So I'm up to lifting (to me) fairly heavy weights. I'm 31 (turn 32 this year) and am doing MAX OT style training.
After two years of training and lifting, my lifts are 315 squat (past parallel) for about 4 reps (I do three sets, but go down about 20 - 40 pounds for the second and third sets) and 425 deadlift for 4 reps (going down to about 405 and 385 for second and third sets) to ensure getting 4 reps each time.
To me, considering where I started, these weights are pretty damn heavy, but I go through them.
I've read belts are for heavy weights, but more for when attempting max lifts. I never attempted max lifts so I don't know what they're at, but you think I should continue to train without a belt? Or get one?
In case you need to know, I've never suffered a back injury while lifting, only the normal soreness, and if I ever feel like it's getting close or the strain doesn't feel "right", i stop my set and lower the weight to ensure better form.
Thanks.
Alexi
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Thread: Is it time for a weight belt?
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04-28-2014, 12:25 PM #1
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Is it time for a weight belt?
1) Eat right
2) Train hard
3) Repeat
Army Strong
Personal Records:
Squat: 402.5 x 1 (9 Jan 16)
Deadlift: 485x1 (9 Jan 16)
Bench: 286.5x1 (9 Jan 16)
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04-28-2014, 12:59 PM #2
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Yes, get a belt.
The belt is not designed to prevent back injury (although it does, as a side effect), but rather to allow you to lift greater weight through more efficient force transmission by creating a more rigid torso through increased intra-abdominal pressure via hoop tension. It works the same way metal bands do on oak wine barrels. Should be used on your last warm up set and work weights for medium and heavy days. I recommend an Inzer Forever belt or Dean's Best Belt in the Athlete cut. I prefer a single prong buckle, though a lever belt works well, too.
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04-28-2014, 01:30 PM #3No brain, no gain.
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04-28-2014, 01:56 PM #4
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05-06-2014, 08:22 AM #5
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05-06-2014, 09:15 AM #6
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No. The belt increases intra-abdominal pressure. Read the second paragraph of the causes section.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernia
I repeat, the purpose of a belt is increased trunk rigidity for the purpose of increased force transmission. It's basic physics.
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05-06-2014, 09:53 AM #7
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You need a good rack, a bench, and a 300-lb Olympic weight set. Now, what was your question?
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05-06-2014, 10:00 AM #8
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05-06-2014, 11:23 AM #9
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05-19-2014, 04:05 AM #10
sfalexi, I'd say don't bother. You say that you stop if it doesn't feel right and you lower the weight.
I'm in my 40s. I Deadlift 550 and compete in Strongman without a belt. I just wore one for the first time in 20 years for the USAWA Nationals last June. One of the events was a Continental to Belt. Since the lift required resting the bar on the belt...I had to wear a belt.
I believe using a belt teaches you to pull differently than you would in real life. How many times have you heard of a lifter hurting their back doing some mundane task like picking up a grocery bag or shoveling snow?
Also, if you think about it, you MAY start to 'need' that belt for more than Squats and Deads. It can become a security blanket you don't need.
I would add a Bent Press,Side Press(a stiff leg Bent Press) or Side Bends to strengthen the sides of your spine making it resistant to injury. Good Luck!!Whatever wrinkles I face in life, I know hittin' the weights will IRON them out
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Lifting does require weighting for results
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05-19-2014, 06:32 AM #11
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