I've never used a belt before for all my heavy weights, I just never felt the need to and was wondering how many people here use belts and who doesn't? The thing that bugs me are the young kids that come in and wear a belt almost like a "statement" or fashion accessory, just to do some bicep curls, or some light DB or bench work it seems a little "odd" to me?

I do a bit of strength/powerbuilding exercises as part of my routine as I like to develop that strength as well as size, just for an example my 1RMs for DL is 210kg, Squat 170kg and Bench 140kg... I've never used a belt, and I'm wondering whether maybe I should be? I always thought they never really helped but I'm starting to wonder? It's not an ego thing, it's just I've never felt the need or feel that my ability was being hampered. In fact BORs typically would probably be more of an exercise requiring them from a "feel" point of view.

I've heard a lot of conflicting info on them.

What brought this thread on was last week a bloke asked me if I wanted to borrow his belt as I was warming up on DLs of 100kg (2nd warm up set really), I looked at him a little confused as nice as this chap was he made a stickman look fat and whilst I'm not necessarily the biggest guy, I'm far from being diminutive in stature - I kindly say no thanks but it was nice of him to be looking out for me, but he seemed incredulous to the fact I didn't use a belt.... now I've been lifting for a while and I've got this twinge of parnoia that I maybe *should* have been using a belt?

I'm curious to see what you guys think...

Here have a read of this: http://forum.**/showthread ... t=beltless

I hardly use a belt anymore. I do use one for the heavy BOR's because I need to focus on my lats and form and not worry too much about my lower back. Especially when I get to the last few reps, so a belt helps here. The belt also allows me to bend lower and have my back more parallel to the ground, so more of a BOR than a Pendlay.

I used one last week on my last set of RDL's as I'm near my limit. Having the belt just give me a little bit more confidence to try for that last gut-busting rep.

Same with squats... only on the last set and only when I'm near my limit and fatigued.

I did stop using my belt altogether but picked up a couple of twinges when on the limit so this is why I now do it this way. Works for me

I have a PL belt that i use at the top end of my squats, but heres a thing, when i last hit a PB which was 225kg i forgot to put my belt on as i take it off as soon as im done lifting unlike the bicep dorks that wear them the whole time they are in the gym... so how much of it is psychological?

I dont feel I need to use one deadlifting as i find it more of a hinderance than a help, and i dont PL bench so dont use one then either.

I never use a belt but think I'd probably benefit from one for BORs and possibly squats as well.

Although I don't think they're necessary, Coleman did attribute the tightening of his midsection between 2 olympias to using a belt for just about everything, so there may be something in it. I'm not convinced personally.

I don't use a belt but then I don't lift heavy weights nor do things like a PL bench. I'm far far too much of a n00b to know how to use one effectively so I don't see the need. Maybe if I start lifting heavy I might, but that is a long way off.

Oh and now I'm curious, do women need a differently designed belt as we are a different shape? Or does one size fit all so to speak?

In the days I used to squat heavy (too long ago to remember now) I used to use a belt when I went 5 reps or below. Anything else and the belt sat on the floor.

Belts are there to compress the abdominal cavity (reducing stress on the lower back) and to prevent hyperextension of the back (problem on overhead lifts especially).

So provided it can be sufficiently tight there's no difference between men's and women's belts

Thanks for clearing that up Ollie!

You're welcome

Personally I'v e never bothered and can't say I ever will.

I'd rather let my body strengthen itself up naturally.

If I were into PL then I'd no doubt be using every bit of equipment under the sun

That's my psychology Alex, and Bison's article is really interesting.

It's the same with knee wraps when squatting heavy. I should probably use them but I don't bother.

The way I look at it is that I've managed to develop a strong core, and good technique. If I don't push myself to stupid levels without a spotter and keep my core tight and my technique focused then I shouldn't REALLY need them unless of course I'm starting to really use ridiculous weights, which for the moment are well within my capacity.

I think I would start to use straps when my grip starts to be an issue but for the moment that doesn't seem to bad either.

Straps have their place for sure, espcially in warmer weather with sweat build up and a lot of gyms not allowing the use of chalk.

Im a massive fan on straps for back work, ill use them on anything 80kg+ on BORs, i can grip up to 150kg or so double overhand without issue, but i want to work my back, not my grip so i strap up. I find once i can relax the grip i get a better mind/muscle connections with my lats and pull with them better. If i felt my grip was an issue id start doing grip work but i think i get plenty elsewhere.. plus i actually put my weights back so thats good grip work

Knee wraps used right are a worthwhile saftely item for heavy back squatting imho, but the chimps that wrap their knees tight enough to lose their toes to squat 100kg then use them to bounce out of the hole should be kicked in the neck.

ollie wrote:Belts are there to compress the abdominal cavity (reducing stress on the lower back) and to prevent hyperextension of the back (problem on overhead lifts especially).

So provided it can be sufficiently tight there's no difference between men's and women's belts

Ah you've just reminded me there Ollie... I also use a belt once I get to 70kg on Military Press, possibly one of the best times to use a belt for the very reason you just mentioned?

Yeah I think so mate - couple of times I've done military presses and felt it hyperextend and wished I'd had a belt on hand. Makes sense as a precaution when you're pushing yourself with those I think

ok time to fess up.

Is it just me that has problems putting on and taking off their rigid PL belt and has to lay on the floor to do it?

imo belts are for powerlifting/weightlifting for 1-3RM.

over reliance will result in weakness in the lower back area whilst other areas get strong.

Heavy squats and deadlifts, nothing else. I usually put it on squats 160+ and deads 160-180+.