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I used to think that weight belts were a crutch. Now, I won't do heavy deadlifts or squats without one. It really helps with stabilizing your core. Anyone else a believer in weight belts?
At what point should you get one? I've been thinking of getting one but still think I can stabilize my core on my own. I weigh 130lbs and was deadlifting 185lbs last week (5x5). I've never gone so heavy before. My lower back felt incredibly sore and tight. I just ordered wrist straps because I dropped the bar on one of my reps. Does the belt give you more confidence to go heavier? Does it help with soreness? I've never been able to go too heavy with front squats (115lbs at 5x5 is the most I could do, but can go a bit heavier with back squats, 135lbs at 10x3).
At what point should you get one? I've been thinking of getting one but still think I can stabilize my core on my own. I weigh 130lbs and was deadlifting 185lbs last week (5x5). I've never gone so heavy before. My lower back felt incredibly sore and tight. I just ordered wrist straps because I dropped the bar on one of my reps. Does the belt give you more confidence to go heavier? Does it help with soreness? I've never been able to go too heavy with front squats (115lbs at 5x5 is the most I could do, but can go a bit heavier with back squats, 135lbs at 10x3).
The belt doesn't increase your strength. Here's a good article about the benefits of using a belt:
I don't use any weight lifting equipment. For squats and deadlifts, I have set PRs of 405 and 515 respectively without the use of a weight lifting belt. The key for me is to contract my core as hard as I can for stabilization. I have been lifting for 8 years now. I only got injured from deadlifting once during my early years but I was already fatigued pulling 315lbs. I am injury free.
I don't use any weight lifting equipment. For squats and deadlifts, I have set PRs of 405 and 515 respectively without the use of a weight lifting belt. The key for me is to contract my core as hard as I can for stabilization. I have been lifting for 8 years now. I only got injured from deadlifting once during my early years but I was already fatigued pulling 315lbs. I am injury free.
There's a reason most powerlifters use a belt. It provides intra-abdominal pressure which helps support the spine. My lower back feels better when using a belt. That's reason enough for me to use one.
FYI, I've done 515lbs on the deadlift and 475lbs on the squat with no belt. Last week I hit 485lbs on the squat with a belt.
At 167 I reached a 405 DL and a 350 squat, both without a belt. I've backed off the weight a bit since then to retool my form a little and have recently started climbing again, hoping to eclipse those previously set numbers. I'll be using a belt going forward.
If you don't 'believe' in a belt yet push your body to extremes, you're a damn fool IMO. I "belt up" in the 80-85% (1RM) range. Typically always have one on for shrug movements and strongman type lifts such as overhead pressing, farmer's, bag/atlas, etc.
x10 on using a belt when going heavy; makes also a world of difference while lifting.
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