DL & Powerlifting Belts?

Training Powerlifting
1

I’m 220 pounds and around 6’1" tall. When I deadlift in a belt I have trouble getting a good start from the floor because I can’t get down low enough. I have an Inzer 13mm belt but I’m wondering if a 10mm belt would be a better choice. Does anyone think this would make a significant difference?

2

Bulletproof,

I’m about your size, 5’10" 220#. When my current belt was new, I looked like I had been beat up after a deadlift session. I had bruises along my lower abs and below my rib cage. That stopped after the belt broke in a little. It only took a couple of weeks.

Rick

3

I don’t think the thickness of your belt is the problem, maybe your belt is too tight (many lifters have the belt one hole slacker for the DL compared to the Squat.) Also position, you could try wearing the belt a little higher for DL. All this supposes that you don’t have flexibility issues; i.e. you can get into a good position without your belt.

Dax

4

Try what Louie Simmons swears by… Leave it a notch looser and really PUSH your abs and belly out into the belt.

5

[quote]Hanley wrote:
Try what Louie Simmons swears by… Leave it a notch looser and really PUSH your abs and belly out into the belt.[/quote]

I find this works great for me

.02

6

[quote]alfuh wrote:
Hanley wrote:
Try what Louie Simmons swears by… Leave it a notch looser and really PUSH your abs and belly out into the belt.

I find this works great for me

.02[/quote]

Ditto. I tried it on rack pulls last week and I felt stronger than I ever did before.

7

I had to get a tapered belt. Much easier for me to get down to the bar, and much less bruising as well.

8

I found this problem only when trying to deadlift in a too tight suit. You might also try squat down to bar first, then grasp it.

9

I thought the whole idea behind a belt was to maintain extra supporst around the abdominal area and thus brace the back further. Is it possible to do that with a tapered belt?

10

[quote]Hanley wrote:
I thought the whole idea behind a belt was to maintain extra supporst around the abdominal area and thus brace the back further. Is it possible to do that with a tapered belt?[/quote]

Yep…I can not wear a full belt, not really enough space between the ribs and hip bones. I have a shorter torso and longer legs. Sure works for me.

Malinda