When and when not to use a lifting belt in the gym - with Praetorian (video)

[ScorpioChiq]

Check it out :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6C7cITipL4&feature=player_profilepage

[Thorgrim]

Nice video. Good basic info for someone starting out.

[tex]

good info...thanks!

[Ol'DirTy]

Evan Centopani say the exact opposite, that pushing your air hard against the belt with your gut is what actually give the distended gut look. That's why he don't use one. Of course I know that's the opinion of only one man, but to me that make sense.

It can develop the habits to do so while doing any other exercise and up the risk of a linea alba tear and/or hernia.

For the hardcore powerlifter who wants the edge for the big lift, maybe... but for the average gym rat trying to build an aesthetic body, well I don't know.

My 2 cents.

[cog]

Ive always used small belts.IIRC,Gironda didn't like belts,but he didn't like squats either.I do wonder about the core development theory from squatting....throw in a belt and it doesn't make sense to me.You will be stronger through the core from squatting,but it definitely won't cover all your core needs.

[Praetorian]

A belt is used to stabalize the core...to do this requires air. I agree you can develop a strong core without a belt but once you get to serious weights it can become quite risky to lift without a belt. How many competitive PL, weight lifters, strongman do you see lifting without a belt on max lifts? Things such as belts, wraps, straps etc are assistance gear and should be used appropriately..not every lift of course...a little common sense.
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[Praetorian]

Evan Centopani say the exact opposite, that pushing your air hard against the belt with your gut is what actually give the distended gut look. That's why he don't use one. Of course I know that's the opinion of only one man, but to me that make sense.

It can develop the habits to do so while doing any other exercise and up the risk of a linea alba tear and/or hernia.

For the hardcore powerlifter who wants the edge for the big lift, maybe... but for the average gym rat trying to build an aesthetic body, well I don't know.

My 2 cents.

The average gym rat will never touch the weights necessary to build significant size thus i would agree they would not require assistance gear...unless of course they choose to achieve significant size. The distended belly does not come form using a belt...the belt keeps the stomach tight and prevents distension...its only the force pushing against it that stabilizes the body...you aren't actually distending the stomach unless you are using a rubber belt. Distended guts you see in the pros comes generally from the large quantitites of food required to eat to get that large especially while running GH and insulin which allows you to eat even more yet stay relatively lean. You will notice distended guts on the bigger guys...ie Dorian, Ronnie, Nasser etc...but very very few on the smaller guys..think about it. A hernia generally comes from weak abdominals...train the abs as you are supposed to and you wont have this issue. Also if you have weak abs a belt isnt going to help you.
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[cog]

Gironda felt that squatting made the gut and butt too big.I still think over time your waist will get bigger,belt or not,eating,gravity,age,internal pressure from squatting and just plain adaptation to the forces.

[Praetorian]

Yes I know Vince felt that way...however BB has progressed much since those days...without heavy squatting you wouldnt see the striated glutes and massive quads such as Ronnie had which are now the standard. When you strive for size everything has a tendency to grow...you arent going to see very many people who weigh close to 300lbs lean and yet have a 30 inch waist...if you want 30 inch waists then youll have to backtrack to the 70's...which is fine if you are looking for that physique however if you are competitive nowadays you wont be rewarded for it unfortunately.
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