bodybuilding?

Question

What are those belts that some people wear at the gym for. I am 16 and train very hard 6 times a week, and hoping to make it to the top. should i be wearing one?

thank you very much

Answer 1

This is a personal preference. Many people believe you should. Some say no. I train and I wear a belt and gloves. I wear one for two reasons. First of all, to help support my lower back while training. Second, as sort of a reminder that I need to use my legs more for lifting than my back. At 16 you should be getting help from a trainer at the gym about these questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the other people training in there, or the employees. Get to know people. Since you shouldn't be lifting without a spotter, try to get one who knows a few things and ask them some questions you might have. And employees are there to help you. Use their knowledge.

Answer 2

Lifting belts help protect your lower back during heavy lifting. They also support your abdominal muscles to some extent.

They are invaluable for heavy squats and dead lifts. One thing to be aware of, however, is that if you use a belt for all your lifting activities, you won`t be working the areas the belt supports, so in effect you`ll be cheating yourself out of some of the gains you would have otherwise made. It`s probably best to only use a belt for your heaviest sets on heavy exercises. There`s really no need for a belt when you`re not placing heavy stress on your lower back.

One other thing worth noting is that there are quite a few different widths and thicknesses belts commonly come in. It`s probably a good idea to try using a few different styles before you settle on one. Some power lifters prefer belts that are the same width all the way around, while many casual lifters use belts that are relatively narrow in the front.

In any case, good luck with your training!

Answer 3

Those belts are to support your abdomen. You see, when you lift very heavy things, there gets to be a lot of pressure around your waist pushing outward. The belt is to oppose the pressure and give you extra support. I've read that they really aren't a good idea most of the time because they create a weakness. Unless you're doing extremely heavy lifting I think you'd be better off without one. Good night!

Oh yeah, and I guess they could help with form. But that isn't the purpose I remember reading about.

Answer 4

I agree with Hansum on this one, that they should only be used when lifting very heavy weights, such as when doing singles and triples or maxing on core lifts like deadlifts, SLDL, or squats, where the back is included in the movement. I recommend not using one all other times or else you risk under-development of the back muscles which are needed for most movements. Lifting aids such as weight belts or wrist wraps will hinder strength and muscle development of those areas and actually increase risk of injury as you get stronger in the target muscle groups, if used all the time.

Don't listen to these guys who say lifting weights will stunt growth. There's absolutely no medical evidence to support this claim. The only risky exercise is the one that's performed incorrectly. Sports such as soccer and football have a much higher incidence of injury, even permanent injury.

Answer 5

Not until you get to very heavy weights or have issues with your back. Those belts are commonly referred to as weight belts and provide support for your back in order to prevent injury. I squat 235 lbs. and deadlift 295 lbs, which isn't impressive, but I don't use a weight belt so that should give you an idea of what's a "heavy weight".

Answer 6

Lifters wear them to help stabilize the vertebral column when lifting very heavy loads. So you don't blow out your back. I have been lifting heavy for years and never felt the need for one. I feel that if I observe strict proper form at all times and DO NOT try that "one rep maximum" power lifter stuff, things should be ok. It's worked for me for over 17 years. Form above all else. Good Luck ... R.

Answer 7

You really shouldn't be using enough weight to have to wear a belt. Belts are worn when a super heavy weight is being used, but here's the problem super heavy weight = super heavy strain on the spine = limited growth... So unless you want to stay your current height, you really shouldn't be using weight at which you need a belt.

Answer 8

The belt is mainly for lower back support


find some more information at the link below

Answer 9

you dont need it . work out belt are only for those people who are lifting very heavy weight. it's used to support your back and avoid any injuries from lifting.

one more thing you should stop weights for a while until you get older . you might stun your growth or damage your body.
if you want to get bigger without weights do all the types of push ups and sit ups/ abs crunches.

anyways good luck with your training but dont over work yourself.

Answer 10

they help protect ur back when lifting a lot weight. My advice 2 u would b get even if u dont need now ull need it in the future.