lifting belt for deadlifts?

[quadsofsteel]

I am about to go pick up a lifting belt for my heavier sets of stiff leg deadlifts and was just thinking.... by wearing a lifting belt, am i sumwhat disabling the lower back muscles from growth or function during the lift? or will the belt simply aid in assisstance to keep the lower back basically constantly alligned to prevent injury?

Im debating even using a belt because I have heaqrd other people complain about back, skeletal, type pain after their lifts and the problem of such pains ended when he discontinued use of the belt for heavier lifts. Any input would be very helpful.

One more question, I have been doing hyperextensions as a good warmup for deads. Anyone do anything else prior to heavy sets of deadlifts to aid in the lift. Perhaps, light weight leg curls to warmup the hams to get the blood flowing for example?

[Barium]

Yes the belt will take some stress away from the muscles some and therefore not work them quite as hard. I only use a belt when doing heavy deadlifts. Don't use it on straight leg deadlifts myself because I don't do them that heavy and I think that strict technique is essencetial in this lift.

My suggestion would be to just use the belt for heavy deadlifts, heavy squats, and push press (if you do these.)

As for warmups. Just do the exercise you going to do with about half weight, 14-16 reps or whatever you feel has you warm and loose. This varies a lot from person to person based mostly on personal preference.

[quadsofsteel]

thanks for the advise. i kinda figured as much that the belt would lessen stress on lower back muscles and not work them out as efficiently.

[jbm]

I only use belts on a heavy set of deadlift and barbell row.