Weight / Lifting Belt

Hey guys!

So I have seen mixed opinions over the internet about a weight / lifting belt and have been considering getting one for a while now.
I have never used a belt before although if it can assist in preventing injury with the heavier lifts such as deads and squats I will be keen!

It seems as if you need to get a belt which can become very tight, although just how tight is it meant to be? How do I know it will fit me properly and how tight it is meant to be?


The other issue is when I took a brief look at belts, they were all quite large. My hips are a size 28, my waist is smaller though, especially considering your hips don't really move and your stomach can be "sucked" in quite a bit.
So any ideas where I might be able to find some nice, proper belts and one which may fit me? I am thinking I might need to look at the ladies sizes - which doesn't bother me provided it does not look feminine.

I have noticed various types of belts in the sense that some are like a belt buckle and others use Velcro and so forth. What is the best type to go for generally speaking?

Thanks!
Psy

Do you lift more that double your body weight?

Oupa wrote: Do you lift more that double your body weight?

Not yet - I just started doing double my bodyweight in deadlifts. Squats I need to add 2.5KG a side and then I will be doing double my bodyweight.

Is it only worth while once you start consistently lifting more than double your bodyweight? If so then I still have a while to go I guess.

My only concern with a belt it that your lower back gets weaker whilst the rest of you gets stronger making your lower back wimpy and susceptible to injury the stronger you get. Personally I think belts are for power lifters and not body builders but its a highly personal decision and nobody can make that decision for you. Your comfort...

I don't use a belt as it affects your core, but then again I don't lift stupid kg's of weights because I don't take any risks with injuries.

Hey Psy, did you end up getting one mate? I'm also planning on getting one. I want start lifting heavy again, primary just to get strength up. I'll be incorporating hyper-extensions -for the first time ever- for lower back and lumbar strength but I want to do more to protect myself in deads (and potentially squats).

Dr. Layne Norton makes mention of a belt in this video , if you need convincing, but it's still optional, especially at lower weights.

There is strong argument against anything that isn't thick leather but I've seen respectable physiques lift with this faggy Nike belt . Any comments? Other option is this little number or even this one .

Any feedback regarding this from you guys that actually lift is appreciated.

What I have learnt is not to use a lifting belt or straps until you are at maximum weight. This will strengthen your core, grip strength and forearms. It is very important to protect your lower back while deadlifting heavy so a belt is a must I.m.o.

Cheers Pyro. I think I'll invest then. Grip strength I can handle, but after I did heavy deads a couple of days ago, my lower back is stiff and I walk like a retard. It's not an option Walking into a formal occasion, looking like I have a broom shoved up my ass waddling like a penguin.

Do you use a particular brand you think is worth the money?

I haven't seen anything worth writing about maybe some of the other members can give some reviews. I also don't go below 2cm under the knee as that is where the danger area starts for the lower back and you only work hamstrings anyways. So in essence I don't do deadlifts I do rack pulls.

There is actually some good information about the use of a belt in the latest muscle evolution. Was reading it this morning whole waiting in the shops for somethint

Jees guys I don't know hey.

I can Dead 240-250 for 15 reps.
Squat 180-220 for 15 reps and have never used a belt. I do use straps on occasion when fore arm pumps leads to grip failure but I only use it when my grip in both hands have failed at least twice.

Never sacrifice heavy lifts for perfect form it took me time to get back up to those numbers and yeah start out light but perfect form. I know to some of the more advances guys those numbers are nothing but I am back where I was in 2007 lean and strong and I only started training again in August last year.

So I don't know hey if you have a good strong core and foundation I don't think you need a belt not for bodybuilding. If you do weightlifting or powerlifting or power building type training maybe...

Just my 2c

I always use a belt now if lifting over 90% of my max to prevent injury. Otherwise I don't need it. I've screwed up my back pretty badly before and it's not worth risking again.

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: Jees guys I don't know hey.

I can Dead 240-250 for 15 reps.
Squat 180-220 for 15 reps and have never used a belt. I do use straps on occasion when fore arm pumps leads to grip failure but I only use it when my grip in both hands have failed at least twice.

Are you lifting that under 100Kg bodyweight? That's bloody strong.

Do you go below parallel and pause before going back up again? Do you use the smith machine?

Muscleaddict wrote:
Are you lifting that under 100Kg bodyweight? That's bloody strong.

Yeah....that would easily put his 1RM above the SA Senoirs powerlifting record, I think Pretty flippen strong.

Pyroclasm wrote: I haven't seen anything worth writing about maybe some of the other members can give some reviews. I also don't go below 2cm under the knee as that is where the danger area starts for the lower back and you only work hamstrings anyways. So in essence I don't do deadlifts I do rack pulls.

Hold on, that 2cm under your knees, you mean the bar right?

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: ...or power building type training maybe...

Fuck Mike O'Hearn.

Pyroclasm wrote: Do you go below parallel and pause before going back up again? Do you use the smith machine?

@Pyro: Sorry who are you asking mate? Me, squats, yes. IMO smith machine is for doing Bench Press PRs without a spot.


00pump: I'll take note to read next time I see one, cheers.


@MuscleAddict: If I can ask, by screw it up, do you mean through injuries in PLing?



Thanks for the input all.

I was asking the dude who squats 180-220 for 15 reps.

Yeah man the barbell 2cm under the knee. It's that point where you feel your ass starts moving down.

Yes ass to the grass.

And no not smith machine free weights in the rack.

I won't hit more than 180kg now though not below 100kg but deads and squats have always been my favourite two lifts have torn plenty pants while doing them and suffered many nose bleeds that's when you know you are pushing.

Furk wrote:
@MuscleAddict: If I can ask, by screw it up, do you mean through injuries in PLing?

Yes. I wasn't resting enough between heavy squat and deadlift days and was grinding through some heavy reps when I should have taken it easier.

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: Yes ass to the grass.

And no not smith machine free weights in the rack.

I won't hit more than 180kg now though not below 100kg but deads and squats have always been my favourite two lifts have torn plenty pants while doing them and suffered many nose bleeds that's when you know you are pushing.

Not doubting you boet, but next time you do 15x 250kg deadlifts, do you mind catching it on video for us?

I will try it again once I am done cutting and done restricting calories. Was talking to my girlfriend now and we wondering what numbers I would hit now at 94kg and sub 20% last time I hit those numbers I hit the gym minimum 3x a week and was up well over 100 actually still up at 118-123kg 30-40%.

Rember I am only training at home since end November 2015.

I will go to the gym in this week and see what numbers I can hit for deads and squats if if looks good I will get Lalie to take a video and then you guys must just guide me how do I post it up?

Would I be forgiven if I can only manage double body weight now on both lifts?

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: Would I be forgiven if I can only manage double body weight now on both lifts?

Forgiven for? Using a belt?

Cool. Like I said, looking at the SA powerlifting records, your 1RM would be close to taking it for the 125kg senior division :ohmy:

Higher BF doesn't really help that much, but lets see where you go. Should be easy to link to the vid

You sure the plates at your gym isn't in pounds?

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: Would I be forgiven if I can only manage double body weight now on both lifts?

No need to be forgiven for anything - 190kgx15 on the deadlift is still smashing it.

Rooi Bul 86 wrote: ...I will get Lalie to take a video and then you guys must just guide me how do I post it up?

tinyupload.com/


Not sure why you want to upload a vid though, form critique?