thanx , I couldnt have said better. FYI , I WEAR A BELT and I put it on when I get to my body weight 240. I'm not a bodybuilder or powerlifter, but I train like both and I'M JUST AS STRONG OR STRONGER than most of you that aprofess to be powerlifters. The back is a fragile instrument and is not meant to carry excess loads such as we are describing, especially during squats,deads,curling and benching. There is nothing wrong with being careful and protecting the lower back region. Who says that wearing a belt diminishes core strength ........that a bunch of shit. Heres a brief glance of my current stats: 6'2ft 240lb 10%fat 31yr.old /4 yr serious training...oh and drug free,just creatine and good old steak and potatoes
ez curl preacher/
210 1x6 ,1x4
deads(full)/
660 1x6, 1x4
front squat
(free weight) not the smith machine(
ass to heels baby)/460 2x6
full squat/625 2x6
flat bench/495 2x6
ab crunch machine/250(entire stack) plus 45lb plate
yeah right....... my core strength is steadily diminishing as I'm typing this