To belt or not to belt that is the question....

[MightyMouse1]

I thought i would get thoughts on when to wear a weightlifting belt, I used to wear mine all the time but started training without one at all and have made some major gains in strength on deadlifts and squats. For ex. the most i had ever squatted was 605X6 with belt and wraps. This was when my main focus was for powerlifting, my last workout i was up to 545X8 without a belt or wraps using a shoulder width stance vs. the power stance (real-wide) when i was a powerlifting. So with all that said i will reserve my belt only for max. lifts and days when i need the extra support.

Where training is concerned, you want to remove as many "crutches" as possible. To me, the belt should be worn primarily for ones heaviest sets deads, rows, squats and o/h presses. You want to give your lower back an opportunity get stronger. The lower back is no place to have a weak link. I feel the same rules apply for all types of protective equipment.

www.killdevill.com

"...the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the force".

[milkbone]

I reserve the crutches (belt & wraps) to lifts greater than 85% of my 1RM.

[alan1]

save the belt for heavy lifts.

[sweetstan]

I totally agree also with BK, and Milkbone's 85%of 1RM rule of thumb sounds like a good idea.
SS

[ucscwwe]

so if i never try to max out, i shouldn't bother to buy a belt

It's time to play the game - Triple H

[Mr.X]

I never use a belt...but again, I don't train that heavy to begin with....

Mr.X

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

www.killdevill.com

[grumman]

The best use for a belt is to make your "power belly" look smaller while you're strutting about in the fitness center. Since I now have a home gym, the old belt mostly just hangs on the wall. It'll be there in case any babes ever want to come by to watch a lifting demonstration.

"Don't shoot him. You'll just piss him off."

[StarKing]

I only wear a belt when I go heavy on squat or press so it will give my lumbar muscles a chance to become stronger. Also do alot of adominal excercises to protect your lower back to make it where you wouldnt need to use a belt cause you midsection would be stronger and more idependent.


StarKing