For deadlifts an squats how tight should the belt be

[punyHuMaNz]

For deadlifts an squats how tight should the belt be?

[Pull14]

Generally, enough so that is pretty darn tight with a full breath of air (w/ air "in your stomach"). From there make adjustments to whats most comfortable and provides the most support for you. I'll personally squat with a very tight belt, deadlift with it a bit looser than the squat. I also use a nylon belt so there is a tiny bit of give in the material and can get away with having it a bit tighter than with a leather/suede.

[austin.j.taylor]

For squatting I like my belt so tight that its hard to breathe. I prefer it slightly looser for deadlifts as it can be hard to get down to the bar. I use a 13mm lever it that matters.

[J_Byrd]

Less than 3 reps......tight enough to make you pass out from lack of air.

[jslep]

^^my thoughts exactly!

[Shadowschmadow]

If you've never used a belt before, make sure you try it out on some lighter weights. I know a lot of guys only strap up for heavy sets, and a lot of novice lifters try it out for their first time on heavier sets.

Personally, I own a belt and do not like it. Matter of fact, I don't even know where it is right now. I think it takes my focus away from the lift and makes me focus on the comfort of the belt. If you can see past the belt and focus on what you're doing, then that's great. But if not, you don't want to find out on a heavy set.

[Off Road]

I really only wear my belt on Squats and Standing Shoulder Presses. I don't even wear it very tight. I don't get any carry-over with it, but I like the way it cues me to tighten the core.

[Shadowschmadow]

Yeah, I forgot. I do use that damn belt from time to time.... Only on maximal overhead presses.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Shadow

If you've never used a belt before, make sure you try it out on some lighter weights. I know a lot of guys only strap up for heavy sets, and a lot of novice lifters try it out for their first time on heavier sets.

Personally, I own a belt and do not like it. Matter of fact, I don't even know where it is right now. I think it takes my focus away from the lift and makes me focus on the comfort of the belt. If you can see past the belt and focus on what you're doing, then that's great. But if not, you don't want to find out on a heavy set.

Comfort of the belt? Since when is picking up 600 pounds comfortable in any way to begin with? The belt should be the last thing on your mind when you are walking up to a bar pissed and ready to set a PR, who the hell cares how the belt feels, crank that sucker down, and pull some weight, end of story.

OP, its a personal preference thing man, you dont want it too loose though.