Weight Belt Restricting Breathing

[BigJosh]

Last night when I was deadlifting I used my belt on my final heavy set. I've noticed over the last 4-5 weeks my weight belt has really been restricing my breathing as I do my set of 5. I simply can't get full breaths in by my 2nd or 3rd rep. And it is starting to impact my pull.

When I put the belt on I flex my abs and put it on so that it is snug, but no overly tight. Snug enough for my abs to flex against.

Has anyone experienced this issue? Am I wearing it wrong? To tight? To high, to low?

The belt I use is a cheapy Valeo that is approx 4 inches in front and 6-8 in back. I need to upgrade, but even though it is crappy, I don't think it is necessarily a problem with my belt.

[BigJosh]

Or am I just being a sissy and this is just what happens when you wear a weight belt?

[Abaddon]

I've had problems myself with wearing a belt and doing anything with proper depth.
I'm told placement can be tricky - it might just be where you're situating it.

[Fazc]

Have you gained much weight in the past month or two Josh?

[5kgLifter]

I have read about that issue, previously. Can you access this link?

Look hot, live long: the ... - Christine Lydon - Google Books


(page 101-102)


It doesn't give much info, but it does highlight anything below 80% of 1RMs should be done with no belt if possible and to remove the belt between sets; both of which you probably do. It also highlights that the belt restricts movement in L4-L5 area of the back etc. It may be of some use to you.

[Mr.Silverback]

could be placement, could be that you have gained weight or holding water, too tight...hard to say, just experiment with different positions and tightness.

I had my belt on too tight once and bruised my ribs really nice...lol It was on a 315 front squat attempt...lol

[BendtheBar]

I have had issues while on food binges and my digestion is backed up.

[BigJosh]

I've gained a bit of weight. I carry some weight in my stomach, but I don't think my stomach is "fatter".
I'm not sure if I'm correct about this or not, but I've really been consistent and dilligent about doing proper ab work. I've noticed my ab strength has increased significantly. I can only assume that the size of my abdominal muscles have incrased. I wonder if this is something that could have an impact?

[J_Byrd]

Just do what I do, no reps of 5 lol!

All jokes aside depending on your build a lot has to do with belt placement. I like mine higher in the back than the front. I feel that if its a little lower in the front it allows for a bigger first breath. I also dont normally do a work set of more then 3 reps so my advice may not apply.

[5kgLifter]

I'm just going to add this in here because it may be relevant for others reading about belts and I just came across it:

http://www.nationalthrowscoachesasso...aul%20Chek.pdf