I recently just purchased a GOOD weight belt and tried it for the first time today. I found that I was able to squat more with one.
I tried a 3rm deadlift in the belt and found it somewhat uncomfortable. Do any of you guys find this? Should I wear the belt for squats and skip it for the deadlifts? Or does it just take some getting used to?
Thanks!
I feel the same way. I guess it comes down to if you are competing or not. With DL, im working the low back and hams so I dont mind not wearing the belt it actually makes sense not to. With Squats im targeting quads so I like pushing the extra weight.
I do my squats and deads without a belt. At first it kept my poundages down, but then my back and abs seemed to cath up.
[quote]elano wrote:
I recently just purchased a GOOD weight belt and tried it for the first time today. I found that I was able to squat more with one.
I tried a 3rm deadlift in the belt and found it somewhat uncomfortable. Do any of you guys find this? Should I wear the belt for squats and skip it for the deadlifts? Or does it just take some getting used to?
Thanks![/quote]
I’m in the same boat as you. I get a nice carryover to the Squat, but it actually hurts my full DL the closer I get to a max attempt.
I have had some success with partials using the belt (rack pulls/elevated deads). The general advice would be to wear the belt one notch loooser than when you squat. You may also need to change the way you are wearing it. I find it more comfortable to wear the belt a little lower in the front when DLing then when Squatting.
In my experience, like anything else, it takes time getting used to and ultimately you figure out how to position the belt to work best.
By the when you say a ‘GOOD’ belt are you referring to a PL Type belt? If so did you get a lever belt? I use the lever variety and find it works great.
[quote]PHWC wrote:
I feel the same way. I guess it comes down to if you are competing or not. With DL, im working the low back and hams so I dont mind not wearing the belt it actually makes sense not to. With Squats im targeting quads so I like pushing the extra weight.
[/quote]
x2
Question is elano how much do you squat?
[quote]Fabregas wrote:
Question is elano how much do you squat?
[/quote]
Why is that the question?
Because if he’s just starting or is doing less than 1.5x(perhaps even 2x) BW he shouldn’t want to use a belt. It’d be hurting himself in the long run by weakening his back.
Because If he isn’t squatting a lot of weight I would think that it would be best for him to not use a belt so as to strengthen the lower back. Correct?
There’s never anything wrong with using a belt once you get up to high percentages of your max. Deadlifts will strengthen your low back with a belt or without one. Usually its good to start your first working sets without on one though.
The last few comments seem foolish to me.
Use a belt when you feel the need to use a belt. If your Squat goes from 300 to 400 while using a belt, then trust me, your back has gotten stronger along the way.
If you feel you need it on a 70% set then throw it on. If you don’t need it until 90%+ then save it for then. If your back is your weakness, then target it with exercises specific to low back strength. Don’t let your Squat or DL suffer because you read an article once that said using a belt was bad.
[quote]Hugo82 wrote:
Because if he’s just starting or is doing less than 1.5x(perhaps even 2x) BW he shouldn’t want to use a belt. It’d be hurting himself in the long run by weakening his back.[/quote]
Where did this magic number come from? I can’t Squat 2x BW yet. So I can’t use a belt? I can DL 600+ beltless…Do you really think that using a belt on my Squats is going to cause me to have a weak back?
[quote]Modi wrote:
The last few comments seem foolish to me.
Use a belt when you feel the need to use a belt. If your Squat goes from 300 to 400 while using a belt, then trust me, your back has gotten stronger along the way.
If you feel you need it on a 70% set then throw it on. If you don’t need it until 90%+ then save it for then. If your back is your weakness, then target it with exercises specific to low back strength. Don’t let your Squat or DL suffer because you read an article once that said using a belt was bad.[/quote]
I just bought a belt a few weeks ago and after trying to get used to it, Modi’s advice is the best yet. I use it when I need it and I don’t when I don’t. Go with what feels right, not what some article said. Good post Modi.
[quote]Hugo82 wrote:
Because if he’s just starting or is doing less than 1.5x(perhaps even 2x) BW he shouldn’t want to use a belt. It’d be hurting himself in the long run by weakening his back.[/quote]
How the fcuk does wearing a belt WEAKEN your back???
If he gains 100lb on his deadlift over the course of 6 months, all while wearing a belt on top sets, do you honestly think his back will be WEAKER than it was 6 months ago??
Have people lost all ability to think logically??
EDIT: Just read Modi’s post and he got there before me!
Use the belt. Figure out how to position it.
Train your abs. Train your low back.
No problems.
Wear the belt when you need it. Your core will still strengthen, its not like it just turns off and stops working when a belt is on, they are just assisted with extra pressure.
[quote]Hanley wrote:
Hugo82 wrote:
Because if he’s just starting or is doing less than 1.5x(perhaps even 2x) BW he shouldn’t want to use a belt. It’d be hurting himself in the long run by weakening his back.
How the fcuk does wearing a belt WEAKEN your back???
If he gains 100lb on his deadlift over the course of 6 months, all while wearing a belt on top sets, do you honestly think his back will be WEAKER than it was 6 months ago??
Have people lost all ability to think logically??
EDIT: Just read Modi’s post and he got there before me![/quote]
Everyone knows all powerlifting gear does all the work for you.
Heres a thought,
Maybe the fact that you were excited about using a new belt, in fact, made you able to lift more.
Now before the flames start, I know that belts worn properly can help you lift more. But, never underestimate the placebo effect.
jeez conor, wrong again haha. a “good” belt should help out in both, and a “good” belt should be uniform width all they way around and at least 10mm thick, providing more support for your abs to push against, that’s what you have to aim for when using your belt, push out your stomach against the belt when you lift. on your deadlift is it physically hurting you? or just hindering the amount of weight that you can do? the pain is normal, i have belt marks from both my squat and dead, but if it is hindering you then try different belt positions.
use the belt sparingly though, work up to a weight you feel comfortable with then put it on when you start putting the weight on, this will help with strengthening your back while helping you do more weight while being safe. hope that helps