What point to wear a belt?

[Durden Tyler]

I was wondering at what point/weight I should start considering to wear a belt? Is it an absolute for squats and DL's?

My DL's are a measly 185 but feel I can go about another 30 to 40 lbs more for a good workout. I pretty sure my form is good, but I'm still a little nervous about injury.

 

[D_Master]

Tyler,
I DL around 270 and I usually have worn a belt since starting around 225. I always have wondered the same thing myself as I am not sure myself. I'm like you and afraid of injury. With something like your back I'd say it's better to play it safe.

 

[EFFORT]

I'd reccomend you to always wear the belt when squatting, deadlifting, even barbell rows, injuries suck and put you behind

 

[Durden Tyler]

Well, I thought my form was pretty good but as I was lifting this morning a guy came up and pointed out some of my flaws which would not have resulted in back injury, but knee problems. I'm glad he pointed this out as I did feel my knees a little under pressure.

A side note: sometimes it can be somewhat intimidating walking into the gym and the only other people smaller than me are women.... whew, at least I'm not that small. Anyways, like I mentioned above, a guy out of no where came up to give me some friendly instruction and I noticed another guy giving advice to another newbie. I guess were that obvious

So I guess my point is, yes there is a lot of testosterone oozing everywhere, but it appears most are pretty friendly which makes it a little more relaxing.

 

[Durden Tyler]

Oh yeah, I'll be investing in a belt too!

 

[Teflon_Mcgee]

On belts and braces:

Years ago I read a study on the use of wheight belts and (knee) braces.
It claimed that far to many people use them without need to produce ill effects.

It seems the muscle is not fully utilized when stabilized and contracted by the use of the belt and may even lead to partial atrophy in some fibers.

Of course, this was YEARS ago and I can't remember the details but at the time it did make excellent sense.

IMO, belts are not needed unless you are trying to set records.
Just work on form and don't try to be a he-man lifting more than you can.
I see enought knowledgable guys squatting or deadlifting more than most of us ever will whithout a belt. Then I see guys lifting 200 pounds with a belt and I just laugh.

The most important way to avoid back injury is have a good base and build a stong back.

I had a severley bad back from my body being destroyed in the Corps. After a year of working on building it it is amazing how much I can put it through without pain or injury.

 

[Durden Tyler]

On belts and braces:

Years ago I read a study on the use of wheight belts and (knee) braces.
It claimed that far to many people use them without need to produce ill effects.

It seems the muscle is not fully utilized when stabilized and contracted by the use of the belt and may even lead to partial atrophy in some fibers.

Of course, this was YEARS ago and I can't remember the details but at the time it did make excellent sense.

IMO, belts are not needed unless you are trying to set records.
Just work on form and don't try to be a he-man lifting more than you can.
I see enought knowledgable guys squatting or deadlifting more than most of us ever will whithout a belt. Then I see guys lifting 200 pounds with a belt and I just laugh.

The most important way to avoid back injury is have a good base and build a stong back.

I had a severley bad back from my body being destroyed in the Corps. After a year of working on building it it is amazing how much I can put it through without pain or injury.

Okay, no belt...

 

[Skilla_Staz]

I've never used a belt, but I vote that you leave it off until you start doing some maxing, such as 1-2 reps, or when you're handling some SERIOUS weight (>500lbs)

I see kids putting on belts when they go to squeeze in a set of squats @ 185. It's like c'mon guys, can you SERIOUSLY not get it RAW?

 

[md3sign]

IMO belts should only be used when you're going for heavy low-rep PRs, like triples or singles. Otherwise you should be slowly developing a strong back and core, something that a belt doesn't help with.

 

[Fortunate_Juan]

Front squats. You have to keep your back straight to do them.

 

[Skilla_Staz]

Not |. A little bit of a forward lean is natural, but you shouldn't need a belt unless you're doing serious weight. It's like using straps, wraps, etc. You shouldn't NEED assistance unless you're hitting some serious poundage.