Is it time for a weight belt?

[sfalexi]

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

[cmarti063]

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.

[ironwill2008]

my lifts are 315 squat..... and 425 deadlift for 4 reps

Yep. Time to get a good belt.

In addition to cmarti063's recommendations of brands, look at Cardillo as well. All of them make really good products, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

[Ej63090]

Haven't seen enough reviews on rogues $50 belt. Wanna be a guinea pig?

[MrMakAttack]

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.

I believe it is also to keep your guts in and help prevent hernias....

[cmarti063]

I believe it is also to keep your guts in and help prevent hernias....

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.

[AttyGuy]

. . . . trunk rigidity

I don't know about you, but I like my trunk rigid.

[fishpat86]

I don't know about you, but I like my trunk rigid.

Pics or it didn't happen...

















wait, wut?

[MrMakAttack]

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.

A trainer at our gym suggested I wear one all the time to avoid making a potential inguinal hernia worse. But, obviously there is a lot of people saying just the opposite....so who knows.

[61PWCC]

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!!

[Northernmoris]

A trainer at our gym suggested I wear one all the time to avoid making a potential inguinal hernia worse. But, obviously there is a lot of people saying just the opposite....so who knows.

Many trainers are just guys with a certificate in a pretty frame.