Weight Lifting Belts - Needed? If so, how and when

[gaspers04]

My belt doesnt fit therefore i dont use it...lol

[themaster2981]

Originally Posted by IronWill

How does it help you?

It helps my lower back, i meant.

[Ryano]

For shirted bench...you have to wear a belt to hold the shirt in place. If not, the shirt will slide up and you will lose some of the support.

[ravimolasaria]

I do use belt in my squats and deadlifts. It does help. It will give me confidence to lift better. But then to each his own ...

[RobMoriRB]

Originally Posted by gaspers04

My belt doesnt fit therefore i dont use it...lol

GSP.....it's not like you need it ..jp......that suxs

[IronManlet]

I would like to add that, in my opinion, if anyone is using a belt in order to feel safer in using bad technique, or is using a belt because it gives them artificial 'confidence' to lift a given weight, then that person should not be using a belt.

A belt is a tool. It's purpose is to provide further midsection stability during lifts that require heavy support; such as deadlifts, squats, partials, etc. While it may also provide some degree of safety, it should not be used as a crutch. Your midsection still has the same stress placed on it with a belt as without one, and your muscles still have to work hard. A belt will not circumvent this.

[themaster2981]

Originally Posted by IronManlet

I would like to add that, in my opinion, if anyone is using a belt in order to feel safer in using bad technique, or is using a belt because it gives them artificial 'confidence' to lift a given weight, then that person should not be using a belt.

A belt is a tool. It's purpose is to provide further midsection stability during lifts that require heavy support; such as deadlifts, squats, partials, etc. While it may also provide some degree of safety, it should not be used as a crutch. Your midsection still has the same stress placed on it with a belt as without one, and your muscles still have to work hard. A belt will not circumvent this.

IM then how about knee wraps? It assists the athlete in squatting more weight at the same time it also keeps the knee safe. Would you call the knee wraps crutches? And would it be safe squatting without knee wraps?

[ravimolasaria]

Originally Posted by IronManlet

I would like to add that, in my opinion, if anyone is using a belt in order to feel safer in using bad technique, or is using a belt because it gives them artificial 'confidence' to lift a given weight, then that person should not be using a belt.

A belt is a tool. It's purpose is to provide further midsection stability during lifts that require heavy support; such as deadlifts, squats, partials, etc. While it may also provide some degree of safety, it should not be used as a crutch. Your midsection still has the same stress placed on it with a belt as without one, and your muscles still have to work hard. A belt will not circumvent this.

IM, these tools are supposed to HELP us to lift better. The problem starts only when we make ourselves dependent on these tools.

[IronManlet]

Originally Posted by themaster2981

IM then how about knee wraps? It assists the athlete in squatting more weight at the same time it also keeps the knee safe. Would you call the knee wraps crutches? And would it be safe squatting without knee wraps?

I can't speak for knee wraps, as I have never used them. However, some lifters require knee wraps to squat due to previous injury.

Some consider knee wraps to be raw, although I personally do not.

Originally Posted by ravimolasaria

IM, these tools are supposed to HELP us to lift better. The problem starts only when we make ourselves dependent on these tools.

Indeed. That was my whole point.

[MikeM]

I've noticed recently now that I've gotten into higher reps that belts seem to really help with endurance under load. I recently did squats with 240 beltless and struggled on the fifth rep, but a week later did 8 reps with a belt. Deadlifts too. I struggled with 275 for 5 no belt, but hit 280 for 8 with a belt.

My point being I think the belt gives you endurance. So when you are maxing out with huge weight, you will survive the attempt, like you would not have if you had no belt for those few seconds under a max load.

But the next time you need the belt, it will be at a higher weight (my belief).

Just saying it's silly to worry about belt or no belt, you have to pick up the load no matter what. A belt will not help your grip or your legs if you can't handle a heavy squat or deadlift.