Do any of you guys NOT wear a weight belt?

[Tommy Gunn]

Do any of you guys not wear a weight belt at all?

A couple powerlifters at my gym told me they don't wear them when they train because when you squat and deadlift without one it helps build your abs and obliques.

Is this true? Could I squat and deadlift without a weight belt?

[chest6]

I think that is true. Just to be safe.. I use it when I need it. I deadlift without a belt..but I squat/row with one on.

[davesuma]

i never wear one...then again, i dont do extremely heavy weights....not a powerlifter by any means...yea, i read about people not using them because your body learns to be dependant on it, and doesnt allow your core to build up to handle the weight. Same goes for people who use straps for everything they do. You dont gain grip and forearm strength

[C_Bino]

I have never put a belt on in my life. If you have a weak lower back or abdominals than you may need it. But i will deadlift 400+ without ne issues, same with squat.

-Bino

[*Narkissos*]

It's true.

[philiioniyodealio]

I find that wearing a belt limits my breathing...def not a desired thing when trying to go for a new personal best of squeeze out that last one.

[Papi93]

Belts are mainly to benefit a powerlifter. By pushing your abs against the belt, you create a tremendous amount of intra-abdominal pressure. This allows you to lift more weight. I train without a belt because I do not compete in powerlifting competitions.

[RJstrong]

as a competitive powerlifter my lifting belt is a critical piece of equipment, although there is no doubt that one will benefit lifting w/o a belt... If possible I tend to use my belt on attempts of 70% or higher... although, lately my back has flared up a bit so I will put it on as early as needed... in my off-season training I try to limit the use of my belt as much as possible.

[taiboxa]

i never wear a belt or wraps or wrist wraps..
i only use chalk and test and it has workd wounders for me thus far

[NevrSayNevr]

I do not use one either, even when I lift heavy or attempt a 1 rep max. It is best to train without aids such as straps, belts, ect. if you want to improve strength all over, especially grip. If you have a weak lower back try doing hyperextensions and add weight by holding a plate against your chest. If you are into powerlifting, you should only use one when you are nearing a comp or lifting around your max, that is if you plan to wear one, which almost every powerlifter does. But to wear one on a daily basis is not a good idea, like others said above, your body will become use to it and your "core" will suffer strength loss.

[chest6]

Belts are mainly to benefit a powerlifter. By pushing your abs against the belt, you create a tremendous amount of intra-abdominal pressure. This allows you to lift more weight. I train without a belt because I do not compete in powerlifting competitions.

yup! got that right

[SprinterOne]

I don't even own one.

[IBdmfkr]

Me either.

[chest6]

When I do bent over rows or tbar rows..I pretty much need a belt..or else I'll kill my lower back. Oddly enough, I dont need one for deads.

[wascaptain5214]

guess i been through three belts in my time. the last one got stolen about 5 years ago.........and hadnt used one since. but i still keep an eye open for it....i pity the sucker, if i catch-em with it........lol i dont wear gloves either, i use wrist straps

[singern]

Yes its true, but we (bodybuilders) tend to ignore such things until its too late and we are sidelined with injury.

Having said that, I don't use one......

.

[legobricks]

damn, when i wanted to say something, there were 100 replies already!! yes it does build up your abs and obliques. just be VERY careful as you could damage something SO wasy by squatting or deadlifting wrong. sometimes im lazy and a quick sharp pain is a reminder!

[S.P.G]

i use one

[GunTotingHipGangster]

can't dead at all without one, but then again i have back problems

[znak]

I use one on the last two (heavy sets) for squats and deads.

I didn't use one for years and then went to a heavy basic training schedule and it really added mass to my abs and obliques.

Took a long time to remove the mass to get the V taper look I want.

So the answer is: depends what your goal is. If you are powerlifting, it is a must. If you are trying to shape your body and get a V taper, you might want to consider using one.

[spywizard]

nope... never do..

but i use hooks so that i can do heavier weights..

since i use a hip sled for heavy leg movements.. and squat machine for squats..

nope.. i don't..

[MASTER]

I dont use nething, straps, gloves, chalk or belts, i feel using training aids lessen gains on the bodyparts they are supporting, ie using straps for deads lessens the beating ur forearms get when doing deads without straps.

[TheMudMan]

I use a belt on heavy squat sets........ that's it.

[Giantz11]

Don't use anything, however I need to get some wrist straps for deads.

[TUnit]

i use it for heavy deads...just to help keep my back a lil bit straighter

[Mealticket]

i'm going to start using mine next time i do squats. I think it might help when going for max lift over 6-8 reps.
I've never used even when repping or dead lftn over 400

[inspector_injector]

I use a belt on heavy squat sets........ that's it.

Me too, sometimes for heavy, heavy, HEAVY deadlifts though.

[sputnik]

have never used them in squatting or deadlifting. I believe u need to be doing heavy numbers before doign so, and even then only on max attempts.

I do use a belt for overhead presses since I tweaked my back a year ago and do reps for more than BW (1.1x to be exact).