Truth or Myth? does a weight lifting belt makes waist smaller?

[musclexxx]

I have seen some guys at the gym working out with lifting belts and when I asked them they told me they help you to narrow your mid section while your chest and back expand giving you a nice shape, is that true?

 

[stevesmi]

even if that was true it is retarded. so they are admitting they are creating imbalances!! not a smart idea. how are you supposed to get stronger when you restrict your waist size? ever see a powerlifter who squats heavy? they don't have skinny ass glutes, waist and quads for a reason.

I encourage people to lift raw. never use a belt, straps, gloves, or wraps when you lift UNLESS you have some sort of medical reason for doing that. that is how you cause imbalances.

 

[muskate]

The reverse is actually true.

The abdominal muscles are made up of two sets of muscles -
your rectus abdominus. This is the 8 pack you see
and the transverse abdominus. This is your abdominal internal seat belt that lies under the 8 pack

When you train without a weight belt, your transverse abdominus muscles have to work to keep your internal organs intact so you don't get a hernia when lifting weights.

When you train with a weight belt, your transverse abdominus do not have to work and your stomach will become larger as a result.

 

[MasonicBodybuilder]

We have discussed this on our most recent evolutionary.org podcast so subscribe and have a listen. Basically using a belt will weaken your core and do the opposite of what you want. It is always a better idea to lift raw.