Weight lifting belts

[sbZenth]

I need to buy a new belt. Does anybody have a brand they love?
I was looking at the Schiek competition belt or a Cardillo.

Any ideas for a comfortable and supportive belt?

[SFZ]

www.prowriststraps.com--APT belts look pretty good too. Used to have a nice Cardillo belt a long time ago.

[sbZenth]

yeah i looked at those too. they look really nice. i might get those. the cardillos are a bit too bulky for me. i like the foamy feel of the schieks. the APTs are like that too.

[GodZilla]

I heard Phallix is good.

j/k but why go so heavy with the weights that you need a belt? You can get ample returns with out the need of a belt.

[black06z]

The $25 leather weight belts are good enough. You're wearing a weight belt throughout the entire workout?

[03aeroZ]

Originally Posted by GodZilla

I heard Phallix is good.

j/k but why go so heavy with the weights that you need a belt? You can get ample returns with out the need of a belt.

Unless you are going HUGE I just don't see the need. Think of it as a fantastic core work out without the belt.

[Someguy350]

ya i really dont see the point in a weight belt. unless you have a back injury you are trying to prevent from reoccuring. and if youre wearing this thing for your whole workout, all youre doing is hurting the natural strength of your core and lower back.

[Get_Zwole]

weight belts arent needed unless your maxing on squats or deads or if you have a back injury and arent going to stop lifting.

[invazn]

Originally Posted by Get_Zwole

weight belts arent needed unless your maxing on squats or deads or if you have a back injury and arent going to stop lifting.

It may also help with form too as far as keeping your back aligned correctly. I know a lot of people that have terrible form when squatting. It can't hurt to use a belt as a precaution.

[SFZ]

Originally Posted by invazn

It may also help with form too as far as keeping your back aligned correctly. I know a lot of people that have terrible form when squatting. It can't hurt to use a belt as a precaution.

No, this is bad advice. If you're form is bad when squatting w/o a belt, wearing a belt will only allow you to squat more weight with bad form furthering the problem and adding even more risk of injury.

Address the real problem first--fix the bad form first.

And I second what everyone else has said, belts should only be used when going super heavy on squats or deads or rows, or if you have an injury that you're trying to work thru/around. IMO the real point of the belt, isn't so much to support your back as it is to support your front-abs, core whatever you want to call it when going for max lifts on certain movements.

[invazn]

I'm not speaking from experience so you might be right. That is why I said it "may" help.

[GodZilla]

Constantly wearing a belt can also cause decreased strength development in abdominal muscles. Electromyographic research has found that there are lower levels of muscle activity in abdominal muscles when a belt is worn while lifting. The muscles that would normally keep the abdomen stabilized are inhibited when a belt is used, which could result in weaker abdominal muscles in the long run.

Strong abdominal muscles are important in maintaining trunk stability in the absence of a support belt. Studies have shown that substantial IAP can be achieved by simply holding oneUs breath while lifting. It is also important not to be too dependent on belts while training as they may not be admissible during competition.

Weightlifting belts can help support the back by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and preventing back hyperextension. They are most effective when used for maximal or submaximal lifts in which the spinal erector muscles work against heavy resistance. However, many ill effects, such as high blood pressure and abdominal muscle weakness, may result from improper use of weightlifting belts. They should be used sparingly in training.

from here http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/s.../aa060201a.htm

Same goes for lifting straps, when you use them you sacrifice forearm strength

[Someguy350]

Originally Posted by SFZ

No, this is bad advice. If you're form is bad when squatting w/o a belt, wearing a belt will only allow you to squat more weight with bad form furthering the problem and adding even more risk of injury.

Address the real problem first--fix the bad form first.
And I second what everyone else has said, belts should only be used when going super heavy on squats or deads or rows, or if you have an injury that you're trying to work thru/around. IMO the real point of the belt, isn't so much to support your back as it is to support your front-abs, core whatever you want to call it when going for max lifts on certain movements.

100% right!!! quoted for troof.

[krypto]

Originally Posted by GodZilla

Same goes for lifting straps, when you use them you sacrifice forearm strength

i never understood this logic. when using straps, you get to hit back harder since the forearms give out before the back does. then you can just work out forearms when doing arms. im not sure you have used straps before but if you did, youd know the difference and how much fuller you can target the back. not tryna sound rude, im sorry if i was.

[phreaktor]

The terminology in the quote above is a bit off. A belt increaces "thoracic" pressure not "intra-abdominal" pressure.

Semantics aside, stay away from the futuristic looking fabric belts with the narrow backs. The majority are for looks although there are some well designed ones. Pick up just about any well built leather wide back belt, break it in by wearing correctly and oiling it from time to time and you will have a lifting accessory that will out live you.

[Someguy350]

Originally Posted by krypto

i never understood this logic. when using straps, you get to hit back harder since the forearms give out before the back does. then you can just work out forearms when doing arms. im not sure you have used straps before but if you did, youd know the difference and how much fuller you can target the back. not tryna sound rude, im sorry if i was.

yes you are right. but it is still going to have an adverse effect on your grip strength. which isnt really a big deal though, unless you do a martial art with a Gi. and there is no stabilizer muscles that get weak by using straps, that can stand to injure you with heavy lifts. like what can happen from wearing a weight belt.

so ya go ahead and keep using your straps.

[GodZilla]

Originally Posted by krypto

i never understood this logic. when using straps, you get to hit back harder since the forearms give out before the back does. then you can just work out forearms when doing arms. im not sure you have used straps before but if you did, youd know the difference and how much fuller you can target the back. not tryna sound rude, im sorry if i was.

I have some and used them before many times, sure you can target the back more by using them but why, my back is strong as ****. Most of the time people say they will do forearms but dont. Have you ever seen anyone really work the forearms in the gym? I know I haven't and wrist curls only go so far.

If your really trying to bulk up then I guess use the straps, but personally I'll stick to not using them, there's no sense in having such strong back strength when you cant even hold onto weight your using.