Belts

[MikeM]

Good tips! Thanks.

As usual, Gaspers cuts right to the quick! I think that makes the most sense for me.

[Aurik]

I've got an Inzer Forever Belt (13mm, two-prong). It took awhile to break in and was a real b*tch to wear until I did break it in, but now it's absolutely awesome. It's pricey but very high quality and well-made. The only thing I would have changed is to get 1 prong instead of 2 (getting both prongs to seat is sometimes a pain when you've got it cinched tight).

FYI, Dave Tate has a good article on breaking in a belt on EliteFTS. I used a lot of the techniques he says, except don't try rolling up the belt and pressing it between you and something BREAKABLE. I broke a sofa that way... fortunately the wife already was shopping for a new one... but still. The article is here: Virgin Belt Users

Oh, and when I'm doing ME training on deadlifts, squats, or military press, I'll put the belt on for my last 2 warmup sets pretty loose... that helps the belt find the right spot (per Rippetoe), and then cinch it down for the really heavy set(s).

[Boucher]

I have the economy 13mm belt from EliteFTS and I absolutely love it. Has definitely taken a while to break in, but over time it has started to break in nicely. Only downfall is that I need to file down the end because if I put it through the loop after buckling it has actually cut my arm while deadlifting.

[SaxonViolence]

Does anyone know of a good cheap Leather belt...

{!!!XX***&^!!! Synthetics!!!}

That goes up to 60"?

I'm thinking that maybe I should just bite the bullet and save long and hard for an Inzer...

Or see if I can get someone on one of the Leather Working Forums to make me one.

My coach always said that my belt was cheap and flimsy, but it suited my purposes.

They still have those bargain store belts—but not at my new waist size...

I've been told that I wear my belt relatively high—where it gives little back support...

{Top edge of belt just contacting last rib...}

But that's where I want to be "Wedged-In" as Musashi put it.

I use my Belt for everything Except midsection work or anything that involves bending over.

i.e. I don't wear the belt Deadlifting; Cleaning; Doing Sit-ups or Hyper-Extensions (Can't get low enough and also feel choked...)

Otherwise my belt stays on...

Weaken the back?

Well then I'll throw in a couple sets of unweighted Hyper-Extensions at the end of my workout.

Honest—You'll feel stronger and lift better, even when doing wrist-roller work or finger exercises, with a good tight Belt on.


Saxon Violence