Discussion
After the discussion on belts in another topic I thought I'd at least give it a go with squats and deads. The choice seems many and varied; materials include leather/suede, artificial leather, webbing, nylon, etc. fastening single or double prong, lever or velcro and all in various widths and thicknesses.
While the leather single prong 4" x 1/2" seems the obvious/preferred choice they attract quite a healthy price tag.
If the primary purpose is to provide a band for your abs to press against to increase/maintain IAP, surely the material is immaterial
and the fastening, so long as it's secure and adjustable doesn't matter?
I'm leaning towards this velcro belt as it meets my uneducated criteria.
Is/are there good reason/s to spunk out for a 'better' belt like this artificial leather affair, this real leather belt or justify this mega white jobby?
What do you lot use?
Any recommendations (and justifications) for the more expensive options, bar the obvious longevity and perceived 'quality'?
While the leather single prong 4" x 1/2" seems the obvious/preferred choice they attract quite a healthy price tag.
If the primary purpose is to provide a band for your abs to press against to increase/maintain IAP, surely the material is immaterial
and the fastening, so long as it's secure and adjustable doesn't matter?I'm leaning towards this velcro belt as it meets my uneducated criteria.
Is/are there good reason/s to spunk out for a 'better' belt like this artificial leather affair, this real leather belt or justify this mega white jobby?
What do you lot use?
Any recommendations (and justifications) for the more expensive options, bar the obvious longevity and perceived 'quality'?
13mm is too thick for most.
I have this one for squats and deadlifts and it's great. It pinches folds of skin on heavy deadlifts and leaves nasty bruises but 1. It's not broken in yet and 2. I have some excess flab around the mid riff.
https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/belts/lever-buckle-...
I have this one for squats and deadlifts and it's great. It pinches folds of skin on heavy deadlifts and leaves nasty bruises but 1. It's not broken in yet and 2. I have some excess flab around the mid riff.
https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/belts/lever-buckle-...
If you intend to lift heavy, and often, then probably get a belt.
A reasonable belt can last a lifetime, so IMO it's a worthwhile purchase.
Art0ir's link is decent- lever or single prong are easiest, but double prong are fine too (what I've always had). (Don't get a velco one though)
A reasonable belt can last a lifetime, so IMO it's a worthwhile purchase.
Art0ir's link is decent- lever or single prong are easiest, but double prong are fine too (what I've always had). (Don't get a velco one though)
Edited by didelydoo on Tuesday 21st April 17:42
Grover, why do you feel you need a belt in the first place?
Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
Per the other discussion, many views and opinions. There are several reputable sources that report when used properly belts can increase performance. There are others that swear blind a belt will 'weaken' your core.
I've never used a belt as not felt the need but until I actually use one in anger I'll never know. So here I am.
I've never used a belt as not felt the need but until I actually use one in anger I'll never know. So here I am.
Not to hijack this thread, but I was going to start a new topic on belts today too. As i wanted to know when one should be looking to use a belt.
This morning, whilst squatting, i felt a twitch in my lower back whilst going for a heavier than normal squat. It was about 40% more of my body weight and although not a lot, it's the most that i've tried to squat.
But i'm worried about trying it again, as i may injure myself.
This morning, whilst squatting, i felt a twitch in my lower back whilst going for a heavier than normal squat. It was about 40% more of my body weight and although not a lot, it's the most that i've tried to squat.
But i'm worried about trying it again, as i may injure myself.
Check your form before looking for 'aids'.
A belt is supposed to allow you to increase IAP and help your core support your spine, it's not the belt itself supporting anything or preventing injury IYSWIM.
It's a piece of equipment with its own learning curve.
I've no experience though, so may be entirely wrong.
A belt is supposed to allow you to increase IAP and help your core support your spine, it's not the belt itself supporting anything or preventing injury IYSWIM.
It's a piece of equipment with its own learning curve.
I've no experience though, so may be entirely wrong.
TheJimi said:
Grover, why do you feel you need a belt in the first place?
Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
http://www.strengtheory.com/the-belt-bible/Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
TheJimi said:
Grover, why do you feel you need a belt in the first place?
Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
I primarily use a belt on squats. With squats, you're core will almost always fail before your legs- eg. most can leg press 100's of kg's more than they can squat. If you squat primarily as a leg strength exercise, it makes a lot of sense to use a belt so that you can stay tighter for longer and get more work done with your legs.Don't get me wrong, I've used belts in the past and they do have their place, but I never feel good about what I'm lifting when I use a belt. My feelings are that if I need a belt to lift it, then I can't lift it.
Mind you, they're also a useful tool for overcoming a plateau, but it's easy to get sucked into using it as a rule.
I've done a lot of squatting with and without a belt and am of the opinion that beltless squatting makes you better at beltless squatting; but belted squatting makes you better at both belted and beltless. Say, for example, your beltless squat is 180kg, and belted is 200kg- you decide to build your beltless up to 200kg. During the same time frame, you could have built your belted squat to 220kg instead and still ended up with a 200 beltless.
Saying this, I never used a belt until I could squat over 180kg, and would rarely use one below 200kg warming up.
Go for a 4" thick, 10mm belt. I got amen unused one from ebay for £16 instead of having to pay a lot for one from the likes of Strength Shop. I drilled a couple of extra holes in it too just for a bigger range.
Leather is the ideal choice, but mine is some synthetic material and still works great.
Leather is the ideal choice, but mine is some synthetic material and still works great.
I bought one a couple of years ago when I attempted the 10,000 x 24kg kettlebell swing challenge - I'd only just started training after 30 years of doing SFA.
The velcro element is huge. The full width of the belt and the full length of the 'wrap'.... at least 12 inches. No chance of anything slipping.
Have never used it for regular lifting though.
The velcro element is huge. The full width of the belt and the full length of the 'wrap'.... at least 12 inches. No chance of anything slipping.
Have never used it for regular lifting though.
V8mate said:
I bought one a couple of years ago when I attempted the 10,000 x 24kg kettlebell swing challenge - I'd only just started training after 30 years of doing SFA.
The velcro element is huge. The full width of the belt and the full length of the 'wrap'.... at least 12 inches. No chance of anything slipping.
Have never used it for regular lifting though.
Any I've used start slipping given enough use, fine for a bit but the velcro looses it's 'cling'. I just think if you plan to get a belt, get one that'll last forever!The velcro element is huge. The full width of the belt and the full length of the 'wrap'.... at least 12 inches. No chance of anything slipping.
Have never used it for regular lifting though.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff