is squatting 400+lbs w/o a belt a bad idea?

[tt2323]

I was wondering, i've never used a belt in the 8+ years i've been training. And just the other day i squatted 405x4 without a belt and also deadlifted 405x6 sumo with out one either is this a bad idea?

[slobberknocker]

not really. why would it be a bad idea?

[Hit-That]

It would probably be bad if you normally wear a belt while using those weights, but seeing as you never wear a belt, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure to maintain your form.

[phreezer]

No it's better for you.. in fact using a belt when you don't need to will actually work out worse for you. Training without a belt will help strengthen your core and make you a better lifter... When you unnecessarily use a belt it will become a crutch for you.. IMO you only need to use a belt when you are doing heavy singles, Maxing, or competeing.

I will not put on a belt untill I'm finished with triples, and have started my heavy singles.

[Juggernaut]

Phreezer pretty much stated my thoughts as well. Also make sure you're doing some ab work to help that back out as well.

[tt2323]

yes that was always my thoughts exactly..a belt is a crutch.

[Powrlftr]

The belt helps you lift more just like the wraps. Anyone who tells you they use them for 'safety purposes' is lying to you

[joevette]

I only use a belt in competition. Squating without a belt is a better lower back workout than almost anything else. That hard static hold will train you to squat better.

[I'm in a Hurry!]

as long as it's made well I dont see any problem... but if you want to push more and aren't sure that you're back will stay strong... hummm you may have to get the belt. I do not squat and deadlift as much as you but I might be skinnier than you; I do not use belt and I've been training for the past 4 years

[d-lineman]

The belt helps you lift more just like the wraps. Anyone who tells you they use them for 'safety purposes' is lying to you

Ive been training for about 7 years and I have always used a belt and it is for safety reasons. I just started using Inzer knee wraps when I squat and yes the wraps probably did add a few pounds but I really like the support they give my knees. So yes I use wraps and belts for safety and its not a lie.

[Brian D]

the next day or two? I think if true to form no problems.

[Anhydro78]

Really the only guys that wear belts in my gym are guys who think it a safty thing and have always used one. They are the same guys with bad backs and knees and such.

The Hernia deal well if I have a choice of where my guts are gonna come out at, it not gonna be between my legs.

[Powrlftr]

Ive been training for about 7 years and I have always used a belt and it is for safety reasons. I just started using Inzer knee wraps when I squat and yes the wraps probably did add a few pounds but I really like the support they give my knees. So yes I use wraps and belts for safety and its not a lie.

Ok ... Ok .... some maybe some people have convinced themselves they are doing it for safety. I would like to add that I use a belt and knee wraps on singles and sometimes doubles, because if I don't my left knee will give me hell the next day.

But the belt and wraps add something like 50-75 lbs. to my max and the suit another 50, but I only wear the suit for safety reasons