Weight lifting belts?

Anyone use these when lifting heavy? I've heard good things and bad things about them.

 

Not needed.

 

Aren't they for keeping proper form when you do heavy deadlifts and squats so you don't wreck your lower back?

 

I dont see how they are useful for anything other than trying to max out on deadlifts or squats....your back will be protected but you wont get the full benefit of these exercise

 

Thats what I always thought.

 

For doing 1 rep max, maybe.

I've never used one, even for 1 rep max, never had any injuries.

 

If you didnt know what it was for then your likely new to lifting, if this is the case then I suggest you get a knowledgeable person to show you how to use one and to look over your form. A belt takes away some of the core stability and strength needed in deads and squats. So for the first month if you decide to use a belt itd be prudent to do your back extensions (or reverse hypers) and some form of rollouts (eg kneeling) so your core stability isnt neglected while you get these two lifts down pat. Some people get back issues from doing these two lifts and some dont, the reason for the back pain is usually improper form. Proper form is easier to learn and safer at first with the belt. One point to note though, if you have longer legs and need to bend at the hips alot in a deadlift than the belt will likely get in the way.

 

I agree with you apart from this. If correct form is used and a suitable weight a belt is not needed.

 

I meant when learning proper form, not when your already using proper form.

 

I know, that's what I don't agree with.

 

Fair enough. Why dont you agree? I think it'd be a better way to learn how it feels to keep your back straight and it kind of forces you to sit back on your squats, so you learn how it feels and looks when everythings proper so you can emulate it later.

What your saying is you dont need on right? if so I agree but I feel its safer to learn this way. Some people are incompetent at lifting at first and without a 'guide' they can stay that way, whereas some people are competent and its not necessary and since I have no idea which he is I just opt to suggest the safer route.

 

I use one for max deadlifts and sometimes squats.

I barely wear it at all and use them just like I'd use knee wraps for squats: only for support in seriously heavy situations.

Edit: If you want to know why I play it like this, it has already been covered.

 

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A muscle can tear.
The bar can slip off of the ridge of your back.
Your lower back can release on over tension.
You can slip on some sweat walking out.

Your belt is there for safety dont ever forget that. It protects your back should **** happen.

 

no need for one, your not a powerllifter so you dont need one

 

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