Learning how to brace your spine and abs is not just for doing deadlifts/squats/overhead press but you should be doing it for every day things. Not to the same intensity but at least 10-20% and ramp it up when you need it. Also don't forget to brace when you are putting on/taking off/ cleaning up the weights/bar etc. Some of my worse tweaks happened when I was getting ready to lift until I cottoned on. Good luck everyone!!!!
The purpose of the belt that’s thinner at the front and thicker at the back is for Olympic lifting. You cannot get into position with a wide belt. So the person that designed that belt did know what they were doing.
I don’t want to speak for anyone, but I think what he means is that since the intra abdominal pressure is obtained by the front of the belt, then 4 inches in the back and 2 inches in the front (like a oly weightlifting belt) is poorly designed because the belt should just be 2 inches all around because the 4 inch width in the back does nothing. I personally use a 2 inch belt for deadlifting (which rip actually mentions using in his article “the belt and the deadlift”) but my belt is 2 inches all around as opposed to 4 inches in the back and 2 inches in the front. So yes, an oly weightlifting belt was poorly designed.
Does the wider back not also support the lower back? I have low bsck pain, when i squat it wrecks it and i have perfect form and not too much weight. So wouldn't a wide back belt hrlp5
Have not used a belt and no lifting shoes 290 squat 344 deadlift 256 bench 165 press Top shoes? Top belt and size? 6’1” 211 lbs Pale midwest complexion Skinny fat so ride the bike 60 minutes early morning daily and lift in afternoon Other than shoes and belt any suggestions? I use chalk for deadlifts, ivanko weight set, need to get safety bars or better rack soon too. Gracias amigos/gas
Channeling Rip: "You need to gain 40lbs immediately." Seriously though, I understand the desire to not be skinny fat, but that is really about diet. The 60 minutes on the bike holds back your lifting progress way more than it is worth.
It's not like the belt is load-bearing. It gives something for the abs to contract against. Wearing a belt is not "artificial reinforcement" because it does not off-load the abs; it ENABLES the abs to contract harder. A harder contraction means stronger abs. And the heavier weights you can lift safely with the belt also mean stronger abs.
@@CitronMandX Nope, the belt doesn't allow the abs to contract stronger...the belt restricts the space of the intrabdominal cavity so that when the contraction occurs the pressure is greater and forces to reinforce the spine. It is LITERALLY an artifical means to reinforce the spine.
Thanks for the content Ray! Please help though! I have been struggling with the belt. Especially on deadlifts, I seemingly CAN NOT get enough air, before bracing, when I bend down to grab the bar, and I get lightheaded quicker, while using a belt. What in the world am I doing wrong?
Thanks @@Francesco-cj3oi I bought a 4-inch belt. Didn't realize it would have such a significant impact. I feel like I don't pull it nearly as tight as the example videos I have found. Like the one here. I have tried several different positions, little higher, little lower, just under ribs, and it seems that no matter what, when I bend over to grab the bar, for deadlifting, I am severely limited on my ability to expand my diaphragm. I end up tieing the belt so loose, I think it almost loses it's whole value.
@@xmoogoox Thanks Ray, I trained last night, and it worked great. I couldn't believe it was so simple. Been struggling with belt location for months. I just needed to slide it down a bit further than I thought I should. I was able to breath fine, tie it tight, and brace properly. Thanks again Ray and Francesco.
Its NOT "unnecessarily controversial". I put on a 3" belt. Practiced with it. I tested various positions with light weight while simultaneously syncing my breath with the movement patterns. Even while it was awkward, I went ahead and completed my work sets. The next couple days I had a very difficult time getting in a comfortable position just to sleep. Went to the doctor and was told my ribs were fractured. There's something slightly off about this method.
