Lifting belt
stej5639
Posts: 57 Member
Hi,
Im looking at getting myself a lifting belt, as i do a lot of compound lifts, like deads and squats. Ive been looking but there are so many different types, different thicknesses etc. What would be a good one to get?
Thanks,
Ste
Im looking at getting myself a lifting belt, as i do a lot of compound lifts, like deads and squats. Ive been looking but there are so many different types, different thicknesses etc. What would be a good one to get?
Thanks,
Ste
0
Replies
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Are you going to compete at any point? If you are, you want a belt that is going to meet your federation requirements. Learned that the hard way.
The amount of room between your hips bones and bottom ribs is a factor. My belt hits both my hip bones and my bottom ribs and causes bruises. I deal with it, but you might not want to.
Money is always a factor. I have an SBD lever belt now and it is AWESOME and EXPENSIVE.
If you're just using a belt for casual lifting, I had this one. It did it's job...
https://www.amazon.com/MRX-BOXING-FITNESS-Bodybuilding-Training/dp/B0199P0V6E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1530549032&sr=8-4&keywords=weight+lifting+belt+purple1 -
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quiksylver296 wrote: »
I am 100% the last person to ask about lifting belts
. I don't use one and I don't know anything about them! I will stick around this thread to learn more though 5 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »
I am 100% the last person to ask about lifting belts . I don't use one and I don't know anything about them! I will stick around this thread to learn more though
Beg pardon, humbly. I shall make a note in my helpful journal.3 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »
I am 100% the last person to ask about lifting belts . I don't use one and I don't know anything about them! I will stick around this thread to learn more though
I'm right there with you! No belt for me either. Kisses @quiksylver296
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After a lower back injury I decided I wanted to get one as well. Did a little bit of research and settled on this one from Schiek, which I have been very happy with in the 18+ months since purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BE58P0M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
To @quiksylver296's point, I have no idea if it's federation approved but I'm not looking to compete, at least not anytime soon.0 -
I have this one and I'm very happy with it. It does hit both hip and ribs, but I'm pretty short.
https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Iron-Support-Leather-Multiple/dp/B016RAMIUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530551508&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+iron+fitness+lifting+belt&th=1&psc=1
Dark Iron Fitness has the best customer service I've ever seen from any company. And after buying my belt from them, I've gotten a free dip belt and lifting straps from them just for leaving a review.0 -
How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.0
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How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
I think - and this is my mindset - that you will need a belt when you start lifting consistently heavy. And, heavy will mean something different for all of us. So, when you are doing the 3-rep sets....or lower....you would likely want to be using a belt. The 5-rep sets, maybe. Possibly.
But, everyone is different. And, heavy will be different for all of us, too.
All of this goes out the window if someone has lower back issues. Then a belt is likely always a good idea (for the added abdominal tightness....well, you know what I mean).0 -
Thanks for all the replies. Im not lifting to compete, just feel that im lifting a lot more now, so want to keep good form but push myself to lift more. Im a manual worker and back injuries are common in my job so the more i can do to prevent this the better. Id say im lifting heavy now, for me anyway, compared to what i started lifting. Currently doing SL5x5 so adding 2.5 kg per session gets hard after a while haha. Thanks for all the advice here. Ill definitely look into the recommendations.0
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LiftHeavyThings27105 wrote: »How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
I think - and this is my mindset - that you will need a belt when you start lifting consistently heavy. And, heavy will mean something different for all of us. So, when you are doing the 3-rep sets....or lower....you would likely want to be using a belt. The 5-rep sets, maybe. Possibly.
But, everyone is different. And, heavy will be different for all of us, too.
All of this goes out the window if someone has lower back issues. Then a belt is likely always a good idea (for the added abdominal tightness....well, you know what I mean).
All of my maxes are beltless. Hmm...1 -
I lifted beltless for about 18 months, about the time my squat and deadlift crept up to 300 lbs was about the time I starting having lower back pain. MRI showed L4-L5 facet arthritis so I took a month off, pain went away, bought a belt and keep reps <5/set and for those lifts and haven't had an issue since; knock on wood.2
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How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
It's more to "remind" you to engage your core, than to do any supporting itself. I found my squats improved greatly when I added a belt to the mix.3 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
It's more to "remind" you to engage your core, than to do any supporting itself. I found my squats improved greatly when I added a belt to the mix.
^^^ Agree with this and should've clarified in my previous post. The belt helps/forces me to lift with better form which protects my lower back. A lack of focus on form and getting caught up in chasing bigger numbers is what really got me in trouble.1 -
I use the Sheick brand and haven’t had any issues with mine.0
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I typically won't use one unless I am over 80% of 1RM. The one I have used recently is
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Team-Fit-Weightlifting-Olympic/dp/B07CGBB6S2?pd_rd_wg=2K1c1&pd_rd_r=68ac7622-0a99-47cb-8cbf-d660ffbc909b&pd_rd_w=gukmY&ref_=pd_gw_simh&pf_rd_r=XPC1TGNP5Z0XK14TMBKS&pf_rd_p=b841581f-e864-5164-afa6-4c18a8348879
A belt should be used to brace the core into. Most beginners really shouldn't use a belt so that they can learn to brace the core properly first without a belt and develop more core strength.1 -
Davidsdottir wrote: »LiftHeavyThings27105 wrote: »How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
I think - and this is my mindset - that you will need a belt when you start lifting consistently heavy. And, heavy will mean something different for all of us. So, when you are doing the 3-rep sets....or lower....you would likely want to be using a belt. The 5-rep sets, maybe. Possibly.
But, everyone is different. And, heavy will be different for all of us, too.
All of this goes out the window if someone has lower back issues. Then a belt is likely always a good idea (for the added abdominal tightness....well, you know what I mean).
All of my maxes are beltless. Hmm...
Mine, as well! And I have tried to use a belt....with both Squats and Dead Lifts! Just can not do it! But, I am "off" so that does not surprise me. :-)0 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
It's more to "remind" you to engage your core, than to do any supporting itself. I found my squats improved greatly when I added a belt to the mix.
^^^ Agree with this and should've clarified in my previous post. The belt helps/forces me to lift with better form which protects my lower back. A lack of focus on form and getting caught up in chasing bigger numbers is what really got me in trouble.
AMEN, brother! A big AMEN to that!0 -
I use this one:
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FOREVERBELT_LEVER13
I like it for gym practice because you can get it on and off real quick and you don't need anybody else's help. The buckle (normal) kind is here. My wife set world records on this particular one:
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FOREVERBELT_BUCKLE13
The buckle kind has some advantages in competition. You can sinch it up to different tightnesses between your warmup, 1st, 2nd and 3rd lifts, which is good. And if you have a problem with asking two husky men to help you put on your clothes, well, then you're in the wrong sport anyway.
As far as belts in general go, the idea is to practice submaximal lifts with the same power, speed and neuromuscular coordination (~35% of your power) as you use on maximum lifts. On maximal lifts, belts help you manage your intra-abdominal pressure and distribute the force. Most people don't know how to use them though, so unless you're competing in powerlifting and have a good coach I wouldn't get a top end one.0 -
Why do you want a lifting belt is the question I ask?Hi,
Im looking at getting myself a lifting belt, as i do a lot of compound lifts, like deads and squats. Ive been looking but there are so many different types, different thicknesses etc. What would be a good one to get?
Thanks,
Ste
Belts have benefits if your goal is to be strong as possible, but they are not magic. One still has to brace the same as if you didn't wear one. It's just possible to lift more with most people on certain lifts.
Bob's belt and Pioneer are the best when you factor in some are custom made to your specs, pre broken in, and customer service.How do you know when you need a belt ? I don't compete and I typically do higher reps and don't lift near my 1RM. I also don't really squat but at some point I hope that will change.
You don't have to lift near your 1RM to benefit from a belt. It's has more to do with the stimulas and fatigue a muscle endures regardless of rep size. Example my latest bone on bone grinding PR of a 1RM is the same stimulas & fatigue as if I did 12 reps at 68% of that 100% effort of 1 rep. My.body would fatigue and fail just the same only it would take 11 more reps to get to that point.0 -
For what it's worth, I like this explanation of why a belted vs no belt squat would be programmed for a powerlifter:
"Most variations besides the squat w/ belt should be performed beltless. This is not done to increase how much the “core” gets trained or to get the lifter to use their abs better, as neither of those statements are supported by evidence. Rather, beltless squats allow for a training stress to be achieved with a slightly lighter weight, which may allow for technique corrections and decreased load-induced musculoskeletal pain" - Jordan Feigenbaum, Austin Baraki1 -
I deadlift up to 450 lbs without one. I wear it only if I am lifting over 450 lbs for safety. I don’t recommend wearing one for normal lifts as they don’t necessarily help build core strength.1
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The main reason is to hopefully avoid injury. Ive been told my form is good by a pt, so i suppose that helps. I add 2.5kg each workout and im just worried that my form could slip as the weight goes up. Cheers, ste.2
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I personally use an inzer 10mm lever belt it's great. The leather is high quality and it 100% adds to your stability during lifts. I'm not sure how it compares to the SBD but they are both top ranked brands.
I will second the spacing between your hips and ribs. I also deal with it, but when you're going into the hole bracing against hundreds of pounds you find yourself pinching skin between hardened leather and bone.
Another thing, do you know the purpose of lifting belts and have you learned to properly breathe into your stomach and brace your core without one? it's another factor to consider. Not saying you dont, just making sure before you drop the coin.1 -
I personally use an inzer 10mm lever belt it's great. The leather is high quality and it 100% adds to your stability during lifts. I'm not sure how it compares to the SBD but they are both top ranked brands.
I will second the spacing between your hips and ribs. I also deal with it, but when you're going into the hole bracing against hundreds of pounds you find yourself pinching skin between hardened leather and bone.
Another thing, do you know the purpose of lifting belts and have you learned to properly breathe into your stomach and brace your core without one? it's another factor to consider. Not saying you dont, just making sure before you drop the coin.
The outside suede is top quality, though the robus that is sandwiched between the two layers is very cheap and can be torn by hand.
Also probably the reason why the belt willl never fully breakin. It is also glued and stitched together which Inzer claimed that it is genuine leather without glue The belt should last a lifetime nonetheless but is on the lower end of the higher quality belts available. The price makes it a good purchase for those who prefer a stiff belt.
SBD is slightly better and has the ability to adjust on the fly which is the interesting factor. The leather itself is good, but nothing outstanding.0 -
In terms of competing in power lifting as a sport, I guess you would want one. The best trainer I've ever know said to me one day upon seeing my belt, "you don't compete right?' I said, "right?"
Him: "So why do you wear a belt?"
Me: "For stability in my core when I lift heavy."
Him: " If a car rolls onto your wife's leg, are you going to say, "wait right there honey while I run and get my belt?""
Me: "Of course not!"
Him: " Then it seems to me, if you are not training to compete, you ought to train for life"
Me: "But I might not be able to lift as much without it. Wouldn't I be going backwards?"
Him: "At first. But after you train your core to handle it, you'll be more functionally strong than you were to begin with. For, you know....life. Just sayin...."
Stopped using a belt that day. Squatting and deadlifting the same as ever 9 months later at age 67. Works sets of 3x5 225 for DLs and 3x5 205 for squats. Just a different perspective for consideration.3 -
In terms of competing in power lifting as a sport, I guess you would want one. The best trainer I've ever know said to me one day upon seeing my belt, "you don't compete right?' I said, "right?"
Him: "So why do you wear a belt?"
Me: "For stability in my core when I lift heavy."
Him: " If a car rolls onto your wife's leg, are you going to say, "wait right there honey while I run and get my belt?""
Me: "Of course not!"
Him: " Then it seems to me, if you are not training to compete, you ought to train for life"
Me: "But I might not be able to lift as much without it. Wouldn't I be going backwards?"
Him: "At first. But after you train your core to handle it, you'll be more functionally strong than you were to begin with. For, you know....life. Just sayin...."
Stopped using a belt that day. Squatting and deadlifting the same as ever 9 months later at age 67. Works sets of 3x5 225 for DLs and 3x5 205 for squats. Just a different perspective for consideration.
Now imagine how much you could be lifting if you were still using a belt!0 -
I personally use an inzer 10mm lever belt it's great. The leather is high quality and it 100% adds to your stability during lifts. I'm not sure how it compares to the SBD but they are both top ranked brands.
I will second the spacing between your hips and ribs. I also deal with it, but when you're going into the hole bracing against hundreds of pounds you find yourself pinching skin between hardened leather and bone.
Another thing, do you know the purpose of lifting belts and have you learned to properly breathe into your stomach and brace your core without one? it's another factor to consider. Not saying you dont, just making sure before you drop the coin.
The outside suede is top quality, though the robus that is sandwiched between the two layers is very cheap and can be torn by hand.
Also probably the reason why the belt willl never fully breakin. It is also glued and stitched together which Inzer claimed that it is genuine leather without glue The belt should last a lifetime nonetheless but is on the lower end of the higher quality belts available. The price makes it a good purchase for those who prefer a stiff belt.
SBD is slightly better and has the ability to adjust on the fly which is the interesting factor. The leather itself is good, but nothing outstanding.
I never knew that, good to know though. Though my fanboy and brand loyalty tell me to be offended
In regards to it lasting. I've had it for two years using it at least a couple times a week and its held together pretty well. Definitely happy with my purchase. SBD on the other hand, I bought a pair of knee sleeves and one of the pair has gotten so tight that I cant put it on anymore. Even using the roll up technique and even with my thigh measurements having decreased. Not to hijack the thread but have you ever experienced that phenomenon @Chieflrg0
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