Thoughts on a weightlifting belt?

What numbers are you lifting?

Certain people will. Tell you that you don't need a belt until you lift really "heavy" (what ever that is) or that using a belt is a crutch that will somehow impair your muscular and strength development. I think this is pure BS.

I'm 66/160# and currently DL 325 and SQT 245, which is pretty good for an old man. I've always used a belt when doing SQTs, DLs, BPs & OHPs.

Doing so provides core & back support to prevent injuries as I continue to lift heavier. It also helps me to focus on my breathing and on the tightening of my core in my lifting routine, which are both important but seldom mentioned aspects of doing SQTs and DLs, especially at heavier weights.

So, my recommendation is to buy and use a belt when you're lifting, whether you're lifting "heavy" yet or not. getting into the habit of always using one will prepare you for when you reslly need it. Consider it insurance.

As for which belt to get, buy a well constructed powerlifting belt that is at least 8-10 mm thick. Thicker than this is stiffer and is not necessarily better. Most are 4" wide but for smaller women 3" should suffice. Some men also use 3" belts for DL to avoid hip flexor impairment. They cost around $100-150 and are well worth the price.

I have been using a hand stitched double pronged 4" wide & 10 mm thick double buckle belt made by Best Belts (that's their name) for years. It's a small family owned business that has been making belts by hand for a long time. See: http://www.bestbelts.net.

A lot of people on MFP use belts made by Inzer, particularly it's lever belt. I'm not a fan of the lever because I believe that simpler is better but if that appeals to you check them out. They of course make standard buckle belts which are well made and regarded. See: https://www.inzernet.com.

There are of course other quality belts made by other companies but these are 2 that I recommend and looking at these will give you a good base upon which to compare the quality and construction of others.

If your goal is to get stronger at things like squat/deads/overhead press and you have the disposable income for a belt I would definitely recommend it.

I would go with inzer or bestbelts.net.

k8millz wrote: »

What are your thoughts on weightlifting belts? (Best brands, prices, etc..) I don't have any major issues squatting or deadlifting, however I've been looking into purchasing a belt to up my numbers. Are they beneficial or a waste?

Belt is great for stabilizing the core. When you belly breathe and pull are in against the belt it helps to stabilize the spine. Helps to get a few more pounds up on deadlifts and squats

My belt just helps me set my core bracing properly and then I can focus on everything else.

Packerjohn wrote: »

Nice article with thoughts from 4 strength and conditioning experts

https://www.t-nation.com/training/do-you-really-need-a-lifting-belt

Spoiler the general view is for most people the use of belts should be limited

This is my opinion.

I got one a few months ago and I've been able to add quite a bit of weight to my DL and SQT. I go as heavy as I can without it and then put it on for heavy sets/1rm. I got a lever, mainly because you can rip it off like a badass.

I use a double prong leather belt. I don't know the brand, it's what is available in my gym. I use it for heavy squats and deads. I've had chronic back pain in the past and feel the belt helps keep my back and core stable, more secure, and is safer for me.

Just picked up a Inzer lever about 8 weeks back. Best investment yet. Still breaking it in so I still get "bite" marks from it.