Lifing belts4/29/2023 ![]() That being said, folks like Louie Simmons advocate pushing your abs against the belt, in which case belt work might actually make your core stronger because you have some resistance – the belt – to push against.īut if you're an athlete and you don't wear a belt in your sport, then I would wear a belt sparingly. Think of a belt like a crutch – use it too much and the muscles don't respond because the belt is there. Over-reliance on lifting belts might also weaken the core musculature. – wearing a belt is unnecessary (apart from making your waist look smaller and your shoulders look bigger). However, if the exercise really doesn't stress the lower back/core that much – leg presses, triceps pushdowns, etc. If a lifter is squatting heavy or pulling big, a belt may be able to increase performance on those lifts. Lifting belts can help performance on big lifts involving the lower back. It's bad in that it shoots up blood pressure and can aggravate hernias and other injuries. This intra-abdominal pressure is good in that it increases spine and core stability. Lifting belts can increase intra-abdominal pressure. Tim Henriques Over-reliance on belts weaken the core. You'll not only be more stable, but move more weight as a result. This is true, circumferential, core stability in all directions. Now with the ribs down, take another deep breath in – you should feel pressure to the front, sides, and back of the belt. Instead, put the belt on and exhale slightly, allowing the ribs to come down. To effectively use a belt, there's a lot more to it than simply "pushing your abs out." In fact, this is detrimental as it slams your lower back into extension. However, the bulk of the training time should still be done raw, only using a belt when in the 85%+ range of lifting. And many times it works against them because the goal is to build a balanced body that works as a functional unit.įor strength athletes, it's a different story – you're judged on your ability to move weight. ![]() If someone is constantly using a belt to "hide" a weak core (relative to their hips/legs), this is a problem we need to address.Īn athlete really doesn't get anything out of using a belt. As such, we have to rebuild this over time with smart coaching and exercise progressions. When we assess our clients, they almost universally come in with a weak or underdeveloped core. Only those who are trying to compete in a strength sport (Olympic lifters, powerlifters, strongmen, etc.) should be wearing a belt when they lift.
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