Do you wear a belt while lifting?

[Mass-Mission]

I am thinking about getting a belt for lifting.
Mostly for squats and deads, but seems lke it would help with just about everything..


if you do, do you use an old fashioned leather belt or some new age deal?

[Lencho]

No belts.

[Ace_frehly]

Wearing a belt will inhibit growth in your core muscles, particularly lower back muscles. If your lower back can't handle the weight you are squatting, then cheating with a belt isn't the way to go. Strengthen your lower back and gradually increase the weight. I suppose if you are really pushing yourself on a 1rm or such, a belt isn't a bad idea, but in general they are not good for overall muscle development.

[mjw8204]

Wearing a belt will inhibit growth in your core muscles, particularly lower back muscles. If your lower back can't handle the weight you are squatting, then cheating with a belt isn't the way to go. Strengthen your lower back and gradually increase the weight. I suppose if you are really pushing yourself on a 1rm or such, a belt isn't a bad idea, but in general they are not good for overall muscle development.

Mr. Rippetoe actually disagrees with this. As does Iron Addict.

In regards to wearing a belt: "This is a judgement call, one that must be made with the input of the trainee, but its probably prudent to err on the side of safety if there is any question at all about it. A belt will not prevent the trunk from getting and staying strong - there is plenty of work for the trunk muscles even if a belt is worn on heavy sets - and it may help the trainee to safely squat enough weight to radically improve his strength, something he might not be able to do without it." Mark Rippetoe (in Starting Strength, pp 62-63.)

"I will assume responsibilty for not emphasizing enough to my trainees to WEAR A BELT when doing low rep work. My fualt for making the assumption that everyone knows a belt is needed when doing heavy 5's, 3's, and singles. Yes, you will get some guys that will state that not wearing a belt helps build your core. THAT IS WHAT CORE WORK IS FOR! When you are doing heavy low rep work you need the intra-abdominal stability the belt provides." Iron Addict

I don't think anyone would call Iron Addict a cheater or a sissy.

Further discussion here: http://www.ironaddicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2930

[VikingMan]

Yeah, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a real lifter, lifting REAL weight that isn't wearing a belt. Once the poundages are more considerable, a belt becomes like a second set of abs, helping stabalize your core.

If your that worried about it though, only wear it on maximal, or near maximal attempts.

I actually don't wear a belt. The one time I tried, it didn't seem to make a damn bit of difference.

[Stefanogym]

i do agree as regards really maximal training, but absolutely i discourage to use it in a normal body building workout because it will only prevent your core to be engaged and absolving its functions...

[Ace_frehly]

Perhaps I am wrong then. But I did read that on the internet somewhere, and I usually just believe everything I read because doing so shows I have an open mind. I still don't want to carry a belt and a dip belt into the gym with me though.

[Tad_T]

I wear a belt on my last warmup set and my work sets.

I do not think that I am cheating by using it. Your mileage may vary.

My belt is a heavy 4 inch suede leather, double prong job. Like this:

http://www.inzernet.com/detail_econo...CON_POWER_BELT

[John Prophet]

I wear em for squats, deads, and lately for bent rows.....I havent done good mornings in a while but id wear one for that also

I have deadlifted without one, no problem....pretty sure id have a hard time squatting without a belt though..I am too used to it now

[Khryz]

The amount of compression load on the lumbar intervertebral discs during exercises such as squats and deads are enormous. According to Zatsiorsky, around 830 lbs of pressure are measured under correct deadlift techniques, whereas over 1400 lbs of pressure are measured under incorrect deadlift techniques - this is from only lifting a 110 lb barbell. Think about how much that multiplies when you're maxing out on 500+ lb deadlifts. That's almost 4,000 lbs of pressure. Also according to Zat, the pressure can be reduced by 20% on average to up to 40% if you use the Valsalva maneuver which increases Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP). A belt would most likely be just as effective, if not more. And obviously, they can be used together.

So for me personally, I'd rather use the belt on maximal work (5RM of heavier) and do a few exercise core work exercises just incase. But for me, the amount of weight I get to add to the bar due to the belt's increased IAP, helps the core just as much just like Rippetoe said.

[John Prophet]

valsalva all the way...that and try to keep the back arched......I push the gut out against the belt to increase IAP

[dangoody27]

I think it is up to personal preference, but the way I see it: there are guys out there a lot stronger than me and all they use is chalk.

[sublimelaxer]

I wear a belt on my highest workset. So when my work sets goes up the amount of weight I do without a belt goes up.

[Hizzie]

I haven't worn a belt since my shoulder injury and routine switch. I still have my Valeo (standard 4") which is always in the gym bag and a suede lever belt from my powerlifting days. If I were in the market for a new one I'd most likely get the coutoured belt made by Schiek Sports.

[Mass-Mission]

I think it is up to personal preference, but the way I see it: there are guys out there a lot stronger than me and all they use is chalk.

what are the guys that are smarter than you using?