When to get a belt?

[LT1Squirrel]

The only 'support equipment' i use are wrist wraps, because of an accident that broke both my wrists it helps A LOT, but i recently pulled 405 and a lot of the guys at my gym said i should start looking in to a belt, the thing is, i feel very comfortable when pulling, but if a belt would be safer then i would definitely consider purchasing one... thoughts?

[Visagex]

belt for 1rm imo

Don't need it otherwise unless you are pulling a lot 600+ imo and your core just can't support it

[WorldDomnit]

asap

[Jason2459]

I would get one as soon as you can learn how to use the search.

Otherwise now.

I use it for max effort triples, doubles, and singles ie. Once I get to ~90% of my 1rm.

Some hardcore guys will say never though. I'm not hardcore.

And some people just don't wear one for the deadlift.

[lexnowling]

I would say asap. It takes one bad jerk during a lift that could ruin your back that could have been prevented by wearing a belt. In highschool two kids that lifted for football didn't use belts and started to suffer from the same back injuries.

[psychodiver9]

I would say asap. It takes one bad jerk during a lift that could ruin your back that could have been prevented by wearing a belt. In highschool two kids that lifted for football didn't use belts and started to suffer from the same back injuries.

Clearly you don't know why you use a belt and shouldn't have one

[hammerfelt]

This is a great discussion. What are the tale tale signs that a belt would help?

It is my understanding a belt allows you to lift more weight and has nothing to do with safety.

For those that have found the weight that it required to wear a belt what is the benefit and what happens or what would happen if you attempted that weight without wearing the belt?

[sheed30]

This is a great discussion. What are the tale tale signs that a belt would help?

It is my understanding a belt allows you to lift more weight and has nothing to do with safety.

For those that have found the weight that it required to wear a belt what is the benefit and what happens or what would happen if you attempted that weight without wearing the belt?

For me, with same weight I A) couldn't get off the floor or B) Couldn't lock it out past knees....with Belt, no issues. Probably because weak abs, but either way, I'm all about wearing a belt. If I consistently had a belt I could use, I would use it on all working sets, and just warm up without. Just see no reason in not picking up more weight, especially when a belt is allowed in every single federation (I believe).

[Jason2459]

This is a great discussion. What are the tale tale signs that a belt would help?

It is my understanding a belt allows you to lift more weight and has nothing to do with safety.

For those that have found the weight that it required to wear a belt what is the benefit and what happens or what would happen if you attempted that weight without wearing the belt?

My understanding is that powerlifting is about lifting more weight.

As for safety I don't believe it will help your back directly but may help provide a mental feedback/cue to make you more aware to keep your back neutral and also allow you to create greater intra abdominal pressure then you could with out the belt and give something to push against to help keep a more neutral spine.

[bigdogfarmhand]

This is such an interesting topic.

Half the guys that I know lift with them and half don't

It be nice to get a straight Professional answer

[Jason2459]

This is such an interesting topic.

Half the guys that I know lift with them and half don't

It be nice to get a straight Professional answer

And who are the professionals? Here's a professional medical perspective

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wei...g-belt/AN01866

Question

Weightlifting belt: Do I need one?
If I lift free weights, do I need to wear a weightlifting belt?

Answer
from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

For most people, wearing a weightlifting belt does little to improve performance or protect the spine — especially during exercises that don't stress the back or place only minimal stress on the back.

You might consider wearing a weightlifting belt if you're doing power lifting or dead lifts. A weightlifting belt can be a reminder to keep your spine in the correct position during heavy lifting.

When you're lifting free weights, safety precautions are a must:

Learn proper form and technique. The better your form, the better your results — and the less likely you are to hurt yourself.
Spare your back. When you're lifting weights, keep your spine in a stable, neutral position. When you're picking up weights or putting them down, lift with your legs — not your back.
Ask for help. If you're lifting heavy weights, ask a training partner to spot you.

and here's a decent thread to read through if the search was used on when to use a belt or if a belt is necessary or the safety a belt provides

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=108908741

[bradmath1]

My lifts are no where near elite or anything but I wear one cause it feels more stable and safe. My core feels much more solid with it.

[isaku900]

I would get one as soon as you can learn how to use the search.

this