Belts

[Ben]

Hi, I have never used a belt in any of my lifts, and have never had any problem holding my posture in squatting deadlifting (I do all my deadlifts stiff-legged). Is there any advantage in using a belt or should I just carry on without?

[Darren]

I've never worn a belt either Ben.

If you wear a belt while training it is doing the work of the spinal erector and abdominal muscles. To get good core body strength, these are the muscles that you want to get stronger as they stabalise the rest of your body.

I have never competed in strongman events but I would imagine that the belts are a good safety measure to prevent lower back injury's during max lifts while competing.

regards, Darren

[Ben]

Cheers,
I just not sure whether belts are in general only used by the top men for safety purposes on the events/max lifts, or whether they train all year round with the belts because otherwise all their lifts would be limited by their ability to hold their posture.
Ben

[rickyhotrocks]

Hi Ben

I would use a belt when training.......its actually much the same as the knee wraps thread on the board........a belt should be used during max work (2 and 1 reps) as it stabilises the back/abdomen and allows you to lift more weight, maybe 20-30kg more on squats & deadlifts. I would also use it doing overhead pressing and stuff in the gym. Not after that........you need the reps without the belt to build your natural stabilizers.

Iwouldn't say its a must when doing strongman either.........its really what you feel comfortable doing and what you would like extra support on

[stonelifter]

I would say its the same as the kneewraps thread the more work you do without a belt and wraps the stronger you stabilisers will get! also if you wear a belt and wraps for a few months and try going without them you will find it a lot more difficult! because of the weakness in the stabilisers!