Belting up for squats

**Pete Hodgson** · 18-02-2010 11:09 AM

Quote

Originally Posted by - DJT -

Well yeh, but how do I know when it becomes necessary? lol

Well I never used to use a belt at all, but around 160kg+ I struggled but didn't feel it was necessarily my legs/glutes that were the problem. I find that when I put a belt on I can stay more upright with the heavier weight and complete a rep without ending up doing a good morning style rep.

**mintster** · 18-02-2010 11:13 AM

Bought my belt from zuluglove based on recommendations from here - is fantastic quality.

I decided to get the belt after I tweaked ligaments in my back during a heavy squats session. Was very painful and kept me out of action for a month - more than anything it scared me as it could have been much more serious.

I only use the belt when I get around 80% but as earlier posts have said I will see how I feel. Have read reports that have said there is a psychological benefit to wearing a belt as the feeling of it around your waist is a mental reminder to brace before you squat (or lift in DL).

Since I have had the belt the only time I pulled a muscle in my back was from playing squash and I think I would look like a bit of a tit wearing it on the squash court!

**allan5790** · 18-02-2010 11:56 AM

I wear my belt to bed

**- DJT -** · 18-02-2010 12:36 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by Pete Hodgson

Well I never used to use a belt at all, but around 160kg+ I struggled but didn't feel it was necessarily my legs/glutes that were the problem. I find that when I put a belt on I can stay more upright with the heavier weight and complete a rep without ending up doing a good morning style rep.

My squats do get a bit good morning-ish on the heavier reps

Sounds like a belt is in order, I'll get one with my next MP order which will be in 2 months probably.... gonna get some straps as well

Cheers guys.

**gareth.e** · 20-02-2010 07:43 PM

I'm about to hit 2.5x bodyweight deadlift and I'm not using a belt yet

**khris** · 20-02-2010 08:00 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by gareth.e

I'm about to hit 2.5x bodyweight deadlift and I'm not using a belt yet

congrats on closing in on the 2.5 bw

**littlesimon** · 25-03-2010 12:01 PM

I belt up for Squats only.

**GIJoe** · 25-03-2010 12:22 PM

Its a matter of opinion but personally I dont like to use them.
The squat and deadlift are exercises that are designed to use the back muscles as well as the rest of the body.
You need to keep a neutral spine when performing most exercises, especially the squat and deadlift. If you're struggling to do that without a belt then Its probably best to reduce the weight until you're strong enough to do so.
Maybe even supplement your deadlifting with some core exercises like planks for your transverse abdominus and hyperextensions/bridges for your erector spinae, they help strengthen around the lower back.

**craig1014** · 25-03-2010 01:17 PM

I would agree with GI - I used an SI Belt (not the same as a weightlifting belt, but similar) for years whilst squatting. I stopped around 6 months ago, and my back feels much better, and stronger because of it (in addition to a ton of core work). Im at a 2.5xBW squat too, so a fairly high level.

**Tomskiii** · 03-04-2010 04:14 PM

The idea of wearing a belt is that when your abs/obliques/lowerback tense it causes pressure on your spine from all sides, hence giving added support, like someone mentioned, it gives something for your muscles to brace against. This is the reason your ideally want a belt that is 4" around, the ones that cut in to 2" at the front will give you much less support.

I think using one on your heaviest sets is a fair idea, you still hit your core with all the other sets and i too find it helps me get my head right for a PB when i've taken my shoes off and got my massive zulu belt on!

Obv if your happy without one then fair play, but it is nice and secure for the heavy sets.

Edit: Just realised 2.5xbw is bloody impressive! Above are obv only my opinions!