Belt - How Tight

[DKU]

How tight should I wear my lifting belt when I squat? I usually get it as tight as possible.

I've heard you should leave a little space to flex the ab muscles against - any truth to that?

[amcon]

good question... it seems to go each way with dif people

when i was younger i would put it as tight as i could, seems to me that it was a wrong way of thinking - it has to cut off blood supply

as of last few years i just put is snug, if i really wanted to i could go two more holes tighter

... but really i think it is presonally pref

[amcon]

[amcon]

this might be a little tight for me

[DKU]

this might be a little tight for me

Lol, I've got the same one.

Thanks for the feedback fellas.

[TheBerryhillMonster]

I personally wrench mine down as tight as possible when I go super heavy, other wise just snug.

[powerliftmike]

I've heard you should leave a little space to flex the ab muscles against - any truth to that?

Yes you get it tight, but not overly, and then press your stomach against it.

[The Deuce]

I need a new BELT... I rarely use it anyways but its one of those stupid NIKE ones.. you know which one I am talking about.. I only use it when I go over 3 plates... I hate relying on a belt.. I was told the more you use a belt the more you muscles that are necessary for the lift weaken.. ANY TRUTH TO THAT??

And I usually CRANK it as tight as possible then throw my stomach into as I go through the POWER motion of the exercise.. i.e- when going UP.. kinda relaxed but still pushin' a bit on the downward motion.. AM I DOING THIS WRONG??

[DKU]

I need a new BELT... I rarely use it anyways but its one of those stupid NIKE ones.. you know which one I am talking about.. I only use it when I go over 3 plates... I hate relying on a belt.. I was told the more you use a belt the more you muscles that are necessary for the lift weaken.. ANY TRUTH TO THAT??

And I usually CRANK it as tight as possible then throw my stomach into as I go through the POWER motion of the exercise.. i.e- when going UP.. kinda relaxed but still pushin' a bit on the downward motion.. AM I DOING THIS WRONG??

I've heard your muscles get dependent on the belt. I'm not sure if it's true.

Recently I've been wearing it a little looser so I can flex my stomach muscles. It seems to work.

[reardbandit]

I have heard if you want to strengthen some of your stabilizers and auxillary muscles during heavy lifts such as deads and squats, you shouldn't wear a belt. However, you gotta balance that with the support it gives and the possibility that it could prevent an injury, or at least mitigate it somewhat.

[illwillogical]

When I wear a belt I cinch it it as tight as I can, I mean I really pull the shit out of it. However, I only use them on deadlifts, and that is only on my last set or two just for a little insurance.