Weightlifting belts are found in fitness gyms and it’s not uncommon to find people wearing them when they’re participating in heavy or Olympic lifts. Sometimes people use them while they’re at their jobs if their work is physically intensive or requires heavy lifting. They’re meant to protect the lower back from overextending and subsequent injuries.
Identification
Most weight lifting belts are made of leather. A powerlifting weight belt, normally used for heavy lifts, such as back squats, remains the same width all the way around the waist. They’re made significantly stiffer than a conventional belt. A conventional belt, used for heavy lifts like cleans and jerks, is thinner in the front and wider in the lower back and made with a softer leather to allow for greater mobility.
Function
A weight belt wraps around the lower waist and should be tightly secured. It is meant to stabilize the lower back and core by preventing the spine from bending. If used at all, they should only be worn for exercises that overly stress the spine, such as heavy back squats, military press and deadlifts, and for powerlifts such as hang cleans and jerks. It is not intended to be worn for more simple exercises such as lat pulldown, leg extension and bicep curls.
Benefits
For individuals who are unable to maintain a neutral spine position while they’re lifting, a weight belt can protect the lower back from injury. It keeps the back upright when under high stress, preventing it from buckling. In addition, many lifters find that they are able to lift with a heavier weight than they could without the extra support the belt provides.
Considerations
Weight belts are considered somewhat controversial. According to at the National Strength and Conditioning Association, weight belts have been found to increase blood pressure, posing a potential danger to those who already have cardiovascular concerns. A weight belt may give the lifter a false security that he can lift heavier weights than he really can. Also, it’s not recommended to wear weight belts long-term, as core muscles can become dependent on them, and as a result, deteriorate and lose strength.
Tips To Workout Safely Without A Weight Belt
There are steps that you can take to prevent the necessity of a weight belt. Take the extra time to make sure that you’re using the correct technique while lifting. Begin with lighter weights to build your core strength before progressing to heavier weights. Once you get to a point where you’re using heavier weights, be sure to keep your spine in a neutral and stable position.
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