belt or no belt

**Charger527** · 11-20-2008, 05:47 AM

prob should be in the workout section but i think ill get more replys here.

I have just started using a belt at the gym for my last two sets of squats deadlifts and single arm row.

I have noticed i can lift more weight with the belt and feels better on my back.

What are your thoughts on belts and do you wear one and how offten?

**rhino1** · 11-20-2008, 05:51 AM

i wear a belt in compatition only....

may consider using one now that i am into body building....

**Older lifter** · 11-20-2008, 05:52 AM

Only when going heavy and then only on certain exercises...

**xlxBigSexyxlx** · 11-20-2008, 06:50 AM

No, I don't.

"A belt is nothing more than a false sense of security.
The reason I say that is because basically every study that has ever been done on the use of weight belts and injury prevention have shown little to no benefit at all with a some exceptions of course.

There are actually a few biomechanicist namely some out of Ball State U if I remember right that have shown that over use of weight belts can actually increase the risk of injury, due to de-conditioning of the abdominal belt muscles (internal,external obl, transverse and rectus abdominus).

However most exercise organizations still recommend the use of weight belts namely the NSCA. But they also recommend the use of valsalva maneuver to assist in maintaining structural alignment as they say."

-MuscleScience

**number twelve** · 11-20-2008, 09:13 AM

i just started using a belt on my heaviest set of squats i felt a bit more secure and got a few extra reps so it was worth it to me

**redz** · 11-20-2008, 09:34 AM

I squat 470lbs at home and dont even use a belt.

**Kratos** · 11-20-2008, 10:44 AM

I must use a belt on squats over 300 pounds. My low back has problems.

**Anabody** · 11-20-2008, 10:38 PM

Everyone's different, depends on your core strength.

**Older lifter** · 11-20-2008, 10:44 PM

Too many people use them for everything including seated curls etc,,,, this i don't believe in and can cause problems in the future.. However studies aside, i feel much better having one when i'm going heavy on squats etc,, even if the experts say it does not help, i feel a lot better with it on at those occasions and that is reason enough for my training.......

**smokeyd** · 11-20-2008, 10:59 PM

I use mine, bench, dead, and squat but i use it to push my gut against and stay tight

**firmechicano831** · 11-20-2008, 11:02 PM

I like to use it only when I do back and legs

**DSM4Life** · 11-21-2008, 05:55 AM

This is my squat belt

**Bad Viking** · 11-21-2008, 05:38 PM

No i never use a belt

**DCI** · 11-21-2008, 05:43 PM

Never bother doing it.

**j4ever41** · 11-21-2008, 05:48 PM

well when i could do heavy squats and deads i only used on the the last couple of heavy sets.

**mg316** · 11-21-2008, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life

This is my squat belt

that is 2 funny!

**Sir Lifts-a-lot** · 11-21-2008, 07:57 PM

I used to use a belt when I lacked core strength. Over time I developed a really strong stomach/ obliques as well as lower back and stoped using a belt.

Now I use one on occasion since the abs have gone bye bye.

**Chitown Raider** · 11-22-2008, 07:07 PM

I use it for squats and my back feels great. Otherwise, without it my lower back tenses up real bad and I have to stretch it out for a good 15 minutes.

**clockwork_killer** · 11-22-2008, 08:00 PM

i dnt but i shud when goin heavy

**DallasLift** · 11-22-2008, 11:31 PM

I feel my core is used more without a belt

**MASTER** · 11-23-2008, 05:49 AM

I only use on squats and deads over 300lbs, I just dont feel right without one. I dont think ive ever gona above 350 without a belt, and I can lift a helluva a lot more than that. I guess its a mental thing.

**rockinred** · 11-23-2008, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by MastaAce

I only use on squats and deads over 300lbs, I just dont feel right without one. I dont think ive ever gona above 350 without a belt, and I can lift a helluva a lot more than that. I guess its a mental thing.

I am about the same as mastaAce on this... I only use on squats and deads over 315....

i never use to use and one time the weight was on the floor by the dead lift area with 315.... that is not too heavy for me but I usually warm up real good and stretch.... without warming up or stretching,I grabbed the bar to throw on rack and pull lower back muscle slightly.. lifted fine that day.... 4 days later on leg day I had 405, which i use to squat all the time without a belt and I threw out my back something fierce.... it took a while to get back in it and now I have resorted to using my belt after so heavy and I have been without another incident...

at this point it does provide mental security if nothing else.

**Gears** · 11-23-2008, 05:13 PM

I`ve never wore a belt, and its never been a problem. The only time I see it being an issue is if you`ve worked up to a high squat using a belt previous, otherwise your back will build up to the weight in proportion to your other bodyparts. Thats been my experience anyways, just make sure you practice good form.