Weightlifting belts are the subject of one of the most heated disputes in the gym. Some argue that belts are necessary for those large lifts. Others say that lifting belts only conceal your flaws. The scenario is a little different in reality. Belts may bring a lot of value to your exercises if you’re an intermediate to experienced athlete. If you’re a beginner, any backache or extra weight caused by a belt is only a band-aid.
It’s a little more complicated than that. So we decided to deconstruct it once and for all. Continue reading if you’re thinking about purchasing weight lifting belts for the gym.
When Weightlifting Belts Are An Excellent Idea
We’re finally getting to the fun stuff. There’s a reason why many bodybuilders utilize a weightlifting belt during each session. Why? Because they are highly beneficial to intermediate to expert lifters.
Most people wouldn’t get beneath a big barbell for deep squats if they didn’t have a belt. Simply, once you’ve accumulated enough weight on the bar, you’ll need a belt to move it securely.
Here are some reasons why the best weight lifting belts are a good investment:
Injury Prevention
When you’re carrying a hefty item, a lifting belt might assist you in avoiding significant injuries, particularly orthopedic ones. There is no doubt about that. When you’re squatting or deadlifting at 80 percent or more of your one-rep maximum, a belt can help you avoid injury while maintaining proper technique.
Many would say that a belt is required for anyone who can squat or lift 2X their weight or more. The legs will respond to training better and expand faster than the abs and lower back. As a result, a belt may compensate for any asymmetries in your leg and core strength.
More Weight
What is the appeal of the best belts for weightlifting? Because they allow you to lift heavier weights! After one to two weeks of belt training, trained athletes’ max weights typically increase by 5-15 percent. That’s a lot of additional weight.
Adding 15% to an 80 kg man squatting 2X his bodyweight equates to an additional 24 kg on a one-rep max. That’s a significant improvement from simply using a gym accessory for a week.
There is, however, a catch. Unless you’re an intermediate to advanced lifter, using the belt before its time could limit your gains. Keep your cool, young grasshopper. Don’t be greedy with your profits!
Reduced Spinal Stress
When you wear a belt, the intra-abdominal force inside you can rise by more than 40%. As a result, compression in your lower back discs can be reduced by up to 50%. This leads to a decline in pressure on your lower back. But it isn’t all because of the belt. The belt is not supporting your spine. The belt keeps your abs. When you move heavyweights, your spine is supported by increased abdominal pressure.
As you can see, the best lifting belts can help lifters in some situations while hindering them in others. So, when should you buy a belt? That’s pretty straightforward.
