Belt up?

[KS-90]

What are your thoughts on:

1) Weightlifting/powerlifting belts in general for someone who is not a competitive strength athlete.

2) Training TB style with a belt;
If you use a belt for your 1 RM testing how do you go about setting up the rest of your block based on that max. When do you throw the belt on/ does it affect how you plan your training at all.

I have never personally used a belt (just never owned one). I'm sure they can be argued for or against pretty easily, just moreso curious what the more experienced guys on the forum think of them - Crutch or Valuable tool?

[mikhou]

You're going to get a lot of different opinions on this one. I was in a similar position to you as only in the last couple of cycles have I begun using a belt. Prior to that I had never used one. So I am still very inexperienced at using a belt and haven't formulated any strong opinions one way or the other. Here's what I am doing. On squats, I put it on at 85% or higher. On deadlifts, I put it on for all working sets. I am doing this, not because I think that it's absolutely necessary on all deadlift working sets, but because it reminds me to brace my core, and I had tweaked my back several cycles back by not bracing my core properly. All of the above being said, I'm not near as strong as a lot of guys on here, and it may very well be the case that once the weights get higher that it would be beneficial to put it on for all working sets. Then again some people don't use a belt because in everyday situations they wouldn't be wearing one and want to train like they live life and work. Also, some people don't use it because they believe that it works the core better to not use a belt and they would prefer to use lighter weights and work the core harder (again to emulate everyday life). Again, the answers are going to be all over the board on this one.

[Green2Blue]

I used to be very anti-gear. However, I've changed my mind about belts after becoming more educated on the subject. Using a belt makes you stronger, even when you don't have a belt. I personally warm up without, and utilize it for any sets 5 reps and under.

http://strengtheory.com/the-belt-bible/

http://startingstrength.com/article/the ... e_deadlift (shared by J-Madd)

http://tacticalbarbell.com/forum/viewto ... ?f=3&t=179

[close_fox]

I don't think anyone is wrong for using a belt. But I personally don't use them.

If I need a belt to squat 500lbs, can I really squat 500lbs? I say no. I acknowledge that my logic isn't perfect. My thinking could be extrapolated to include lifting in flat shoes vice running shoes. "No belt" is just what makes sense to me.

Additionally, I'm not willing to spend money on a belt or carry it to/from the gym.

[Barkadion]

I am with CF on this one. No belt and going for reasonable numbers for the lifts.

[Adski]

You can try it and see if it's for you. I suppose it comes down to the why, the reason you wish to use it.

I know plenty of people that use them periodically, personally however I have never used them. But I have no issue with them one way or the other.

[Tyr0331]

I've used belts in the past but don't anymore. When I talk to guys who tell me these incredible numbers they are throwing up it's usually followed by "but that's with lifters, belt, wraps, straps, suit, etc.." I always ask them why they use that stuff to see what type of answer I get, always a different one

What part of your body is not up to par with the rest for you to have to use extra lifting equipment? Wrist wraps are easy, your grip isn't strong enough. Lifters, flexibility issues. A belt to me seems like you are relying on something to tighten up your core for you. I don't like that idea. I think the core muscles should be your number one priority. So if you can squat 315 raw but with a belt you can hit 335, I would say your body as a whole isn't ready for you to hit 335. Work on core first. If you feel like your form is a little off but you absolutely have to hit that max deadlift or back squat for pride, belt over injury

[Green2Blue]

I've used belts in the past but don't anymore. When I talk to guys who tell me these incredible numbers they are throwing up it's usually followed by "but that's with lifters, belt, wraps, straps, suit, etc.." I always ask them why they use that stuff to see what type of answer I get, always a different one

What part of your body is not up to par with the rest for you to have to use extra lifting equipment? Wrist wraps are easy, your grip isn't strong enough. Lifters, flexibility issues. A belt to me seems like you are relying on something to tighten up your core for you. I don't like that idea. I think the core muscles should be your number one priority. So if you can squat 315 raw but with a belt you can hit 335, I would say your body as a whole isn't ready for you to hit 335. Work on core first. If you feel like your form is a little off but you absolutely have to hit that max deadlift or back squat for pride, belt over injury

You should read the belt bible

[Barkadion]

I've used belts in the past but don't anymore. When I talk to guys who tell me these incredible numbers they are throwing up it's usually followed by "but that's with lifters, belt, wraps, straps, suit, etc.." I always ask them why they use that stuff to see what type of answer I get, always a different one

What part of your body is not up to par with the rest for you to have to use extra lifting equipment? Wrist wraps are easy, your grip isn't strong enough. Lifters, flexibility issues. A belt to me seems like you are relying on something to tighten up your core for you. I don't like that idea. I think the core muscles should be your number one priority. So if you can squat 315 raw but with a belt you can hit 335, I would say your body as a whole isn't ready for you to hit 335. Work on core first. If you feel like your form is a little off but you absolutely have to hit that max deadlift or back squat for pride, belt over injury

You should read the belt bible

As long as it ain't apocryphal

[Maxrip13]

I have never used one, but I can't see why not.

Some people swear by them. If I ever maxed out and I had one handy I would wear it for a couple sets, but I would do 85% of my training without one.

I own knee sleeves and sometimes wear them, but I am very similar. They come out when I am testing maxes(very rarely) or I feel I need that extra support. I do most of my training without them. I went through a period were I "needed" to wear them.

With the belt, just don't let it become a mental crutch. If you can't lift heavy (90%)without your belt then you have done things wrong.