Belts

[recarp82]

i just recently bought and wearing regularly on back and leg day a scheik 6-inch (medium size) lifting belt.it fits great and as far as im concerned the best belt ive bought to date.it has a slip fitting ring/velcro tightening strip which work great together.oh yeah and its made in the usa

[MikeM]

I've never used a belt either, and never thought I would use one.

What's is the point when you should use one for safety? When you get up around 1.5 body weight? Less? More? All the time, regardless of weight?

And for what execises? I can't imagine now using one for Squats or Deadlifts, but Push Presses can sometimes be a little dicey if I don't concentrate. Then again, in the future when I put up bigger weights hopefully, I should expect to use them for Squats, etc.?

Bottom line, when should you even use them?

[bamazav]

Originally Posted by recarp82

i just recently bought and wearing regularly on back and leg day a scheik 6-inch (medium size) lifting belt.it fits great and as far as im concerned the best belt ive bought to date.it has a slip fitting ring/velcro tightening strip which work great together.oh yeah and its made in the usa

This is what I have, I love it. I use it on any heavy lift that involves my lower back, when I remember to put it on.

[recarp82]

yeah rowing,rack lifts,leg press it works great.

Originally Posted by bamazav

This is what I have, I love it. I use it on any heavy lift that involves my lower back, when I remember to put it on.

[big_swede]

I use it when deadlifting in the near 1rm zone, for rack pulls, box squats (when going heavy) and when shruging.

The fact that a belt supports the lower ab is imo mostly from the ab's squeesing against the belt and creating a pressure which stabilizes the lower back and core.

For this reason i also use it on occasion when pushing heavy, seated or standing.

[IronManlet]

Originally Posted by MikeM

I've never used a belt either, and never thought I would use one.

What's is the point when you should use one for safety? When you get up around 1.5 body weight? Less? More? All the time, regardless of weight?

And for what execises? I can't imagine now using one for Squats or Deadlifts, but Push Presses can sometimes be a little dicey if I don't concentrate. Then again, in the future when I put up bigger weights hopefully, I should expect to use them for Squats, etc.?

Bottom line, when should you even use them?

Whenever you feel like it, I suppose. I personally didn't start using one till I hit a 300lb squat and 385lb deadlift.

The thing is, you shouldn't use it as a crutch. It's a useful tool for safety with heavier weights, but until you're nearing 90% of your max, you should really be doing it without a belt to get your body used to the weights. Using a belt doesn't mean that you weaken your midsection at all either. My beltless max goes up along with my belted max all the time. I'll usually start using a belt when I get over 315 on squats and 405 on deadlifts, and any sets after that.

I don't use belts at all for any other exercises.

[dmaipa]

I agree. My belt is fom elitefts and I try not to wear it until I feel I need to. But I do wea it for pressing, squats, and deadlifts.

[Isaku900]

I'll wear a belt whenever I feel like putting it on, there's no set percentage or weight or exercise.

[BigJosh]

I don't think there is a set rule on when or when not to use a belt. Everyone is different. And like has been pointed out by other posters, you probably shouldn't over use it.
But on the flip side of the coin, if you aren't sure, don't not use it and risk hurting yourself.
Another consideration is if you have any previous back injuries. Someone with a previous injury my be prudent to use a belt on lifts like BOBR or even "heavy" curls, where someone without a previous injury probably wouldn't need to.
Just my 2 cents.

[gaspers04]

When going heavy on the big three.