The real lowdown on Weight Belts

[Kona]

I thought this would be the best place to ask. Everyone has an opinion, and all are valued. So, speak up.

What do you guys think of weight belts, specifically for squats? I'm not trying to "get an edge" to lift more, just more concerned about low back safety. I was told to use one "if you do ANYTHING over a plate a side" Seems a bit extreme to me. But, as my legs get stronger, I do worry about my back, because basically, if I hurt my back, my career is toast.

 

[pwr_machine]

A few responses about belts from just the other day.

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=249220&highlight=pressure

 

[bignate73]

relying on one from the get go, will only hinder you down the road. its a tool, like any. but its not a crutch. the point of training is to exploit and overcome weaknesses, not mask them with apparatusessessessesses.

i like the blanket statement: "anything over a plate". very relative statement. some people would be crushed under that weight. some warm up with it. dont go for generalizations. read up on what a belt is used for from those who use them as a tool.

 

[jerkbox]

i used to always use my belt for squatting....not too lng ago, i decided to basically scrap it comepletely....haven't looked back.

 

[spatts]

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=239438&highlight=belt

 

[Tiervexx]

A few responses about belts from just the other day.

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=249220&highlight=pressure

I stick by my statment.

Allot of people have have moved allot of weight without one.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

I don't use one. I used to use one because I thought it was dangerous not to.

 

[slobberknocker]

I think you build more core strength in the long run by training without one. I would only put one on maybe 4 weeks or so before a powerlifting comp.

 

[spatts]

Damn, are we really going to debate this again? Just read the old threads and bump one. I bet I could do a search and find the great "belt or no belt" debate to be about an every 5 week thing.

If you don't have something original to say, can we just bump an old thread?

 

[slobberknocker]

Damn, are we really going to debate this again? Just read the old threads and bump one. I bet I could do a search and find the great "belt or no belt" debate to be about an every 5 week thing.

If you don't have something original to say, can we just bump an old thread?

lol

But we like feeling like what we're saying is original and cutting-edge.