Belt while benching?

[Bald Gorilla]

Being new to PL, I'd like to hear some theories on wearing a belt while benching.

Does it help with stabilization only? Does everyone advocate a belt with a shirt?

It seems to be pretty common, but coming from the bodybuilding world, I always tried to use as little equipment as possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chambewy20]

Belts help with that feeling of getting a big belly of air and then pushing your gut against the belt. They also help a lot with locking in your shirt as you stated.

Most guys can use a 12mm belt and like it while I've heard smaller guys have a difficult time getting an arch with these. People with no bellies and shorter torso's have a difficult time simply due to the belt restricting their ability to bench. I've heard of guys using dress belts in competitions, just to hold down the shirt but really not provide anymore help.

I don't beleive belts hinder or help you too much on the bench or not as useful for their originally intended purpose, preventing hernias, due to a majority of the pressure being further up your torso. I use them whenever I feel the need.

I do like the thought of going as high as you can in weight without using a belt performing squats and deads just for the mere fact of strengthening your core and forcing yourself to keep tight without any assistance. Only do it safely and listen to your gut, literally...

To each his own though...

 

[jcp2]

The only thing i find it useful for is holding my shirt down. If i don't use it it hinders my lockout, as i am gong back with the weight, my shirt is going back with it.

 

[brbb]

Same as above, it only keeps my shirt from riding up. Matter of fact, I use a leather tool belt and not an actual PL belt as the latter is too thick and hinders my arch.

 

[Bald Gorilla]

That's what I figured. I had used one with my shirt except the last time I did a shirt workout. It does feel better, if for no other reason than holding the shirt down.

I appreciate the input.

 

[The_Monster]

Yeah, just for holding a shirt down for me. It actually makes it harder to arch, but I dont have the cash to get a bench belt... that money is earmarked for pizza and Guinness.

 

[Bald Gorilla]

OK. I am going to push 500lbs for the first time this weekend. I'll be wearing a single ply....

I'm pretty pumped for it...

 

[Chambewy20]

Awesome dude, what kinda shirt you got and how much you weighing?

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Yeah, just for holding a shirt down for me. It actually makes it harder to arch, but I dont have the cash to get a bench belt... that money is earmarked for pizza and Guinness.

Ive got Chris Masons Big Bench Belt
it does make a difference -not cheap

but i also know a good buddy of mine who tried it didnt like it and uses this belt
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...s?q=work+belt+leather&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&sa=G

might be worth trying out one for 20 bucks before blowing 80
still plenty left over for pizza and guinness

 

[FlexOhio]

the belt not only helps keep my shirt down, but helps to keep my torso region tight by pushing against it. btw-I only have a small arch.