[BigT4040]

Alright so I was deadliftin last wednesday. I dont use a belt as I hav yet to find a good one, and once in a while I'll use wrist straps on my last set. I dont lift too heavy since only about a month ago I incorporated deads into my workouts. I work my way up and do a few sets @ 275 with high reps to get my form better before I go heavier. But anyway between sets some guy came up to me and yelled, "Boy you crazy? Your gona break your spine if you dont use a belt. And whats those pieces of string you got round your wrists?"

Needless to say I was pretty pissed off some guy was sittin there yellin at me, he didnt seem to be all there if you know what i mean. However it made me wonder, whats everyone's opinion on using belts and straps when deadliftin?

[Rugger]

I've never used either. My ortho, who also happens to be the ortho for Minnesota Twins and Wild says not to use a belt unless you are already dealing with an injury. Lifting without a belt allows the body to more fully develop the stabilization and abdominal muscles that are important for every aspect of life, including dead lifting. If you were lifting competitively, that might be a different story.

Only use straps if you want to go bigger and don't care about forearm size. My forearms are only .6 inches smaller than my biceps and it's because I've never used straps. Plus, it's pretty BA to be able to say that your grip can withstand 500lbs.

[smeton_yea]

I use a belt on my heavy sets. I go up to 315 without a belt. I don't use straps on dead's. example tomorrow(if my body feels like it, its pretty beat from friday) if not tueday I'm doing 380 on deads for reps and will use a belt.

[BigCasino]

Originally Posted by Rugger1

I've never used either. My ortho, who also happens to be the ortho for Minnesota Twins and Wild says not to use a belt unless you are already dealing with an injury. Lifting without a belt allows the body to more fully develop the stabilization and abdominal muscles that are important for every aspect of life, including dead lifting. If you were lifting competitively, that might be a different story.

Only use straps if you want to go bigger and don't care about forearm size. My forearms are only .6 inches smaller than my biceps and it's because I've never used straps. Plus, it's pretty BA to be able to say that your grip can withstand 500lbs.

I pretty much agree with Rugger here. I don't use a belt or wraps, all I use is chalk, and I do over 600lbs 1 RP Max, and 475 x 10. I've never hurt myself deadlifting, just squatting.

Now, I am going to have to get used to using a belt and a suit, because I plan on competing soon, but I am also going to do some RAW competitions it was not all for naught.

That said, Rugger you are very lucky with your forearm situation there brother. I deadlift like mad, and train my grip using Captains of Crush, and my forearms still don't look THAT special. I've always wanted ballistic forearms, but it probably won't happen until I start pinning IGF-1 & AAS :-\

[Rodja]

If doing sets of <5 reps, then use a belt. Better safe than sorry and make sure to do lots of heavy core work as well. This helps with stability, lessens chance of injury, and increases the amount you can pull.

[BigT4040]

Originally Posted by Rodja

If doing sets of <5 reps, then use a belt. Better safe than sorry and make sure to do lots of heavy core work as well. This helps with stability, lessens chance of injury, and increases the amount you can pull.

Good call. Freshman-Junior year of highschool if i ever did squats, which rarely happened(got caught up in the whole 'the more u bench the tougher you are') i used a belt on every set. then come senior year and since, i haven't used one, its crazy how much stronger my core feels. even just walkin around i notice it. In august i hav to do 1rm dead, squat and bench, for football. idk bout you guys but i hate doin 1rm. especially for squat. rather would do 3 or more like 5 rm.

[jcp2]

I wear a belt when i get over 500lbs. It allows me to lift heavier weights and i have had deads get away from me, especially when using chains, where the strain may have ended up worse had i not worn a belt. But that being said, if i was just deadlifting as part of my workout doing reps and was not concerned about the weight i would not be wearing a belt, i rarely wear it squtting until i put equipment on.

[ShakesAllDay]

I wouldn't wear a belt unless you are going pretty heavy (<5 reps). And, I wouldn't start out w/ straps. Maybe in the later sets when your grip starts failing before the rest of your body, but not from start to finish. I wouldn't cut my deadlift workout short from lack of forearm strength.

[jcp2]

I am going to go against the grain here on straps, if i were not competing in the deadlift i would be using an double overhand grip and wearing straps.

[Rodja]

Originally Posted by jcp2

I am going to go against the grain here on straps, if i were not competing in the deadlift i would be using an double overhand grip and wearing straps.

I do this when I start getting into the single and double territory. Alternating puts a lot of strain on my bicep and the medial epicondyle in my elbow.

[Genetic79]

I say use a belt only for max weight at 5 reps, the belt helps and hinders at the same time. It takes stimulis away from the erectors and obliques. If you want a crazy christmas tree, go without the belt. Keep those abs tight.

[smeton_yea]

I've always had success with under/over and over/under, alternated for max grip. Than again most I've done is 415. with a 435 attempt. Maxing in the next week or two , if everything goes as planned.

[BigT4040]

Originally Posted by Rodja

I do this when I start getting into the single and double territory. Alternating puts a lot of strain on my bicep and the medial epicondyle in my elbow.

Def gona try this once when i start goin heavy.

[Rugger]

mixed grip ftw