When to Use a Lifting Belt 

Agree here. I didn’t use one at first thinking it was snake oil. Then my lifts were getting heavy for me as a beginner and then I got one and learned how to use it. It actually did help me brace more and felt “stronger”. I also felt more mentally secure doing my lifts which helped too. Kinda like someone wrapping their arms around me as I did my lifts.

True

Yeah but your not engaging the core the same way without a belt. By introducing an external factor, your taking the load off your abdominal walls. If you're going for PRs, yes absolutely use a belt. Otherwise no.

@@michaelscott5653 you are engaging your "core" the same whether you use a belt or not. If you get to a point where you want to keep getting stronger, use a belt.

@@BigBusiness02 that's patently false, having personally gone belt/beltless for conventional at 500lb and 600 for 6 reps each respectively, I've noticed distinct differences. belts are simply a tool used to externally increase intra abdominal pressure. The same can be said for straps and grip strength. Removing the belt forces the entire abdominal wall to take over the load bearing exercise.

im pretty sure you just didt wear it properly

@@weirdflex8158 It’s one of those things I think that depends on your anatomy too. I likely bought the wrong size belt that was not comfortable at all on my short torso and super high set hips. Probably should have chosen a different belt, but I never bought another one since. So far so good with no issues😊

I'm the same

if ur back is hurting u need to see a chairopracto to fix your back and learn how to properly use your lower back. tbh there is no need for a belt. other than setting up a situation where your lower back gives out due to weak muscles. your setting upurself for a serious injury and spinal problems if your upper body and legs are stronger than your core and back.

@@garroshhellscream8069 I see what you’re saying but I’m no longer lifting like how I used to tho . Trainer the core and having stability is more important to me right now

@@garroshhellscream8069 you clearly have never lifted some heavy ass weight in your life get off the couch and hit the gym

@@garroshhellscream8069 it has nothing to with your core not being strong enough you bozo same goes for back it simply that wearing a belt during squat and deadlift helps you get tighter and lift more weight

@@weirdflex8158 you fool.. there is no need to lift heavy.. you are right i DONT lift heavy because i dont wanna fuck up my back. 1 or 2 rep maxes are INSANE.. if i cant do more than 3 without giving out then its TOO heavy... i build muscle im not an ego lifter.. unless you are competing then there is no reason to risk your health for a stupid PR.. NO ONE needs a belt if they developed their body evenly.. muscles are ment to support eachother NOT surpass eachother. if you wear a belt often then you risk injury because your core and back LOWER back muscles wont be as strong as your upper body and back muscles. your core and lower back is what STABILIZE your whole body. without it you would be floping like a fish out of water. dont believe me? look what ronnie coleman did to his back. and MANY other heavy lifters.

Same reason I'm here. I lifted many years with no belt and no problem. But I'm not as young as I used to be. How's the belt working out for you?

Do you think maybe you were trying to use too much weight. 88 pounds sounds like a lot for a kettlebell

why don’t you like one on deadlifts

“Relying on a crutch” is exactly how I feel when thinking about getting one. But I’ve really tried to perfect my form for squats and other exercises and still having back pain, feel I need to at least try a belt

If you enjoy using a belt then use one, simple as that. Some people E joy the way it feels and the fact that it can add pounds to your lift. It really wasn't that hard 😂

Experiment and see what works for you