I have been looking to get a belt for lifting. But, I don’t know what to get. I searched the forums for an idea but have been unsuccessful. My question:
What size belt should I get for deadlifts? 6" or 4" or what? Which would be best?
I want to prevent injuries. I’ve started lifting heavier lately. To quote http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Equipment#Belts “Rule of thumb: If it feels really heavy, wear a belt.” is why I am deciding to wear a belt. My “heavy” set feels pretty fuckin’ heavy(335lbs). Plus, I’m trying to hit 400. I’d don’t think it’d be too smart to try that w/o a belt.
“The only time I wear a belt is when I’m going for a heavy max of 5 or less and for the last warm-up set leading up to my max. 90% of the time I don’t wear a belt for squats nor deadlifts. Rule of thumb: If it feels really heavy, wear a belt. If you are self aware enough to know that you back/abs are stong enough not to need a belt, don’t wear a belt. It really comes down to preference. Beginners need not wear a belt for the greater part of their training.”
In a nutshell; don’t rely on the belt. Also, don’t try to use a belt to compensate for bad form. Personally, I dead lift raw and only use a belt for either squatting sets of 3 or less reps and heavy push presses. Your individual needs may be different but the basic principal still applies.
“The only time I wear a belt is when I’m going for a heavy max of 5 or less and for the last warm-up set leading up to my max. 90% of the time I don’t wear a belt for squats nor deadlifts. Rule of thumb: If it feels really heavy, wear a belt. If you are self aware enough to know that you back/abs are stong enough not to need a belt, don’t wear a belt. It really comes down to preference. Beginners need not wear a belt for the greater part of their training.”
In a nutshell; don’t rely on the belt. Also, don’t try to use a belt to compensate for bad form. Personally, I dead lift raw and only use a belt for either squatting sets of 3 or less reps and heavy push presses. Your individual needs may be different but the basic principal still applies.
[quote]MC sp3 wrote:
In a nutshell; don’t rely on the belt. Also, don’t try to use a belt to compensate for bad form. Personally, I dead lift raw and only use a belt for either squatting sets of 3 or less reps and heavy push presses. Your individual needs may be different but the basic principal still applies.
[/quote]
I know my form is good. I took a long time with dead lifts for fear of hurting myself with bad form. Even now there is that slight fear. So I guess I just want a belt to help ease that fear of injury. I’ve thrown my back out twice(yay 80lb ruck sacks) and I know the pain. Just being cautious. Thanks for the help everyone.