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Anonymous
Hi /fit/,

What are your feelings on weightlifting belts? My brother (and workout partner) doesn't want me doing heavy SQUATZ or deads without one, but the problem is I'm rather large (352 lbs) so none of the gym belts fit me so I'd have to actually buy one for myself. I did a bit of looking around and some places say that you shouldn't use a belt unless you're trying to max out, but I'd rather not fuck up my lower back. Any opinions you guys could offer would be very helpful, I'd rather not spend ~$50 on something that I shouldn't even be using.
>> Anonymous
350lb and you're doing strength training? Enjoy dying at age 25.
>> Anonymous
>>263154

I'm doing strength training and cardio, I just hate cardio so much.
>> Anonymous
dont use a belt just yet, you need to strengthen your core naturally first. you shouldnt be lifting heavy heavy weight anyway, should be sticking to moderate weight, high reps with cardio after. as long as you lift with correct technique then you should be fine.
>> Anonymous
>>263156
so is this viable advice? :

Here is a technique you can use instead of a weight belt:

* Just before each set you do of an exercise that could compromise your back, breathe in and suck in your gut.
* Hold it in and keep your chest and ribcage high. Don't hold your breath through the entire exercise, though. This is just a technique to help stabilize your core! As you perform the exercise, you DO want to breathe - I like to tell people to breathe through pursed lips like you're blowing up a balloon
* This technique will activate the Transverse Abdominus muscle which acts as a natural weight belt inside you.
* As you keep using this technique you will find that your back and abdominals will be much stronger. You may even find that your back pain goes away.
>> Anonymous
yes it is viable, whats the point of using a weight belt if you can build core strenght naturally. nice copy and paste though. most people should already know to keep to tummy tight/back straight in all exercises that require bending.
>> Anonymous
>>263165

many thanks

Also, while I have the topic open, how am I doing?

Bench - 230 x 6
Squats - 230 x 12 (could do more fairly easily)
Deadlifts - 280 x 10
Leg Press - 890 x 6 (could have done more reps)

I know that you guys don't really care about leg press, but offering it as a bit of an indicator for potential in SQUATZ. Much obliged.
>> Anonymous
thats pretty decent lifts my friends. stick with that but dont forget to do cardio after weight training. it really is the key to dropping the weight. good luck mate.
>> Anonymous
>>263171

Thanks again, and once I get back to college, I plan on doing more cardio since I won't have a reliable workout partner any more, and all the friends I have up there don't really care about getting healthy, and I don't think I could really rely on them as far as spotting me goes. /huge run-on sentence.