some time. I lifted for a couple years before i bought one, no problems.

[Chris_T]

If you are just starting a 5-3-1 you really dont need it for some time. I lifted for a couple years before i bought one, no problems.

interesting. thanks. I assume this goes hand in hand with 5-3-1's emphasis on starting light. I'll give it a while before I strap on the belt.

[muladesigns]

I can see using a belt if your power lifting. any extra support is a good safety measure. whereas in body building your not going quite as heavy, and unless you have some sort of injury, its not really needed as a support devise. (IMO).

[Whiskeyjack]

I use one for T-bars and squats.

[crupiea]

interesting. thanks. I assume this goes hand in hand with 5-3-1's emphasis on starting light. I'll give it a while before I strap on the belt.

Are you just starting out lifting with the 5,3,1?

just curious

[jayluk4600]

I havent used a belt in years. I train pretty heavy. But thats just my preference.

[Chris_T]

Are you just starting out lifting with the 5,3,1?

just curious

yeah, I haven't started it yet. Right now I'm just doing the usual 3 sets of 8-12. Very cookie cutter workout. I was thinking maybe Monday I figure out what my 1RM is for the big three, and plow ahead with 5-3-1 on Wednesday. But maybe I'll wait a week.

[djflex]

I use one always...my preference.

In b4 your not training your core....

I actually have 2 belts a thin leathet for general lifting and a nice inzer for heavy squat day

[egoatdoor]

I wear a belt on all sets of all exercises. Its extra protection against injuries which can occur at any time. Like wearing a seat belt. Someone can clobber you just driving down the block to pick up your neighbor's kid.

[jdtemple]

I wear an Inzer Forever Lever Belt. I like the stability it provides.

[Keltron]

I use them for sets at ~90% or more of my max on squats and deadlifts.

It's mainly for the added stability. It's a myth that your midsection doesn't get worked as hard with a belt.

I think this is the best approach.

[templewarrior]

Yeah...I have used a belt since 1982 when I started lifting...always wear it but really tighten it up on squats and any overhead pressing.

[Taur]

Funny, as a kid I was never seen without my lifting belt. Squat day was a huge ordeal and seemed to take forever with all the leg wraps and belt adjustments that I was doing.


Now days I do not wrap, strap or belt anything?