Is a weight belt a good idea??

[rush]

I hear many conflicting opinions but I used one last night
while squatting and it felt so much better

 

[Volpe]

i dont like to use one because i started to get back pains after about 3 weeks of using one...you dont need one to deadlift or squat IMO just realize your limits

 

[Volpe]

plus i see it as a fashion accessory more than anything else in my gym.

 

[Zyglamail]

I hear many conflicting opinions but I used one last night
while squatting and it felt so much better

It felt so much better because it toock stresses off certain area. If your lifting to remove stress from certain area then why lift at all? Reliance on a belt will mean certain muscles will grow while those being aided by the belt grow at a much slower rate leaving you with an imbalance and you will undoubtedly set yourself up for injury in the long run. I personally only use a belt for 1-2 rep maxes, which I dont do often at all.

 

[Minitor2]

honestly

i wouldnt lift witht he same amount of confidence on lifts like deadlifts, squats, bent over barbell rows and standing military presses. i think it adds an extra edge to your attitude in the gym. i have the shiek leathe rbelt with all the nice padding and 2 prog set up, cost me like 50$ is the best belt i have ever used and the comfort is amazing no pinching or hanging up or anything. definatly a worthwile investment in saftey and training.

minitor2

 

[Wyllis]

I think that using a belt is only needed for some movements. I dont believe you need a belt for squats or deadlifts they tend to pinch me too much mid way through the movement and by me not wearing a belt it forces me to focus on my form and not get sloppy.

 

[Antti]

Ditch the belt.

 

[jc21]

my back cant handle when i get heavy on squat so i use one.