Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below Ok-this is kind of a weird question, but I am now curious. I am a college student and I am in the Exercise and Sports Science department and one of my classes is Accident Prevention. We were talking about back injuries today and my teacher said that back supports do nothing and a student asked if belts while doing back exercises help and the teacher said no. I was curious if this is true, because if it is people are spending money on nothing. It personally seems to help me and I know it helps my boyfriend. I asked him about it at lunch and we decided putting it on here is a good idea. Thanks in advance for responses. I am not used to putting things up on here, but I will gain knowledge and probably confidence in the long run. I read stuff on here and ya'll are funny and knowledgable-I love it. Take care and have a great day!!
I have a question about waist belts used for squats
- Thread starter lauren11
- Start date
Tight back supports help increase intra-abdominal pressure and provide stability to the spine. This is not really needed though, as the muscles in your abdominals and lower back should be your own weight belt.
This is what I think I have read before. I may be completely wrong.
This is what I think I have read before. I may be completely wrong.
using a belt isnt necessary at all. It ends up doing the stabilizing that your own muscles are supposed to do, which results in a muscular imbalance. I was told years ago by a specialist that the build up of pressure in the abdominal wall can lead to a hernia as teh pressure will look for a weak area to escape. Since then I have never used a belt, and as anyone who has seen my squat or deadlift videos can attest to, it certainly hasnt hurt my strenth one bit
Lauren, that's a good question, and I think it would help if you teacher were more clear about what he means by "help." Does it help support the spine? Help a person make the lift? Help them feel more stable? Help them use their air? Kind of a general/vague comment, if that's all he said, which would make me question his knowledge on the subject.
No, a belt isn't necessary. Most people have WEAK backs...a weak core in general, and this is what causes injury (well that and improper form). As a powerlifter, I use my belt loosely so that when I get ready for a lift I can take a big breath of air and press OUT against the belt...this "HELPS." It's not necessary for me to do that to, say, squat....but I do like the extra 10, 20, 30 pounds, and I consider that helpful.
No, a belt isn't necessary. Most people have WEAK backs...a weak core in general, and this is what causes injury (well that and improper form). As a powerlifter, I use my belt loosely so that when I get ready for a lift I can take a big breath of air and press OUT against the belt...this "HELPS." It's not necessary for me to do that to, say, squat....but I do like the extra 10, 20, 30 pounds, and I consider that helpful.
bignate73
New member
teen1216 said:
nope you are absolutely right!!! excellent explanation.
those particular back supports may be beneficial to those with weak core muscles, or workers whose backs get fatigued and placed in a precarious positions. but all in all, it can create faulty muscle recruitment patterns and actually cause your body to become reliant upon the apparatus.
I wear a belt, but not too tight.
The other posts are right in that your muscles should provide the support but really you don't want to develop the core muscles in that way. Its sometimes possible to spot guys in the gym who don't wear a belt when squatting.... they have a massive core, pretty ugly. I wear one just so that my core doesn't have to work too hard and doesn't develop more than I'd like.
The other posts are right in that your muscles should provide the support but really you don't want to develop the core muscles in that way. Its sometimes possible to spot guys in the gym who don't wear a belt when squatting.... they have a massive core, pretty ugly. I wear one just so that my core doesn't have to work too hard and doesn't develop more than I'd like.
If you are talking about using back belts/braces for working conditions...NIOSH does not approve of the use of them. Basically they look at it like this...
Most of the time when you put a belt on somoene and they are an uneducated lifter/worker...they feel that they can do a lot more work or lift improperly without getting hurt. They often feel that they can do more without concern. This is false though...
If you are lifting/competing...sure...wear one when it really counts. I don't train with one and I have only been wearing mine when I do events...at a contest...or when it REALLY matters...
B True
Most of the time when you put a belt on somoene and they are an uneducated lifter/worker...they feel that they can do a lot more work or lift improperly without getting hurt. They often feel that they can do more without concern. This is false though...
If you are lifting/competing...sure...wear one when it really counts. I don't train with one and I have only been wearing mine when I do events...at a contest...or when it REALLY matters...
B True
