weightlifting belt?

[Mr.Freeze]

Do you use weightlifting belt at all?

[Bowlcut]

Nope. Dumb idea. Even Arnold says that belts like that are not smart because they do not allow for core muscles to function properly.

General consensus from posture people is that belts are only a good idea for occasional heavy lifting.

Most of the PLers from westside have them on for max's but take them off after that.

[IronRobi]

Only ever use it for the occasional heavy squat or heavy deadlift.

[bigdaddydrew123]

only heavy sets of squats or deads then comando. just feel safer at really heavy weights but the belt i uses is nylon with velccro fastener so its not too constrictive. how many pics have i seen of arnold squatting with a belt?

[ergie]

I use them only for heavy deads or squats, there a must IMO.

[gojimmygo]

only heavy sets of squats or deads then comando. just feel safer at really heavy weights but the belt i uses is nylon with velccro fastener so its not too constrictive. how many pics have i seen of arnold squatting with a belt?

I agree it's better to be safe then sorry on the heavy sets.Ya can't train hard if yer backs out. And maybe Arnold said using them is bad for core strengthening but it didn't stop him from using one.If you watch pumping iron they're all wearing them heavy sets or not.

[Bowlcut]

I agree it's better to be safe then sorry on the heavy sets.Ya can't train hard if yer backs out. And maybe Arnold said using them is bad for core strengthening but it didn't stop him from using one.If you watch pumping iron they're all wearing them heavy sets or not.

Remember too that back in Arnold's day they took dbol until they pissed blood. In is book which had been updated he states that they should not be used all the time because it will affect muscle development.
If you look at him and Ed Corney squating the weight is only 315. Granted they are going for high reps but belts are best for 1 RM's or 3 RM's.

I honestly think it looks like a cheezy fashion accessory when some dude wears it while doing curls or something like that.

[KLM]

I wear one for max lifts - and I wear a PL belt, not some skinny crap for $20.

I go beltless for most of my squats/DL's, but wear a belt for triples, doubles and 1RM's.

[knockyouout]

Definetly for the heavy shit, after triple abdominal hernia surgery i learned my lesson.

[guest1]

Only for heavy deads or heavy squats . Also heavy bent over rows .

[Gib]

I saw a guy in burger king wearing one. I shit you not.

It was so rediculous we took a picture of him on my buddy's cell phone.

[KLM]

I saw a guy in burger king wearing one. I shit you not.

It was so rediculous we took a picture of him on my buddy's cell phone.

LMAO!

[Mr.Freeze]

i use a schiek belt and i wear my belt every time i train but not tight just to keep the stomach in and i use a PL belt on my heavy power movement
squat, dead lift, bent row...

[trykillthis]

Squats and bent over rows.

[Boost]

Nope. Dumb idea. Even Arnold says that belts like that are not smart because they do not allow for core muscles to function properly.

General consensus from posture people is that belts are only a good idea for occasional heavy lifting.

Most of the PLers from westside have them on for max's but take them off after that.

I agree 100%. I don't even use straps. Use chalk with an over under grip and straps are unnecessary. Same with heavy rows.

The only aids I use are 1. chain belt for dips, 2. 20Lb ankle weights (per foot and adjustable Lbs). Oh, and hanging straps for leg raises.

[Houstonbc]

I always use my belt for heavy deadlifts squats and barbell rows, why would you not when you're putting your lower back in such a vulnerable position? as for straps i use them too for deadlifts my grip definitely cant keep up with my back

[Boost]

I always use my belt for heavy deadlifts squats and barbell rows, why would you not when you're putting your lower back in such a vulnerable position?

You can look at it in different ways.



as for straps i use them too for deadlifts my grip definitely cant keep up with my back

you can change that.

[dainbramaged]

I honestly think it looks like a cheezy fashion accessory when some dude wears it while doing curls or something like that.

That's about it. Or the guys who wear it when laying down on a bench doing a press? Or just walking around the gym? Need to hit the treadmill if your gut's so big you need to keep it sucked in like that. Otherwise, get that stomach distention checked out w/the doc. Anything you use to support an area like that on a consistent basis will likely cause atrophy over the long haul. Same with wraps for squats, etc. Use them for the heavy sets (ie. PL style) but otherwise avoid when you can. Best rule of thumb is don't use the crutch unless absolutely necessary. If you can get away without it, then do so. I use a belt during the 'work' sets for squats and deads and that's it, nothing else. Take it off during the warm ups and between sets.

[bigben]

I find I'm more likely to injure myself wearing a belt doing squats. If I don't wear a belt, I naturally maintain the proper curve of my spine and keep the muscles tight. With the belt on, something changes.

[Bowlcut]

I find I'm more likely to injure myself wearing a belt doing squats. If I don't wear a belt, I naturally maintain the proper curve of my spine and keep the muscles tight. With the belt on, something changes.

Good point. It is essential to keep a natural curve in the lumbar to prevent injury.
The best time to use a belt on a bench press is doing a heavy 1RM with an arch at a competition or getting close to it.

As for straps. If you can't use them in a competition why bother? I understand a BBer might want to use them, but some guys point out that if somebody is on gear and gaining strength adding straps might put too much weight on the lift for which tendons and ligaments might not be accustomed to.

Remember that because dead lifts work most fast twich muscle fibres there is not point for high reps.

[Demonwolf]

That's about it. Or the guys who wear it when laying down on a bench doing a press? Or just walking around the gym? .

Just described me perfectly, I once even had a perfect stranger try to start shit with me over it, lol jesus get a life.
I showed the guy that it was on loose,told him that I only cinch it up when I need to. He smirked,so i asked him why I should carry it in my hand to make him feel better. i think he got the idea.

Why should i take it on and off and carry it around from station to station to make other people feel better? I don't get why people are so insecure about this?

[Houstonbc]

yeah if you think it helps you then use it who cares what someone else thinks about it

[trykillthis]

I remember a guy that started out at our mill doing a moderately physical job. After the first week we noticed he was starting to wear a weight lifting belt under his shirt. Were not talking a job with any heavylifting just lots of standing and carrying stuff back and forth. Needless to say, he didn't make it through his probationary period.