weight belts

[bryan]

When is it a good idea to start using a weight belt during squats. I am squatting about 315 now. Also, excactly what do they do for you?

[Phil T]

I don't think weight belts are necessary unless you're going for absolute 1 rep max effort. They are a false sense of security for many lifters because while it feels like they are supporting the back, the belts are actually contributing to a weaker back. Why? Because the torso is restrained and therefore the natural stabilizers don't come into play as they should.

I don't even wear a weight belt. I didn't even wear one for the powerlifting competition. I believe that if you train your entire body thoroughly, you shouldn't need one.

[D&G]

Only use one if you experience lower back problems.

[phoenixbuffchic]

As I searched for info on this I am just wondering how tight it should be? I have been in a prescribed corset for almost two months now due to two slipped discs in lower spine, and a 42 pound weight loss in a short period of time, so now that I have been strenghting my abs and back I am ready to go back to lifting the lower parts of my body, even though I will look silly lifting low pounds with a weight belt on but hey I will not be down and out this long again. Thanks for any info

[phoenixbuffchic]

Guess this is too much of silly question huh?

[MiloMan]

If it was me, I wouldn't use a belt in your situation. I'd just start light, and make sure I used perfect form. By the way, what caused the disc injury? Did it happen working out?

[phoenixbuffchic]

No belt? I feel that something should be there for support. I'm scared to do squats with out something, I have been in this corset for two months and when it comes off I feel my back is weak. I hurt my back on my last 4x4 trip, and the doc says since I lost so much weight in a short time that my abs were too weak to support my back? But I need to figure out what I should do for support while doing lifts that require standing upright and moving, Therarpist says no more squats. I just shake my head and act like he knows what hes talking about.

[ctgblue]

pheonixbuffchick
If you have a back problem ABSOLUTELY wear your belt.
I can't believe that Milo even said that, he knows better.
But, in addition to that, you need to spend a lot of time on ab and lower back strengthening exercises
crunches, hyperextensions, etc.. to strengthen that core

for the rest of you, here are some articles
http://www.testosterone.net/html/121back.html
http://www.testosterone.net/html/122back.html
http://www.testosterone.net/html/123back.html

read about how dave tate explains WHEN and HOW to wear the belt
http://www.testosterone.net/html/body_149squat.html

[phoenixbuffchic]

Thank you so much for that info, maybe I should come over and hang out with you guys for awhile. Will read all that info and hope I don't look silly at the gym with my new belt. I figure i have a few years left to stand upright so who cares what I look like huh.

[MiloMan]

Originally posted by ctgblue
I can't believe that Milo even said that, he knows better.

I said that on the (quite reasonable) assumption that they were medically OK to begin light lower body workouts, including all the lifts that they will be doing.

When I said light with perfect form, I meant light, and with perfect form. If you have good form and block (tighten) the torso/midsection to keep the natural concave arch in the lumbar spine, you will not be relying on a belt to do what your body should be doing for itself. In this way, your body will become stronger in the necessary areas and not leave you needing a belt - because you know how to lift without one.

Wear one if you like, but if you wear it all the time, you will become reliant upon it for support.

[phoenixbuffchic]

I have been given a medical release but I am to wear the corset for any signs of pain. You say I will become dependent on the weight belt but I think I already am dependent on the corset. If I have it off I can still feel pain when I move different ways, sometimes I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. I guess I scared that I will crumble under the weight,and I know I shoukd start light but It is hard for me because my bottom half has alot of catching up to do. Maybe you could suggest a better exercise that would just contain the lower abs and lower back. (by the way my slipped disc's are below the spinal cord)

[MiloMan]

Your common sense should be preaching to you at a time like this. It might be as simple as delaying the lower body workouts for another month or two, and doing things like leg curls, leg extensions, and other lifts that do not load the spinal column to a great degree until then. You might want to consult with a physical therapist if you haven't already done so. Internet message board advice on spinal rehab is a questionable pursuit. Be careful!

[ctgblue]

Like I said, for NOW wear the support, as you strengthen the lower back and abdominals, start to wean yourself off it.
You'll know when you can drop it totally.

[j_r_mav]

I agree with Miloman. I have lower back problems from time to time (due to a weak lower back which I am working on) and never wear a belt. If my back is in that much pain I simply take a couple days off. I find it amusing and at the same time dangerous watching people in the gym work out their whole routine wearing a belt. Even if you do have mild back pain you shouldn't be lifting, take a day or two off, it cannot strengthen and repair itself wearing a belt. If you need to wear a belt you shouldn't be doing the movement.