No matter what kind of weightlifting you plan to do, utilizing proper safety precautions and lifting techniques can help keep you from injuring yourself. Most stationary gym equipment comes with safety locks in place, but dumbbells, deadlift bars and other free weight implements may require additional equipment such as weightlifting belts to help ensure you get a safe and effective workout.
How Weightlifting Belts Work
When you perform a lifting exercise such as a squat or a deadlift, the muscles in your diaphragm as well as the muscles lining your torso contract, putting pressure on your abdomen. The fluid contents of your abdomen form a sort of pressurized "ball" that helps support your spinal column. Weightlifting belts have been found to help increase this naturally occurring support system while simultaneously relieving the load placed on your lower back and the compressive tensions exerted on your spinal discs.
Pros
In addition to the physical support weightlifting belts can provide, there is also a significant level of psychological benefits as well. Subjects who were observed working out while wearing a weight belt lifted at a faster rate, exercised in a much wider and more effective range of motion in the hips relative to the extension of the knees and the psychological support helped push the subjects towards lifting greater weight with a higher level of comfort, according to Gregory L. Welch, writing for the website Healthy.net.
Cons
According to lower back expert Stuart McGill, using a weightlifting belt is only really effective if you have had lower back troubles in the past while lifting. If your lower back is fine, you shouldn't use a weightlifting belt. McGill also cautions those with lower back pain who want to use a weightlifting belt, as the temporary pain relief can give you a false sense of security that can actually result in more serious injuries such as a hernia.
Purchasing and Prices
If you are planning on including a weightlifting belt as part of your workout uniform, you're going to want to purchase the best belt for the money. The belts come in a variety of makes and models but they all function nearly exactly the same.
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