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workout belt

jmoney02

Member
Do any of you wear a workout belt while training? My lower back has been acting up and I was considering using a belt for some extra support. Any opinions? Thanks.
 
jmoney02 said:
Do any of you wear a workout belt while training? My lower back has been acting up and I was considering using a belt for some extra support. Any opinions? Thanks.
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I used to have a bad lower back until I did yoga style stretching, and now doing dead lifts has really started to strengthen it.
 
I don't use a workout belt -- I strongly suggest trying to slowly build up your lower back strength through training. Your goal should be to get to the point where your lower back and abs are acting like a girdle that takes the place of artificial supports like weight belts. I'd suggest starting light, but working weighted back extensions and/or good mornings into your routine to start building up strength.
 
owlicks said:
I don't use a workout belt -- I strongly suggest trying to slowly build up your lower back strength through training. Your goal should be to get to the point where your lower back and abs are acting like a girdle that takes the place of artificial supports like weight belts. I'd suggest starting light, but working weighted back extensions and/or good mornings into your routine to start building up strength.
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Yah good advice, you could also do kettlebell swings, it's a real smooth motion, easy on the back and an amazing exercise to boot!
 
I only use a belt for squats and lower back movements for more support. I had bad lower back in the past and belt helps stabilize me more when going heavier
 
owlicks said:
I don't use a workout belt -- I strongly suggest trying to slowly build up your lower back strength through training. Your goal should be to get to the point where your lower back and abs are acting like a girdle that takes the place of artificial supports like weight belts. I'd suggest starting light, but working weighted back extensions and/or good mornings into your routine to start building up strength.
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What about using a belt for dumbbell work only? I don't use a belt on any of my compound lifts, but I do on most of my dumbbell lifts, simply because it's easy to throw my back out when picking the dumbbells off the floor since my garage is unleveled and the dumbbells roll alot on the ground. I also use a belt when doing ez bar standing curls to help prevent back movement.
 
DerickVonD said:
What about using a belt for dumbbell work only? I don't use a belt on any of my compound lifts, but I do on most of my dumbbell lifts, simply because it's easy to throw my back out when picking the dumbbells off the floor since my garage is unleveled and the dumbbells roll alot on the ground. I also use a belt when doing ez bar standing curls to help prevent back movement.
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Typically a belt is only used with compound lifts. I suppose if it works for you for that way, there's probably no harm in it, as the lifts you're talking about shouldn't involve your back anyway. Sounds like a situation where a spotter may be beneficial though!
 
owlicks said:
Typically a belt is only used with compound lifts. I suppose if it works for you for that way, there's probably no harm in it, as the lifts you're talking about shouldn't involve your back anyway. Sounds like a situation where a spotter may be beneficial though!
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I workout at home so that's not always an option lol.
 
I use a belt because I have scoliosis that's prominant in my lower back. I've noticed that my back pain has lessened significantly since I bought my belt. I would think that if you plan on getting serious with squats and deadlifts you would want to invest in a belt. Working towards a strong core is something that can aid most compound movements but I feel better knowing that if my form deteriorates during high weight or max effort movements I have an external support there just in case.
 
McCoy1989 said:
I use a belt because I have scoliosis that's prominant in my lower back. I've noticed that my back pain has lessened significantly since I bought my belt. I would think that if you plan on getting serious with squats and deadlifts you would want to invest in a belt. Working towards a strong core is something that can aid most compound movements but I feel better knowing that if my form deteriorates during high weight or max effort movements I have an external support there just in case.
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I don't have a problem in my lower back anymore since I've been stretching but my upper back needs cracked every 3-4 days.
 
owlicks said:
I don't use a workout belt -- I strongly suggest trying to slowly build up your lower back strength through training. Your goal should be to get to the point where your lower back and abs are acting like a girdle that takes the place of artificial supports like weight belts. I'd suggest starting light, but working weighted back extensions and/or good mornings into your routine to start building up strength.
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Agreed 100%. But in the meanwhile, use a belt sparingly - but do use it. It can help you learn to push out your abs for stability since you have something to push against.
 
owlicks said:
I don't use a workout belt -- I strongly suggest trying to slowly build up your lower back strength through training. Your goal should be to get to the point where your lower back and abs are acting like a girdle that takes the place of artificial supports like weight belts. I'd suggest starting light, but working weighted back extensions and/or good mornings into your routine to start building up strength.
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what are you talking about? a belt only works if your abs are strong. you can lift more and lift safer, i see no reason not to use one.

inzer forever 10mm single prong belt
 
GeekPoop said:
what are you talking about? a belt only works if your abs are strong. you can lift more and lift safer, i see no reason not to use one.

inzer forever 10mm single prong belt
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I guess I could have qualified my statement, but if you're squatting, say, under 315 lbs, I don't see a reason you should have to use a belt. I see too many people in the gym squatting lighter weights and using a belt, which I still believe is detrimental. If you're back is acting up, then that means your strength is not very balanced and you need to spend time on lighter squats while you build up your core. In such a case, I believe a belt is a crutch. It just seems counterintuitive to me to try to squat an amount that your core can't handle, unless, as I said, you're already in great shape and are getting up to some serious weight.
 
at your build, 315 may be what you consider heavy but someone whos smaller, 275 may be the equivalent.

you're only as strong as your weakest body part, so you need to address them. sit ups /good mornings etc.
 
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