Lifting belt yes/no

[XstabberX]

I've been squaring and deadlifting for years without one with no pain or problems. I'm a month into my first cycle and crushing PR's every time I hit the gym so I'm eventually going up to serious weights. My goal is to squat 405 and DL 500 and I don't think it will be ok without a belt.

[tigerspawn]

I prefer wearing a belt when going heavy. I can tell you from my own experience that when I'm wearing a belt for all of my heavy lifts I never hurt later. When I don’t wear the belt, I hurt later. Some guys say “you’re a ***** if you go without a belt long enough you get used to it.” These are the same guys that constantly complain about their back hurting. I lifted heavy without a belt for over 6 years and my back was always sore.

[FONZY007]

I wear one, have a bad lower back

[marcus300]

I wear one when going heavy, better to have some support

[ghettoboyd]

I only use one for deadlifts and squats, heavy of course...I like the feeling of the belt "holding" my insides tight so I don't blow something out lol...

[clarky.]

I like wearing a belt i only use it for dead lifts because my back is a bit dodgy.

[ppwc1985]

For squats and back work.

[XstabberX]

I have a old leather one in the garage I will use next time.

[Times Roman]

I see blokes walking around the gym with their belts on tight, like it's some type of girdle. You know, if you strap your guts in real tight like that, you can get a 30" waist.

...do people really think this will help them reduce the size of their guts?

[Turkish Juicer]

I see blokes walking around the gym with their belts on tight, like it's some type of girdle. You know, if you strap your guts in real tight like that, you can get a 30" waist.

...do people really think this will help them reduce the size of their guts?

I see your point but you also have to take it into consideration that a lifter who goes heavy at every and each session with especially squats is better off wearing a belt as opposed to not wearing it. It is not just a myth that a tight belt wrapped around your belly actually prevents your core from gradually expanding over the years...

Let's ask Ronnie Coleman his opinion on this subject

[Patryn]

I see blokes walking around the gym with their belts on tight, like it's some type of girdle. You know, if you strap your guts in real tight like that, you can get a 30" waist.

...do people really think this will help them reduce the size of their guts?

I wear my weight belt fairly tight when using it for weighted dips or pull ups. Else it will slide right down... nothing to do with the perception of a slimmer waist. I already have a 30" waist. Between sets, I remove the weights. Would you make that assumption about me if you saw me at the gym between sets?

I actually haven't been wearing it during DL/squats. Ever since I passed 450 DL, my back gets pretty sore. I probably should start.