to wear a belt or not?

[s.e.bowen]

Just wondering what the general consensus is with squats and deadlifts. Belt or no belt?

s.e.bowen

[kronik420]

i use it when i go heavy (1-5 rep range..)

[lestat85]

I try not to use one all the time, but do use it when the weight starts getting heavy.

I've been using it a little more since hurting my back in November.

[s.e.bowen]

I haven't wore one in about a year, until today. It sure makes a difference.

s.e.bowen

[bigZthedestroyer]

It's all about personal preference. I wear a belt if im working heavy legs. If I'm warming up or doing some lighter weight ill do it without and really focus on my form. I still focus on form while wearing a belt but not as much as I do without it. I know guys who go heavy without one and are fine...that usually doesn't work o well for me..plus their are some pretty bada$$ belts out there and they make you look cool lol!

[MickeyKnox]

I wear one for all heavy and some intermediate weights.

But as already suggested, try not to wear it ALL the time - only when its needed. Otherwise you'll end up weakening your abdominal muscles.

[Twin]

Wear it if you deadlift or squat. I wish i wore one. Alot of times i see people with horrible form they are make it out ok.. They are wearing a belt..



Like this guy.. Make sure to isolate the abs to. And hyper extensions for lower back

[chefjmo]

i wear one. really helps the lower back from hurting next day.

[Permabulk]

Always wear a belt. But make sure you are strengthening your spinal erectors and core too, or you will have a mess on your hands (Vertebrae)...

[Gaspaco]

Never used it, just for weight dips or pull ups.

[cj111]

Done with and without. Prefer without now, don't train stupid heavy anyways

[energizer bunny]

the only time I feel I need a belt is when im doing over head barbell presses........though im not a super heavy lifter, form over weight for me.

[Metalject]

It's a never ending argument that's for sure. One thing worth considering might be most bodybuilders, those who make their living as bodybuilders wear belts on just about every exercise. This doesn't mean you should but we can't say it's going to damage your progress. If you're worried about lower back strength and all that but still want to use a belt, use a belt and worry about strengthening your lower back in other ways. The same argument can be made when talking about straps and wrist wraps. Some say you'll hinder your forearm development if you use straps when you train back. I say worry about your arms when you train arms. Pretty simple really.

[largerthannormal]

I have a good write up for you I'll find inn the morning.

In my eyes belts should only be worn if you have any injury

A belt is a crutch , its used for the abdomen to flex n push against. Yes it will make your numbers higher but if you think about it we do these exercises to increase strength. Core is a big part of this excercises and wen you put a support on it you take away the effect of building the core because you gave yourself an assist. We already have belts built in internally, strengthen it and your numbers will go up. Some think if it as a preventative measure for injury, but if you do these exercises correctly you shouldn't get injured. Your body can only support so much weight . adding a crutch to by our lift will put you outside the numbers you could support yourself. Same goes for bench shirts and wrist straps. Keep wear wrist straps for all lifts n you'll hve some pretty weal grip strength..

Just my 2 cents

[Metalject]

I have a good write up for you I'll find inn the morning.

In my eyes belts should only be worn if you have any injury

A belt is a crutch , its used for the abdomen to flex n push against. Yes it will make your numbers higher but if you think about it we do these exercises to increase strength. Core is a big part of this excercises and wen you put a support on it you take away the effect of building the core because you gave yourself an assist. We already have belts built in internally, strengthen it and your numbers will go up. Some think if it as a preventative measure for injury, but if you do these exercises correctly you shouldn't get injured. Your body can only support so much weight . adding a crutch to by our lift will put you outside the numbers you could support yourself. Same goes for bench shirts and wrist straps. Keep wear wrist straps for all lifts n you'll hve some pretty weal grip strength..

Just my 2 cents

It depends on why you lift. For a bodybuilder he doesn't lift for strength, strength is just a nice added bonus.