Weight belt

[kfisherx]

My trainer realy wants me to get a weight belt. I don't see anyone else ever wearing one. Could you guys please give me your opinions on this? I already bought one from Craigs for 10 bucks so it isn't a mony thing I am just wondering what the hell good it does. It doesn't seem to do anything but make me look even more like a guy.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Here's an article by Dr. Stuart Mcgill, who many consider to be an expert re: the lower back.

He concludes:

Many people adopt belts in training for one of three reasons:
• They have observed others wearing them and have assumed that it will be a good
idea for them to do so.
• Their backs are becoming sore and they believe that a back belt will help.
• They want to lift a few more pounds.
None of these reasons are consistent with the objective of good health. If one
must lift a few more pounds, wear a belt. If one wants to groove motor patterns to
train for other athletic tasks that demand a stable torso, it is probably better not to
wear one. Instead do the work to perfect lifting technique.

[Lisa~]

Read this: Weight Belt Use

And Stuart McGill is THE MAN when it comes to low back health.

[kfisherx]

Thank you for the response. I did a search and for some reason did not see this thread. I will not wear one as a rule but if my trainr really feels better about it I'll sport it in his presense.

[L'ilJ]

Did your trainer tell you why he wants you to use a belt? It may be a good opportunity to discuss it with him.

[Kevin T.]

Belts can be useful to help learn how to brace your abs for heavy lifts. Put it on a notch or two loose and then push out and brace your abs as hard as you can so that you feel the belt tighten up.

[kfisherx]

I can't remember why he said it was important to have one. I will revisit this with him of course. In any case it doesn't sound like it is a terrible thing to have one way or the other.

[Alcoholiday]

i always use the idea that belts are good tools and not crutches.

i always work up on my lifts to something that feels comfortable, and then wear belts when i get around 90% of my 1rm. I also like doing high rep squats without belts to build up your core.

So basically, i like wearing them for maximal stuff. If you wear it for everything, you're going to be wearing it as a crutch, and your core will never get to be strong which can lead to lots of problems down the line.