Strain in core from wearing belt too tight?

[360365LAWS]

Has anyone ever had this or are you familiar with this? I've never read about it or heard about it.

I get some muscle strain under my ribs or a little bit more to the side. It happens when I'm doing back squats and flexing against the belt on the hard reps.

[JoshLV]

Yes you don’t want to wrench the belt down. You should be able to fit fingers in between stomach and belt.

[Form4U]

I am an old guy now, but back in the day I was lifting heavy and wore a belt, but no more. I have had 3 hernia surgery repairs and point to my wearing the belt under heavy loads to be a contributing factor. If you use good form and keep with weight you can safely handle, a belt is not necessary IMO. These days, I do not squat anymore and rely on the sled and machines to get the job done. This is much easier on the back and knees and keeps from having much pain and discomfort in old age. From an old guy who has been there.

[360365LAWS]

I am an old guy now, but back in the day I was lifting heavy and wore a belt, but no more. I have had 3 hernia surgery repairs and point to my wearing the belt under heavy loads to be a contributing factor. If you use good form and keep with weight you can safely handle, a belt is not necessary IMO. These days, I do not squat anymore and rely on the sled and machines to get the job done. This is much easier on the back and knees and keeps from having much pain and discomfort in old age. From an old guy who has been there.

I hear you and understand your situation. To each his own. The belt does allow you to get tighter, and getting tighter is better for lifting more weight. That is, as long as you don't strain your abs flexing against an excessively tight belt. I just had my bench stall as 285#, and after dropping back a bit and adding a belt to that lift, I'm confidant that I'll be able to make progress again because of how much tighter you can get with a belt to flex against.