For what exercises do you use a belt?

[Garza]

I laugh when I see the guys at my gym using a belt on every exercise, they are just weakening their back and more of less defeating the purpose of working out. I use a belt on deadlifts SOMETIMES and I'll normally use one while doing bent over barbell rows becuase my back is usually exhausted from deadlifts.

So, what exercises do you use a belt for?


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[kingsquat]

I don't use a belt unless I go over 405 on Squats or DL's. Otherwise, I leave it at home. Like you, I occasionaly use one on bent over rows just because by that time I'm tired and it keeps my form correct.

I know what you mean, to some guys, a belt is like a pacifier...

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One Rep Past Death...

 

[Gullie]

I havent used a belt in about 4 years. I noticed a huge difference in my lower back development once I stopped using it. I have gone a heavy as 6 plates on a deadlift for a triple with out one and 5 plates on a squat for 5 reps with out a belt. I dont do this every week but it has been doen with out injury.

 

[GenetiKing]

Squats, heavy barbell shrugs, T-bars, good mornings and stiff-legged's. I have a recurring lower back injury that flares up easily if I'm not careful. I would never even attempt the aforementioned without a belt.

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Backstage, '75 Olympia:

Serge Nubret, "I look like I can take you."

Arnold, "Keep looking."

 

[Garza]

I like to watch the guys my age strut around in the gym with a belt on like they are hot shit. All they do is cable exercises and machines. They are my entertainment.

 

[Valdez]

Squats and leg presses (I would rather not have a hernia thank you very much -leg press-)

 

[da big thinker]

IN MY OPINION,AND I STRESS MY OPINION,A BELT SHOULD BE USED FOR ANY EXERCISES WHERE "HEAVY" WEIGHT IS APPLIED.I'VE STUDIED THE PRO'S AND CONS OF HAVING A BELT,BUT I BELEIVE IF YOU ARE USING HEAVY WEIGHT,A BELT CAN BE BENEFICIAL...WHY TAKE A CHANCE.IF YOU ARE USING REPS OF 10(+),THEN OBVIOUSLY YOU'RE NOT TRAINING AT MAXIMUM POUNDAGE LEVELS AND DON'T REQUIRE A BELT...BUT,ON THE OTHER HAND,WHEN YOU TRAINING IN THE 1-6 REPS,YOU SHOULD BE USING A BELT,BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY WEIGHT.FYI

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if you don't like it,get the fuck out!

 

[The Dude]

Squats, deadlifts, stiff-legged deadlifts, barbell rows, shrugs, barbell curls

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I'm a white male, age 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me, no matter how dumb my suggestions are. - Homer Simpson

 

[supersizeme]

none

 

[JB3]

Only for <4 rep squats.

 

[Belial]

Preacher curls, concentration curls, pull-ups, machine row, calf extensions, all cardio work....

Hey, that's what half the dudes in my gym do here.....


hehehe

 

[Cackerot69]

Belt = False sense of security.

 

[DrSuperSaint]

on heavy sets only ...

 

[MrMuscle]

i use a belt on squat, sldl, dl, bent over barbell rows

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THE NORWEGIAN FREIGHT TRAIN

"Pain, is just weakness leaving your body"

"...damn you for not giving my TEST" - Metallica

"After this show i'll be fat and happy again.....If i make it to the show...." - Lee Priest

"Lets put some weight on the bar.." - Shawn Ray

"IT DOESN'T MATTER" - The Rock

"Intensity builds immensity" - Kevin Levrone

 

[strengthmonster]

I have always worn it for everything for 13 years. This was what I was told to do 13 years ago. Consequently, I have now found that my lower back is weaker than it should be and have recently been experimenting in training without it and building strength in it.

 

[bighydo]

My belt is on during squats, deadlifts, bent-over barbell rows, and shrugs. Never on during bench-presses or leg presses. A belt does nothing on those exercises but restrict my breathing. If you're lifting heavy, that is the last thing you need. A belt is very important, however on any lift where the lower vertebrae of the spine are stressed. Who can lift anything with all of their discs hanging out of their rear end?

 

[Cube]

It has been found that athletes training using belts are basically more susceptible to lower back injuries. You need to include abdominal training and lower back training to keep these core muscles strong and reduce the chance of injury. Training constantly with a belt will make these muscles weaker in effect and wont do much for their development. If you look at olympic weightlifters, most don't use belts and these exercises are much more stressful on the lower back than DL or squats for example.

 

[tomcat]

Heavy Squats only.. The only place most Gyms provide a belt is at the squat rack. That's a good hint that it's probably the most needed place.

 

[Urlu]

May sound strange, but I used it for dips.... I have a tendency to curve my back in a strange way while I'm doing them and it hurts. The belt stops it.