Weigh belt - advice please.

3laine75
3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I just recently got a belt for squats and deadlifts, mainly as my dad was haranguing me about my back (Im not an elderly daddy's girl btw I just train in his garage) but I was also a bit paranoid about injuring myself as the weights progressed.

However, I'm actually finding it harder while using it - I've been quite light headed a few times after a set.

Previously I was just using the valsala (?!?) movement that I read about in 'starting strength' and doing okay with that. ATM I am wearing the belt (for work sets) quite tight, breathing into my diaphragm till my stomach is tight against the belt then doing the rep. Is this the correct way to use it?

Do you guys have any other tips or do I just need to persevere? Or is there something to be said for not wearing one?

Thanks :)

Replies

  • scottYBRIDGEWATER
    scottYBRIDGEWATER Posts: 206
    So, I just recently got a belt for squats and deadlifts, mainly as my dad was haranguing me about my back (Im not an elderly daddy's girl btw I just train in his garage) but I was also a bit paranoid about injuring myself as the weights progressed.

    However, I'm actually finding it harder while using it - I've been quite light headed a few times after a set.

    Previously I was just using the valsala (?!?) movement that I read about in 'starting strength' and doing okay with that. ATM I am wearing the belt (for work sets) quite tight, breathing into my diaphragm till my stomach is tight against the belt then doing the rep. Is this the correct way to use it?

    Do you guys have any other tips or do I just need to persevere? Or is there something to be said for not wearing one?

    Thanks :)


    Your belt could be too wide/thick. Try this one at Amazon for $14:

    Valeo 4-Inch Padded Leather Belt
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Thank you Scotty - no it's not too wide, I just don't like it ATM :/
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Just warm up properly and use proper form and you shouldn't need a weight belt. Weight belts do the work that your core should be doing during lifts. If you use a belt, then you're not forcing your core to do the work.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Just warm up properly and use proper form and you shouldn't need a weight belt. Weight belts do the work that your core should be doing during lifts. If you use a belt, then you're not forcing your core to do the work.

    Thank you. I think I'll take this advice, I feel like I got on much better without it.

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