Yes, another one of those belt questions... all the posts/articles I've read about a belt is that it takes away from a strong core, unsafe unless you have already developed a good core, etc.
I've never used a belt, and here are my current stats:
wt: 180
ht: 5'9"
Squat 5RM: 355lbs
Deadlift 5RM: 405lbs
Neither were to faillure, I usually start with squats and progress immediately to DL after maybe 10min rest at most on my "power" days. I felt like I would probably have 1 more full rep in me, but If I went for it on the squat, it would wipe me out too much for DL's, and if I went for it on DL, I think i'd f' myself over immediately after, since I have to literally kneel down and rest behind the bar for about 30sec before I can get up and move else I'd probably pass out...
So, the question is, I feel that with my squats and DL's, I've approached a tipping point with my lower back and core strength. I want to maintain a slim core for a more pronounced X-shape and V-taper, but not sure if I can strengthen my lower back any more. I'm keeping my back as stable as possible, but feel like it slightly giving on the 5th rep of my DL, and I get slight back pumps after squatting. I checked my form, and had a training partner check my form, and it's spot on except for the last DL rep as mentioned above.
Would this be a good time to look into getting a belt so I can keep progressing in weight? or should I just stay at this weight? I also want stronger legs, w/o much increase in size, I think my legs are big enough as it is, being unable to fit into any pants... my waist size is 30-31, and regular fit jeans that are 31 don't fit my legs... so I'm stuck with minimum 32 size or 33 sized jeans that always want to sag down w/o a belt.
I've never used a belt, and here are my current stats:
wt: 180
ht: 5'9"
Squat 5RM: 355lbs
Deadlift 5RM: 405lbs
Neither were to faillure, I usually start with squats and progress immediately to DL after maybe 10min rest at most on my "power" days. I felt like I would probably have 1 more full rep in me, but If I went for it on the squat, it would wipe me out too much for DL's, and if I went for it on DL, I think i'd f' myself over immediately after, since I have to literally kneel down and rest behind the bar for about 30sec before I can get up and move else I'd probably pass out...
So, the question is, I feel that with my squats and DL's, I've approached a tipping point with my lower back and core strength. I want to maintain a slim core for a more pronounced X-shape and V-taper, but not sure if I can strengthen my lower back any more. I'm keeping my back as stable as possible, but feel like it slightly giving on the 5th rep of my DL, and I get slight back pumps after squatting. I checked my form, and had a training partner check my form, and it's spot on except for the last DL rep as mentioned above.
Would this be a good time to look into getting a belt so I can keep progressing in weight? or should I just stay at this weight? I also want stronger legs, w/o much increase in size, I think my legs are big enough as it is, being unable to fit into any pants... my waist size is 30-31, and regular fit jeans that are 31 don't fit my legs... so I'm stuck with minimum 32 size or 33 sized jeans that always want to sag down w/o a belt.