squats and height

[Baller1950]

I recently stopped using belts when I squat becasue I learned that it weakens your core. I also learned that unbelted squats are better for athletic preformance. But when I tried squatting without a belt, my back sort of hurt after each set. And when I put the weight on my shoulders, I felt some pressure on my spine. I am worried that this pressure/pain on my spine could lead to injury or something. It just felt like my spine was being squished like a soda can gets crushed. I felt shorter. I dont want to stunt my growth. I'm 15.5 years old and I have alot more to grow. I'm scared that not using a belt on my squats could stunt my growth or injure my back or something. Will squatting withought a belt stunt my growth. Is unbelted squatting more dangerous than belted squatting?

Thanks.

[Chitown hitter]

I think that belted squats would be more dangerous because they take out a great deal of your core strength. Do some assistance work like hypers and abs to aid with your stability.

Lighten the load if it hurts your spine and work your way back up until it starts to feel comfortable again. Make sure you're using proper form.

As for spinal compression and stunting your growth... I doubt it. That's probably a myth. Seek professional medical advice.

[RobDude]

The lower-back is often the 'weakpoint' in squats. For me, it still is.

It won't stunt your growth, but you can hurt yourself. The two things that will get you hurt are lifting more weight than you can handle and breaking form so that you can lift more weight than you can handle.

Seriously, when people squat with *just* the bar, everyone seems to have great form. Anyway, Just progress slowly and focus on doing solid, clean, full-range reps.

Hyper-extenstions or maybe good-mornings might help to strengthen the lower back as well. I started doing them and it's helped with my squat quite a bit.