Weight Belt or No Weight Belt?

[RyanH]

I haven't been using a weight belt at all when doing squats, since recently I read some literature stating that a belt was more harmful than productive.

But contrary to this, I've also read to use a weight belt.

Can someone give me THE BOTTOM line on this dilemma?

 

[21inch_arms]

OK as a Bodybuilder I do not use gloves or a weight belt. Do I lift Heavy? Yes. Arnold was the same way. Why? Preference, It makes your back stronger by not using one, there are now published studies that state weight belts aren't as important as once thought. I don't wear gloves because it weakens my forearms. Again a personal preferance. When I get on Stage I want a strong lower back and yolked forearms.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Bottom line:

Use it for your heaviest reps on squats or deadlifts. Other than that, it will weaken your back because your body gfets dependent on it.

 

[Warik]

IMO, a belt serves purpose to no one but a competative lifter. Do you wear a bench shirt when you bench? Of course not...

Your training goal is to get stronger and improve your appearance - not to be able to lift the heaviest weight you can at a show. As such, you should let YOUR back and abs handle the load of a squat as opposed to the belt. It will strengthen your abs and it will strengthen your back. The belt won't get any stronger.

I've never used a belt, even on my heaviest lifts... my back feels great and I feel some vicious abs under this layer of fat begging to come out one day. =)

Lose the belt.

-Warik

 

[Burning_Inside]

I don't see how wearing gloves will weaken your forearms, if anything it will let you carry more weight, as it does for me, for the simple fact that int he gym I go to, they have those risges and bumps on the section of the bar that you grip, and when you're deadlifting a certain amount, those things reeealy start to dig into your hands and it reeealy distracts you from just trying to lift the weight up.

 

[Daeo]

I don't really consider the usage of belts, wraps, or straps wimping out in the gym. If I want to train/strengthen a bodypart I'll do it directly with exercises tageting that area. Why do you do squats? To train you legs I hope. Not many people can handle the forces of 400+lbs on their lower back no matter how strong they think they are. I'd rather use a belt and prevent injury than be a "tough guy" and not use one...

 

[Daeo]

Btw Burning_Inside, I got you on the ridges on the bars. At times I feel like I'm holding a cheese grater in my hands with a couple hundred pounds strapped to it...

 

[Big Buck]

no belt, no gloves

 

[21inch_arms]

I don't see how wearing gloves will weaken your forearms, if anything it will let you carry more weight, as it does for me, for the simple fact that int he gym I go to, they have those risges and bumps on the section of the bar that you grip, and when you're deadlifting a certain amount, those things reeealy start to dig into your hands and it reeealy distracts you from just trying to lift the weight up.

Once again opinions are like......

Wait a second let me rephrase what I said earlier. Gloves, Wraps, Belts, are for Powerlifters and Sissy Ass Bodybuilders (J/K). I believe that by not using gloves you will strenghten your grip over time and your hand will become caloused and worn. Your grip is controlled by your tendons that in turn are controlled by nerves that contract the muscles in you forearms.

 

[21inch_arms]

1. Acromion of scapula
2. Clavicle
3. Coracoid process of scapula
4. Glenoid process of humerus
5. Humeral head
6. Lesser tubercle of humerus
7. Intertubercular groove
8. Greater tubercle of humerus
9. Scapula
10. Medial border of scapula
11. Lateral border of scapula
12. Deltoid m.
13. Pectoralis major m.
14. Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
15. Inferior angle of scapula
16. Coracobrachialis m.
17. Humerus
18. Triceps (long head) m.
19. Biceps brachii m.
20. Brachialis m.
21. Pronator teres m.
22. Medial supracondylar ridge of humerus
23. Lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus
24. Medial epicondyle of humerus
25. Capitulum of humerus
26. Trochlea of humerus
27. Radial head
28. Coronoid process
29. Bicipital aponeurosis
30. Radial tuberosity
31. Pronator teres m.
32. Brachioradialis m.
33. Flexor carpi radialis m.
34. Ulna
35. Palmaris longus m.
36. Radius
37. Flexor carpi ulnaris m.
38. Flexor digitorum superficialis m.
39. Ulnar head
40. Radius, styloid process
41. Flexor retinaculum
42. Carpal bones
43. Thenar mm.
44. Palmar aponeurosis
45. Hypothenar mm.
46. Metacarpal, 5
47. Phalanx, proximal
48. Phalanx, proximal
49. Phalanx, distal
50. Phalanx, middle
51. Phalanx, distal