Talk to me about belts?
BusyRaeNOTBusty
Posts: 7,166 Member
Do I need one for squats and deadlifts?
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Replies
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No. Especially if you are newer and wouldn't properly use it to get the benefit.0
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Not newer.
Does anyone have links to articles on the pros and cons and proper use?0 -
Nah...
This article pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter.
https://www.t-nation.com/training/do-you-really-need-a-lifting-belt2 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Nah...
This article pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter.
https://www.t-nation.com/training/do-you-really-need-a-lifting-belt
Proper bro science a bout weakening abs.
A decent power belt will actually make your
Abs work harder
I use mine for squats, dead’s and heavy ohp
If you’ve never worn one before they can
Be painful, especially when breaking them in.
Expect a few bruises and if you over tighten
Possibly the odd cracked rib, not good at the bottom of a squat
3 -
it depends on what your goals with squats and deadlifts are. If you are going for 1rms, get a belt. If you are just doing general fitness , you probably don't need one.
Belts are a tool you use, you don't just wear a belt. You USE the belt.
anyhow, figure out your goals and if a belt is needed to go in that direction. I powerlift and wear my belt for all my compound movements, i put it on after my 2nd or 3rd warmup lift, thats around 30-40%. I dont have a weak core, and its not masking any weakness, but my core may be one of my weaker links and i wanna push heavy weight, the belt allows me to harness way more strength out of my core than i could without it.4 -
I agree with @SonyaCele and @watts6151. It does not "weaken" your core or some BS. Watch the following video for information on the Valsama Maneuver. It can be done without a belt but with one it can greatly aid your stability in compound lifts. This is something that is done for safety when working with higher weights. I use a 4" non-tapered 10mm belt on squats and deadlifts on all lifts over my bodyweight. I don't think its needed for lifts under my body weight, but most things are individual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1256&v=d8_1xq8c23c - belt discussed in depth at 20:46ish but whole video is good.0 -
it depends on what your goals with squats and deadlifts are. If you are going for 1rms, get a belt. If you are just doing general fitness , you probably don't need one.
Belts are a tool you use, you don't just wear a belt. You USE the belt.
anyhow, figure out your goals and if a belt is needed to go in that direction. I powerlift and wear my belt for all my compound movements, i put it on after my 2nd or 3rd warmup lift, thats around 30-40%. I dont have a weak core, and its not masking any weakness, but my core may be one of my weaker links and i wanna push heavy weight, the belt allows me to harness way more strength out of my core than i could without it.
But did you always wear a belt...or did you get your core trained up with those compound lifts without a belt. I'm pretty sure the article addresses wearing a belt if you're a competitive lifter...I don't see a ton of benefit for someone starting out with squats and deadlift who might already have a weak core...it would seem to me that they are better off developing the core without the belt and then wearing one when they get to higher weights or are looking to be a competitive lifter.
I would imagine as a power lifter you already developed your core over time...
I'm not a power lifter...I lift to supplement my fitness and I do squats and deads and have only used a belt when I'm doing a 1 RM and I need the support to move the weight. I'd say the vast majority of people don't get much, if any benefit from lifting with a belt.1 -
I agree with @SonyaCele and @watts6151. It does not "weaken" your core or some BS. Watch the following video for information on the Valsama Maneuver. It can be done without a belt but with one it can greatly aid your stability in compound lifts. This is something that is done for safety when working with higher weights. I use a 4" non-tapered 10mm belt on squats and deadlifts on all lifts over my bodyweight. I don't think its needed for lifts under my body weight, but most things are individual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1256&v=d8_1xq8c23c - belt discussed in depth at 20:46ish but whole video is good.
Doesn't weaken an already strong core...but I could see it hindering core development for somebody who is not a seasoned lifter or doesn't have a strong core which I think was more to the point of the article.2 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »I agree with @SonyaCele and @watts6151. It does not "weaken" your core or some BS. Watch the following video for information on the Valsama Maneuver. It can be done without a belt but with one it can greatly aid your stability in compound lifts. This is something that is done for safety when working with higher weights. I use a 4" non-tapered 10mm belt on squats and deadlifts on all lifts over my bodyweight. I don't think its needed for lifts under my body weight, but most things are individual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1256&v=d8_1xq8c23c - belt discussed in depth at 20:46ish but whole video is good.
Doesn't weaken an already strong core...but I could see it hindering core development for somebody who is not a seasoned lifter or doesn't have a strong core which I think was more to the point of the article.
A belt allows The abs to generate more tension
By providing external resistance.
A belt allows your midsection to work harder.
Simply bracing for the lift works your abs
1 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »I agree with @SonyaCele and @watts6151. It does not "weaken" your core or some BS. Watch the following video for information on the Valsama Maneuver. It can be done without a belt but with one it can greatly aid your stability in compound lifts. This is something that is done for safety when working with higher weights. I use a 4" non-tapered 10mm belt on squats and deadlifts on all lifts over my bodyweight. I don't think its needed for lifts under my body weight, but most things are individual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1256&v=d8_1xq8c23c - belt discussed in depth at 20:46ish but whole video is good.
Doesn't weaken an already strong core...but I could see it hindering core development for somebody who is not a seasoned lifter or doesn't have a strong core which I think was more to the point of the article.
Watch the video from the time stamp. You obviously skipped that part as it is the first thing you'll hear in that video.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »it depends on what your goals with squats and deadlifts are. If you are going for 1rms, get a belt. If you are just doing general fitness , you probably don't need one.
Belts are a tool you use, you don't just wear a belt. You USE the belt.
anyhow, figure out your goals and if a belt is needed to go in that direction. I powerlift and wear my belt for all my compound movements, i put it on after my 2nd or 3rd warmup lift, thats around 30-40%. I dont have a weak core, and its not masking any weakness, but my core may be one of my weaker links and i wanna push heavy weight, the belt allows me to harness way more strength out of my core than i could without it.
But did you always wear a belt...or did you get your core trained up with those compound lifts without a belt. I'm pretty sure the article addresses wearing a belt if you're a competitive lifter...I don't see a ton of benefit for someone starting out with squats and deadlift who might already have a weak core...it would seem to me that they are better off developing the core without the belt and then wearing one when they get to higher weights or are looking to be a competitive lifter.
I would imagine as a power lifter you already developed your core over time...
I'm not a power lifter...I lift to supplement my fitness and I do squats and deads and have only used a belt when I'm doing a 1 RM and I need the support to move the weight. I'd say the vast majority of people don't get much, if any benefit from lifting with a belt.
i was in decent shape when i started power lifting, but i never had a rock solid core like i do now. I was just doing general fitness, and i was basically healthy and in shape, but nothing special. I got my belt when i decided to focus on powerlifting and i started using it on day one. I only wear it for my compound lifts, and i do a ton of accessories exercises without it , including core isolation exercises at the end of every workout. If someone has a goal of going heavy whether they want to compete or not, a belt can be a good idea, its a tool that can take you to the next level. For general fitness, its not really necessary.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Nah...
This article pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter.
https://www.t-nation.com/training/do-you-really-need-a-lifting-belt
Proper bro science a bout weakening abs.
A decent power belt will actually make your
Abs work harder
I use mine for squats, dead’s and heavy ohp
If you’ve never worn one before they can
Be painful, especially when breaking them in.
Expect a few bruises and if you over tighten
Possibly the odd cracked rib, not good at the bottom of a squat
Mike Roberson, the author of the piece linked is one of the most respected human performance guys out there. You may have a different opinion, but he's hardly spewing bro-science.
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My preference is it is a good investment much like lifting shoes for the very small percentage of those who are serious about progressive strength training and/or competing on some level.
That being said, I also feel that training beltless certain ranges be it percentage or RPE based is a absolute up to a certain weight.
I believe Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum stating that once your get above 500lb area for deadlift there was a much higher risk for hernia injuries and the like, but I can't recall the wording exactly. This isn't meant to scare people into buying/using one just medical evidence he was stating the risk is higher.
I also concur that there are good/mediocre ones. Some are prebroken in and other are not. It's not a thing just to strap on and be bullet proof, but it is useful when utilized correctly.
I tore my intercostal rib muscle in the hole when squatting a few weeks before a meet breaking in a Inzer belt which is well known for taking many months to break. I'm considering either a SBD or Bob's single prong after my next meet.0 -
I have an Inzer and absolutely love it. 9 months in using it maybe 3-4x month while still building belt less strength it’s still not fully broken in.
Not many cons I’d say, just don’t become reliant on it. I can squat and deadlift with or without. The stability and overall power increase is quite amazing though, purely by putting a sheet of leather over your core. When used properly you’ll be able to instantly increase reps and 1rm.
One thing I’ll never squat without again though is Knee sleeves.0 -
Definitive guide: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/the-belt-bible/
Summary: if you are a reasonably serious strength athlete then yes, you should wear a belt.3 -
My preference is it is a good investment much like lifting shoes for the very small percentage of those who are serious about progressive strength training and/or competing on some level.
That being said, I also feel that training beltless certain ranges be it percentage or RPE based is a absolute up to a certain weight.
I believe Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum stating that once your get above 500lb area for deadlift there was a much higher risk for hernia injuries and the like, but I can't recall the wording exactly. This isn't meant to scare people into buying/using one just medical evidence he was stating the risk is higher.
I also concur that there are good/mediocre ones. Some are prebroken in and other are not. It's not a thing just to strap on and be bullet proof, but it is useful when utilized correctly.
I tore my intercostal rib muscle in the hole when squatting a few weeks before a meet breaking in a Inzer belt which is well known for taking many months to break. I'm considering either a SBD or Bob's single prong after my next meet.
Inzer use a thin piece of robus leather glued
To the main leather which keeps it stiff and makes it hard to Break in, mine is several years old and still not totally broken in.
The sbd belt has the best leaver, the actual
Belt construction is 3 separate pieces of leather
Of different quality All glued together. Your certainly paying for the name more than the actual quality
Personally the pioneer belts are the best quality,
There all individually hand made and can be customised to your own spec
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My preference is it is a good investment much like lifting shoes for the very small percentage of those who are serious about progressive strength training and/or competing on some level.
That being said, I also feel that training beltless certain ranges be it percentage or RPE based is a absolute up to a certain weight.
I believe Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum stating that once your get above 500lb area for deadlift there was a much higher risk for hernia injuries and the like, but I can't recall the wording exactly. This isn't meant to scare people into buying/using one just medical evidence he was stating the risk is higher.
I also concur that there are good/mediocre ones. Some are prebroken in and other are not. It's not a thing just to strap on and be bullet proof, but it is useful when utilized correctly.
I tore my intercostal rib muscle in the hole when squatting a few weeks before a meet breaking in a Inzer belt which is well known for taking many months to break. I'm considering either a SBD or Bob's single prong after my next meet.
Inzer use a thin piece of robus leather glued
To the main leather which keeps it stiff and makes it hard to Break in, mine is several years old and still not totally broken in.
The sbd belt has the best leaver, the actual
Belt construction is 3 separate pieces of leather
Of different quality All glued together. Your certainly paying for the name more than the actual quality
Personally the pioneer belts are the best quality,
There all individually hand made and can be customised to your own spec
I would use the SBD for squats and I like the the lever is adjustable on the fly. I don't think SBD or any blelt is magic, it just felt slightly better compared to others.
I would use Bob's for deads and bench. I like them slightly better than Pioneer but both are customized and handmade to buyer's spec. It's just my preference for a single prong.0 -
BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »Not newer.
Does anyone have links to articles on the pros and cons and proper use?
I don't think you'll find one with a better title than The Belt Bible.
https://www.strongerbyscience.com/the-belt-bible/1 -
I have only used the crap belts in the gym and my Titan Longhorn single prong. The Longhorn at 10mm did not seem to have a real break in period. It was good the first time I used it. I would buy from them again but I don't see the need as my belt is going to last for years and years.
If I did buy a new belt I don't know if I would get a lever. They look nice for putting on and off but I like the huge amount of adjustability on a single prong. The waist range is pretty large and I could gain or lose 6" on waist and it would likely work with no further adjustments.
Really the only reason for me to get another belt is to have it customized.
Oh if looking at a belt do not buy a double prong. They offer no more strength and are a pain to put on and take off.0 -
i have the single prong 10mm inzer, i love it.0
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I don't wear a belt while lifting.
.... but if I did, I would insist that it matched my shoes.
Just curious, does Versace make lifting belts? (asking for a friend)0 -
Motorsheen wrote: »I don't wear a belt while lifting.
.... but if I did, I would insist that it matched my shoes.
Just curious, does Versace make lifting belts? (asking for a friend)
Versace, I don't think so but you likely could get a purple alligator skin, gold trim, "Pimp Game" embroidered and a unicorn looking in an indiscreet direction..... or something as "interesting"
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Motorsheen wrote: »I don't wear a belt while lifting.
.... but if I did, I would insist that it matched my shoes.
Just curious, does Versace make lifting belts? (asking for a friend)
What’s the fun in that? I have a full black belt with white lifters, that have neon yellow trim, and bright purple laces. Often in combination with my watermelon shirt in my profile pic. It’s about having fun! Plus wearing all that and lifting some alright weight is pretty comical.
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I've been competing for almost 10 years and have a variety of belts. My current favourite for ease of use is my Wahlander. Having said that, I train predominantly beltless until I get fairly heavy. That's just my preference though.0
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juliewatkin wrote: »I've been competing for almost 10 years and have a variety of belts. My current favourite for ease of use is my Wahlander. Having said that, I train predominantly beltless until I get fairly heavy. That's just my preference though.
I like seeing everyone’s preferences for belts and in regards to if the train mostly with or without a belt. I personally like to train mostly with one. From a volume capability standpoint. But enjoy reaching new strengths without one
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I’ll go belt less up to 400lb on squats
And dead’s, next warm up set is 485lb
That’s when the belt goes on for me0 -
juliewatkin wrote: »I've been competing for almost 10 years and have a variety of belts. My current favourite for ease of use is my Wahlander. Having said that, I train predominantly beltless until I get fairly heavy. That's just my preference though.
I like seeing everyone’s preferences for belts and in regards to if the train mostly with or without a belt. I personally like to train mostly with one. From a volume capability standpoint. But enjoy reaching new strengths without one
I'm not even sure why I prefer mostly beltless. It may be nothing more than laziness. However, I'll put a belt on for deads at a lower percentage than squat.
Someone mentioned knee sleeves and I wish I never started using them. Now I feel like I can't squat without them. It's like my knees don't know what to do anymore.0 -
I use a belt when going heavy. It helps keep my form.
Also since I've had my baby my core is super weak. I can't go heavy without it right now. But that's the only time i use it, during max weight or 85% + of max.0 -
juliewatkin wrote: »juliewatkin wrote: »I've been competing for almost 10 years and have a variety of belts. My current favourite for ease of use is my Wahlander. Having said that, I train predominantly beltless until I get fairly heavy. That's just my preference though.
I like seeing everyone’s preferences for belts and in regards to if the train mostly with or without a belt. I personally like to train mostly with one. From a volume capability standpoint. But enjoy reaching new strengths without one
I'm not even sure why I prefer mostly beltless. It may be nothing more than laziness. However, I'll put a belt on for deads at a lower percentage than squat.
Someone mentioned knee sleeves and I wish I never started using them. Now I feel like I can't squat without them. It's like my knees don't know what to do anymore.
I completely agree. But it just feels so good with them on. I used to have a nagging hip flexor issue leading right to my knee. A week after starting wear them it was almost completely gone. So I can say I’ll never go back.
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i love my knee sleeves and never squat or DL without them. I get such a better work out , if i didn't wear them i wouldn't be able to do as much and i'd go home with achy knees. There isn't anything wrong with wearing gear to help us get a better workout than we would otherwise.0
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