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weight lifting belts.. Anonymous
yo,
5'9, 160, not fat but weak like little girl. Been lifting weights for a year but just now really getting into deadlift and SQUATZ, for dead lift especially (working on my form), does /fit/ ever use a belt? Are these useful for preventing injury or only for super massive doods?
>> Anonymous
If you need a belt, switch to a lighter weight. Your abs should be strong enough to remain taut throughout the movement. You're building your house outta straw with those belts, if ya know what I mean.
>> Anonymous
>>65619
This. Belts are for preventing injury for people who do not have a balanced phsyique, or for those in competition constantly attempting 1 rep max. 1RM is the only time a belt should be necessary.
>> Anonymous
i'm a big pussy and i'm ultra scared of lower back injury so i use a belt for deadlifts and squats when i go heavier than 3 plates on either. otherwise i don't use it.

in b4 zomg youre making yourself more prone to injury by using a belt. fuck you guys, i know what i'm doing and i'm know the 'risks' associated with using and not using a belt.
>> Anonymous
>>65665
which are blown out of proportion by people who don't use them or have something against them, and denigrated by those who do use them.

basically, it's a good idea to have one handy at least for most people who are serious about their training. it doesn't make up for bad form-number one cause of injury with or without a belt. you have to know how to correctly posture yourself for the exercise with a good stable base and maintain good form, to protect yourself. controlled cheating is one thing; on the other hand there is no excuse for sloppy form which leads to injury.

belts DO have their place, and to take a hardline stance of "no" is just displaying a lack of knowledge. Try telling a competitive Powerlifter that he "shouldn't wear a belt". You'll be laughed out of the gym (and for good reason).
a lot of people have the wrong idea about belts, anyways.

their main purpose is to increase the amount of intrabdominal pressure for the valsalva manuever. NOT to support the back.

and, incidentally, many studies are coming out now that prove that lower back and ab stimulation is not lowered when wearing a belt.

it's a personal thing whether you wear one or not, but people have the wrong reasons as to why they don't. if you are going to get one, get a REAL belt (as wide in the front as it is in the back)
>> Anonymous
PROTIP

you back is stronger then a quarter inch piece of leather. belt arent, i repeat ARE NOT for support,they are for increasing your intra-abdominal pressure which helps your body recruit muscle groups that normally aren't used in the particular exercise, and are only effective when powerlifting (like 1 or 2 reps max)
>> CrossFitter !!B/qKSvIDE0V
>>65612
The sad thing is, not only do half the guys who use belts not know how to use them, but half the companies don't know how to make them either. Note how the one you pictured is thinner in the front than in the back... That's entirely wrong. The belt is meant to support the abdominals, not the back.
>> RSI guy !HjbWRiSTJ.
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>>65665
the thing is, the belt doesn't give a chance for your own back muscles to grow. using that belt for support in a way makes sense, but you'll never be independent with your own strength. if your serious about improving your body, you'll consider ditching it and training with a safe amount of weight.
>> Anonymous
>>66095

>>
their main purpose is to increase the amount of intrabdominal pressure for the valsalva manuever. NOT to support the back.

and, incidentally, many studies are coming out now that prove that lower back and ab stimulation is not lowered when wearing a belt.