I've been lifting for 4 years and have always used my belt for squats and deadlifts. Lately, I've been wondering if I should start using it for all my main lifts, like bench and overhead press. I get that it helps with intra-abdominal pressure, but does it really matter for everything? Would love to hear your thoughts on when to belt up. Thanks!
For me, I only wear a belt on my heavy sets. I used to wear it for bench and press, but it made me feel like I couldn't fully engage my core. Once I ditched it for those lifts, my strength improved. Just find what feels right for you!
Look, if you're not hitting 90%+ of your 1RM, do you even need a belt? I mean, lifting is hard enough without adding a glorified hug around your waist. Plus, if you rely on it too much, you might end up with a weak core. Just my two cents.
Using a belt for all main lifts? I don't know about that. I prefer to feel my body engage without any gear during lighter lifts. Maybe it's just my cardio background, but the focus should be on muscle engagement rather than just relying on equipment. Plus, it builds more resilience over time.
As a runner, I don't lift as heavy as some of you, but I think a belt for bench could help with form! I've seen some lifters struggle to keep their back straight. If you're aiming for big numbers, why not try it out?
I personally don't like using a belt for anything but deadlifts. For bench and OHP, I feel too restricted. It's like, I want my body to move how it wants, not how a belt tells it to. Just my take!
Honestly, the science supports using a belt for more than just squats and deadlifts! Research shows that a belt can significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, which can improve your stability and strength in other lifts too. Like, a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that lifters using belts had better lifting mechanics during the bench press. So, if you're looking to push your PRs, belting up for your main lifts could be worth it.
I think it really depends on your goals and comfort. If you're lifting for strength, belts can be super beneficial. But for general fitness and hypertrophy, I feel like you can train your core without it too. Balance is key! Keep it simple.
I get it, using a belt can help, but don't let it become a crutch. For things like overhead press, I find it more beneficial to focus on engaging the core naturally. Plus, your core gets a solid workout in the process. Just don't forget about your breathing!
Using a belt can help with stabilizing your core and preventing injury, but it's not necessary for every lift. i usually reserve it for squats and deadlifts, where the weight is heavier and the risk of injury is higher. For bench and overhead press, it's more about finding your own balance. Experiment a bit, see what feels right for you. Some powerlifters will use it even on lighter lifts, but I find it can hinder form if you rely on it too much.
Not to be basic, but if it feels good, do it! Just don't go crazy with the gear. A belt might give you that extra confidence, but at the end of the day, it's all about the hard work you put in.
This is a skill issue, bro. Just send it without a belt, then you won't need to stress about it. Life is too short to overthink squats.
Back in my day, we just lifted heavy without belts for everything. Sure, the new gear is cool, but we had to toughen up our core the hard way. Maybe give it a shot, train without it sometimes, and see how you feel!