What do you guys think of weight lifting belts? I use one but I talked with my school's athletic weight trainer and he said that belts aren't good because they don't strengthen your lower back and spine. He said I should not use one and start with less when I squat. What do you guys think?
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Thread: Weight Lifting Belts
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05-24-2005, 11:29 PM #1
Weight Lifting Belts
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05-24-2005, 11:52 PM #2baby killer
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im no expert, so dont take my advice to heart. okay... my understanding is that using a weight belt all the time will result in a lack of core strength due to the lack of stabilization involved. the only time they should be used is if you are maxing out, unless you are suicidal. or maybe for ONE of your sets going really heavy. i also understand that you will still mess yourself up if your form sucks, so you shouldnt rely on a belt to save you on a max (or any amount of weight). again, im no expert and this is just my understanding from what i've read.
hail murder. **** you.
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05-25-2005, 12:12 AM #3<3 Tea
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well it sounds good to me bro, i totally agree. i used a belt when i first started (for normal rep work) and as a result ended up with ****ty core strength.Originally Posted by Fetus Soccer
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05-25-2005, 12:19 AM #4Registered User
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I stopped using a lifting belt long ago. They'd just get in the way. I stopped using it cuz went I did use one, my form would be **** and I felt a lot of back pain after a few sets of squats. I'd go without it. Squat and deadlift what you can, light weight if you need to, and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.
Check out this thread: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=487750
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05-25-2005, 04:38 AM #5nom nom nom
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I use a belt in the following situations:
1. Heavy squating
2. Heavy deadlifting
3. Heavy barbell rows
If I want to strengthen my lower back I will use exercises which will focus on it such as back extensions or go lighter on the deadlifts without a belt. Otherwise, it isn't worth the risk and you can ask anybody with lower back problems."I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Heretic....
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05-25-2005, 05:23 AM #6the Epicurean bodybuilder
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I don't use the belt for warmups and working sets unless I am going for a new max. Then I use the belt. Maybe it is psychological but I feel more comfortable going for a max with the belt on. No matter, by not using it the other times, I am building core strength.
*
aA.FreeRadical a
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05-25-2005, 04:55 PM #7You are not what you own.
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When you are going for a 3RM or greater, or can squat and dead 2.5x BW, then you should use one (generally speaking).
"When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail."
-Abraham Maslow
"Ass busting work + consistency + time = results.
Burn that into your head and quit looking for quick fixes and secrets. Because they don't exist."
-Lyle McDonald
"You can't overwhelm idiots with knowledge, but, sadly, the knowledgable can be overwhelmed by idiots."
-Charlie Francis
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05-25-2005, 04:58 PM #8Registered User
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The only time that I wear a belt is when I am training with weights at/over 80% 1rm. Now not all belts are the same either. The normal gym belt that you see everyday are junk. You need a belt that will support you...ie: a powerlifting belt.
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05-25-2005, 05:39 PM #9
personally i never have or will use a belt,as people have said it prevents u from maximising ur core strength.I have to laugh when i see 150lbs schmucks at my gym wearing a belt for every bleeding exercise and set going.
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05-25-2005, 08:11 PM #10Staff Sergeant, USAF
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Originally Posted by 686
listen to the man. he knows what he's talking about.
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05-26-2005, 11:05 AM #11Registered User
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Does anyone know of anything other than a weightbelt that provides support for the upper body?
I'm looking for something that provides good support for the major muscle groups but does not restrict range of motion or interfere with proper form.
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05-26-2005, 11:50 AM #12Registered User
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A strong natural core. Just build it.Originally Posted by fatpharmboy
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05-26-2005, 12:05 PM #13
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/im-5621.html
the only weightlifting belt you'll ever need
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05-26-2005, 12:09 PM #14Registered User
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damm and i start wearing my belt in the parking lot before i ever get to the gym...
like most things belts work better in moderation. (straps/belts/knee wraps/power suits/ect)yes thank you i already know i am a big a hole.
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05-26-2005, 01:45 PM #15Registered User
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Originally Posted by MT!
Good call. Maybe that's the belt I really need.
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05-28-2005, 04:52 PM #16Registered User
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personally i never use a belt. but that's because i feel funny when i where one...like tragically bad~funny.
but anyways...i read in i think it was last months issue of muscle development magazine that the shouldn't be used because they put the lumbar vertebrae in even more pressure.
now, once again personally, i think if u have exquisite form on ur lifts, then a belt DOESN' T HAVE TO BE USED unless it's deadlifting. now on deadlifting it a totally different story. the lower back is put in so much pressure i think some assistance in keeping it straight might be called for there.
bottom line...it's matter of comfort, security, form, and opinion.
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05-28-2005, 05:42 PM #17Registered User
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I was searching all over for something other than a weightbelt and came across this www.exoforcegear.comOriginally Posted by fatpharmboy
Guess its something new but it got great reviews on epinions.com so I think I'm going to give it a try.
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05-28-2005, 05:43 PM #18Registered User
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The last belt you will ever have to buy.....
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt....ERBELT_LEVER13
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05-28-2005, 06:50 PM #19Registered User
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used to use a belt, actually increased my weights lifted after an initial drop, my back is waay stronger now, use strict form no lower back pain ever.... i say junk it unless u are actually powerlifting some crazy weight...unless it really works for u
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05-28-2005, 08:06 PM #20You are not what you own.
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How do you like the lever? I got the single prong 10mm, and I love it.Originally Posted by powerlifter70"When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail."
-Abraham Maslow
"Ass busting work + consistency + time = results.
Burn that into your head and quit looking for quick fixes and secrets. Because they don't exist."
-Lyle McDonald
"You can't overwhelm idiots with knowledge, but, sadly, the knowledgable can be overwhelmed by idiots."
-Charlie Francis
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05-28-2005, 08:18 PM #21Registered User
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I love the lever. Its the easiest belt to tighten/loosen that I have ever owned.Originally Posted by dookie1481
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05-29-2005, 06:16 AM #22Registered User
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LOL i know what you mean, burn all the belts i sayOriginally Posted by ArnieRulz
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06-22-2005, 04:21 PM #23myth
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ok if you are working your abs hard and your lower back with hypers and some form of dlifts i cant see where wearing a belts going to screw up your core . i only use a belt on my heaviest sets of trapdlifts anyway. if wearing a belt gives you some comfort to go heavy go for it , squats and deadlifts ok.Originally Posted by 686if you want good training advice , dont ask the biggest guy in the gym. ask the guy who's made the most improvement
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06-22-2005, 04:29 PM #24
IF you are going for maxes id say wear a belt - for regular training, no.
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06-22-2005, 05:10 PM #25LBD
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I use a belt for only two things:
-heavy barbell shrugs=it helps keep my hips "in line" easier
-dumbbell presses=it lowers the stress on lower back while I'm sitting down and getting into position
and I hate the standard weightlifting belt with notches, it's like a fixed ratcheting effect.
instead I love using one of those work type belts you see guys use sometimes in their jobs. They are velcro, and they stretch, just adding support without squeezing you to death.
And I cut off the suspenders they come with because those get in the way besides making me look like a dork in the gym.Time To Re-Schedule
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