Weightlifting Belts - Opinions Wanted

[OatmealFitness]

I am looking into getting a weightlifting belt (likely an Inzer Forever Belt). I have not deadlifted at all in too long and have stayed away from heavy squats for a bit as well. I plan to only use the belt during my heavier sets of squats, deadlifts and bent rows. I have looked over some different articles and opinions on the use of weightlifting belts and just wanted to put in my two cents on the matter, just to get some feedback. The arguements against the belts usually state that they are used as a crutch for those with a weak core, do not promote core strength and do not work effectively as a tool to prevent injury. My opinion (and I am not expert) is that if you properly workout your core with various other exercises and isolation exercise, then why worry about stagnanting additional core development while you are doing squats, etc... The likely response to this is that if you have a strong core then you do not need the belt. True. But the reason I particularly want to use the belt is as more of a mental aid. Wearing it both serves me as a constant reminder to keep my form and as little confidence booster. A question I have though is there any exercises that can simulate or effectively train the core in the same manner that these heavy compound exercise do? Or atleast strengthen them to prepare for heavy deadlifts etc... Would love to hear some opinions. Unless I hear something convicing I plan to order the belt and start going heavy again with its help (that mental edge).

[RacerBill]

Here's some of the discussion that's gone on before. I think the links to McGill's work is especially helpful.

http://forums.jpfitness.com/tr aining-discussion/29550-weight-belt.html

http://forums.jpfitness.com/tr aining-discussion/24270-weight-belt-use.html

http://forums.jpfitness.com/tr aining-discussion/20869-belts-when-use-them.html

[eastcoastsurfer]

Originally Posted by OatmealFitness

My opinion (and I am not expert) is that if you properly workout your core with various other exercises and isolation exercise, then why worry about stagnanting additional core development while you are doing squats, etc...

What about not wearing a belt would cause you to stagnate? My numbers are not super high (500DL/400 squat), but I have never used a belt and have never felt stagnated.

Originally Posted by OatmealFitness

The likely response to this is that if you have a strong core then you do not need the belt. True. But the reason I particularly want to use the belt is as more of a mental aid. Wearing it both serves me as a constant reminder to keep my form and as little confidence booster.

Would wearing a belt cause you to attempt more than you should? In that scenario a belt could lead you to injury.

I guess I don't really see the need for a belt unless it's to protect you from an existing condition or prior injury. Even then I'm not sure it would help very much? The other reason would be for competing. In that scenario you're looking for any edge you can get, and IMHO is very different from someone who trains for general life goals.

[OatmealFitness]

I meant stagnation in core development from wearing the belt, not leg. But thank you for the links and input. I believe I am still going to make the small investment in a belt just for my lifts over 90% of 1RM. It is just more a mental thing I guess.

[Frank.S]

If you do choose to wear a belt, remember that they are not supposed to be tight. You are supposed to take air into your stomach and fill up the belt, making your midsection as big as possible. Most people just crank them down.

I wear a belt all the time (even on sets far less then 90%), but i'm a powerlifter who needs to know how to use it correctly.