When do you use a weight belt...at what weight do you recommend? My back is fine, and this is just for preventative measures. My max squat is close to 5 wheels so maybe 3 and above? I've never really lifted with one because I wasn't that strong when I was a teen, times have changed and I feel that I would only benefit from using a belt. Right?

Also, anyone have a suggestion for the best kind? Harbinger? Nike? Valeo? 4"? 6"? velcro or buckle? I plan on buying so let me know what you recommend!

Thanks

[Edited on September 15, 2009 at 11:48 PM. Reason : .]

9/15/2009 11:32:10 PM

you don't need one; using a belt incorrectly can cause you more damage than not wearing one.

If you are going to get one, get a good velcro belt. buckles don't give you the adjustment you need with one.

9/15/2009 11:34:30 PM

Can you not use a belt correctly? How is there a wrong way to use a belt?

9/15/2009 11:36:38 PM

use a belt, its safer

9/15/2009 11:40:03 PM

Yea when I get into the 405 range and ^ I feel that I would have better support. I get sketchy on 315 high rep sets even. I feel it's about time to invest in one.

9/15/2009 11:42:44 PM

if you don't wear the belt tight enough, it won't support your back and actually might encourage improper form. on the other hand, wearing the belt as tight as it needs to be worn can increase blood pressure during lifting and reduce blood flow to your legs. It is not safe to leave on for any extended period of time.

wearing a belt too often will prevent your spinal erectors from developing as well as they should. your abdominals work just fine as a natural weight belt if you'll keep them tight during your lift. When you're wearing a belt, you can't use your abdominals in the same fashion to brace your back. I've talked to a few national level powerlifters who say that you're supposed to do the opposite and push out with your abdominals while wearing a belt to get the correct effects.

[Edited on September 15, 2009 at 11:47 PM. Reason : don't use a belt as a security blanket. good form is the only thing that will save your back.]

9/15/2009 11:46:14 PM

go with all leather, not velcro or the fake leather cardboard crap. My squats are so weak now, because I have taken a lot of time off from the gym to heal an injury

9/15/2009 11:46:18 PM

leather sucks. the nylon / velcro belts hold their shape better and adjust better to give a tight fit.

9/15/2009 11:48:57 PM

You have to admit, it is a bit ironic that the guy giving opposite information from someone else is recovering from injury.

9/15/2009 11:49:18 PM

Quote :

"you can't use your abdominals in the same fashion to brace your back. I've talked to a few national level powerlifters who say that you're supposed to do the opposite and push out with your abdominals while wearing a belt to get the correct effects."

Right. However, you have this belt on...taught around the waist. On the contraction the abdominals tighten and push out, which in turn tightens the belt around the waist and back. This has the security effect and stability. Then on the extension, the quads, hams and calfs take most of the load along with the lower back. I see no reason why a belt would not be a good idea.

9/15/2009 11:55:49 PM

if you want to try a belt for "heavy squats", then keep in mind that heavy squats is not defined by a weight. wear the belt on the sets where you can barely get a few reps. if you can squat 495, then don't wear your belt when you're warming up with 315. just because 315 is heavy to some people doesn't mean that your body perceives it as heavy.

9/15/2009 11:56:26 PM

Quote :

"You have to admit, it is a bit ironic that the guy giving opposite information from someone else is recovering from injury."

the injury had nothing to do with my lack of knowledge on weight lifting.

9/16/2009 12:21:13 AM

you could have fooled me.

9/16/2009 9:07:58 AM