To Be(lt) or not to Be(lt)...

[Milford Jenings]

that is the questions!

I have seen opinions vary from "expert" to "expert" and even regurgitated opinions from people that had their best friend's father's vet tell them not to use or to use a weight belt. Having grown old enough to learn that opinions are like anuses, everyone has one and most stink, I wnat to know what the lifting public thinks.

Now, I am coming back from a serious back injury and just readded squats back into my routine. I know from experience and scientific studies that weight belts can lead to a weakening of the abs and lower back muscles, but is it such a risk that one should not be used at all?

I have had wedged vertabrae and torn spinal muscles (this was from an accident not from lifting) and do not care to go back down that road again. So what do you do or suggest?

 

[GLADIATOR351]

I personally only use belts when I am doing squats over 495lbs.. however...In your case I would use a belt. wouldn't want to take the chance of reinjuring your back.. and start very light. you can always work your lower back w/ other excercises.

 

[cure]

I don't use a weight belt, even on heavy deadlifts. I find it gets in the way more than anything else.

 

[Milford Jenings]

I'm only back to squatting 225 in the fourth set. This week was the first time back in a squat rack in a long time and I'm still paying for it (my legs that is). I'm just curious as to what people are doing not what the "experts" are saying.

MJ