Ditching the equipment

[ChevroletMatt]

Been powerlifting for about 8 months now, and lifting for 2 years. Almost always have used a belt and knee sleeves or wraps. Don’t have a meet for at least 6-8 months and am thinking of ditching the belt and knee sleeves entirely for a cycle (approx 8 weeks) due to feeling like I’ve become reliant on them. any thoughts?

[Rags85]

Seems silly to me. What are you trying to improve by removing them? If you don't have a good answer here, you probably shouldn't do it.

I can see staying out of wraps, since using wraps usually means you're lifting more weight and thus inducing more fatigue. To an extent, the same thing with a belt, but a belt is considered raw in all federations I know of.

The sleeves? Can't really think of a reason to not use them. If you're one of those people who size them down 2-3 sizes to get some pounds of them, then just get a looser pair. Also, I doubt you're getting anything from sleeves anyway.

[Garage Rat]

Try it thats how you learn.
It may shore up some weaknesses you may have not using them and make you stronger if you get back to using them.
I agree knee sleeves unless ultra tight don't really help.
I use them just to keep the knees warm when training.
If you ditch the belt you will learn how to be tight without it.
Your weights may go down a bit but thats ok.
If it was me i would have totally raw maxes and belt knee sleeve maxes so you have different PR's to shoot for.
Good luck.

[JamesA1990]

Id recommend not doing this
Beltless work = lighter work = you are detraining yourself. Sure your core might get 1-5% stronger, but at what cost? legs getting 1-5% weaker

[VIshvamithra]

Do it slowly and not immediately

[Remingtongauge2]

up to you man, no belt will teach you how to use your core properly.