Weightlifting belts are often worn in the gym by athletes who are training with heavy weights. As with any piece of exercise equipment, however, there is a temptation to let the equipment do some of the work for you. In most cases, you're better off developing your strength gradually and letting your muscles do the work on their own.
Features
A weightlifting belt is a belt, usually made of leather, that is worn around the waist when heavy weights are being lifted or during certain weightlifting exercises. It is worn on top of your regular workout gear. Belts worn during power lifting are of uniform width, while belts worn during regular weightlifting are usually more narrow in the front and wide only in the back. Do not confuse a lumbar support belt with a weightlifting belt, or try to use a lumbar support belt in the place of a weightlifting belt.
Purpose
A weightlifting belt is fastened tightly around the waist to support the lower back and prevent injury when heavy weights are being lifted. It does this by increasing intra-abdominal pressure to support the abdominal muscles, which in turn support the small muscles to help stabilize the spine. Weightlifting belts do not take the place of proper technique, form or spotters, however.
Benefits
Power lifters may be able to lift from 5 to 15 percent more weight when wearing a belt. Wearing a belt may help prevent or reduce injury when lifting heavy weights, especially above the head; a weightlifting belt may also prevent injury if it helps you focus on lifting with the proper form and technique. If you have previously sustained an injury, a weightlifting belt may help prevent re-injury as you are healing.
Controversy
Some weight lifters argue that using a weightlifting belt provides an unfair advantage by allowing people to lift weights that they could not lift without the support of the belt. Dr. Edward R. Laskowski of the Mayo Clinic says wearing and purchasing a belt is generally unnecessary. However, some facilities require belts to be worn when certain exercises, such as squats, are being performed.
Considerations
A weightlifting belt can help you lift more weight, but it does not allow the muscles which stabilize your spine or your abdominal muscles to work and develop to their full capacity. Use of a weightlifting belt can lead to herniation of the abdominal muscles by increasing intra-abdominal pressure too much, especially if you attempt to lift heavy weights before your body has built up the necessary strength.
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