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I have been trying to figure out if wearing a belt when squating will make you stronger in the long run when you stop using it.??  does anybody know anything about this, becuase I have been using a belt more on my squats and my numbers have gon up alot, but what happens when I stop using it!!!

Jon,

Not sure about belts, but you look like you are pretty fit. What type of numbers do you put up on the squat? And do you front squat too? 

 
First I am by no means an expert but through research and word of mouth I have found the following to be accurate
Belts assist in containing and stabilize the pressure created while using IAP (Internal air pressure) breathing techniques. And can dramaticly increase the lifters capability to lift maximal weight when performed right. John I know you know this but for everyone else strength athelete’s typically take in a huge gulp of air before trying maximal weight which forces the diaphram down creating an internal pressure this can easly be multiplied by using a belt to have something for the organs to stabilize against. We Butch’s Barbell typically try to avoid the belts until pre meet training and ME workouts. One thing people need to realize is the control of a power breathing technique is learned not just done it takes practice to optomize these technique’s.
 
 There are also dangers associated with increased IAP Bloody noses Occuler rupture’s (The small vessels in your eyes) And if done improperly can be Fatal for more information research if I spell it correctly  Vulsava technique.
  Also to answer your other question about when you quit wearing your belt this one is through experience but after a meet when we have been training frequently with them during our unbelted heavy’s after a few of us develop (meaning myself) some tendonitis in the lumbar short lived but painful.
 
Thanks
Butch

hey guys, my two cents:

like Butch says, belts help to stabilize your core and allow for bigger lifts, but the problem is that they are essentially doing the work that your core should be doing. while belts are great for going for huge lifts and for preventing injury, at the same time they are artificial and could potentially be dangerous if you have the wrong philosophy when using them.

using a belt allows you to lift more weight than you could naturally lift, and since the belt is doing some of the work for your core, you won’t be training your core muscles nearly as hard. if you try to do a really heavy lift all natural that you can do easily with a belt, you might be trying to lift more than your body can actually handle and hurt yourself.

i usually trust seasoned lifters to understand and be able to avoid doing things like this, but newbies might watch veterans in the gym and try to emulate them and do something stupid like this. i usually tell them to take it slow and build up their strength naturally as opposed to using the belt as a crutch to lift more than they are actualy able to.

don’t get me wrong, belts are great for preventing injuries and when used for specific reasons like max lifts, but i don’t condone their use regularly.

Thank you butch I really appretiat the advice.  I think I am going to do what you do with training and the belt, I am going to not use the belt to get that back strong and then before a meet start using it again to get my numbers up a little and then use it one game day to hit some big lifts!  So you are a power lifter, how long have you been lifting?  How is your training going?

To answer your question jekim my best back squat is 230KG  I think thats around 500 pounds I am not sure, we do everything in Kilo’s so I am bad with pounds, and yes we front squat!!  I hate them but I love them, lol.  My best front squat is 2010KG, not that good considering I clean 192kg, but I am working on it!  So what kindof training do you do? 

I have been training since I was 12 so 22 years. And lifting is good getting ready for Ohio’s APF state meet august 21st. The rest of the boys are getting stronger and training with a dedication that only comes from good results.
      I think I saw that you were in columbus for the arnold last year. If you come back next come play with me and the boys you never know what we could learn from each other. Plus we have the ins on all the good food around here.
Thanks
Butch

Jon,

Those numbers are higher than I can even imagine on a bar! Very impressive. 

Most of my workouts are consisting of circuits with moderately heavy (but nowhere near 500lbs) weights and cardio, like jump roping. 

Are you training for a big competition in the future?

I always use a belt when I squat on leg days, but when I am not in the gym my lower back hurts from time to time, maybe if I stop using a belt that will strengthin my back so it will not only get stronger but maybe it will stop hurting.  anybody have an ideas on this?

yes, i highly recommend that you stop using the belt regularly and drop down to a weight you can handle naturally. this will force your core muscles (including your back) to adapt and get stronger. the limiting factor on squats is usually how much your core can handle, not necessarily how much you can press with your legs.

   Tyler
      Pete and I seem too be on the same page on this one. And I agree with his statement 100%. If your back hurts strengthen your core bro Good mornings bend and hangs some complex Ab work. Work on your breathing technique’s and try only to wear the belt when you need the added stabilization. I believe belts are a trap that is used for the wrong reasons way to often.
Thanks
Butch

I agree with Pete and Butch, Belts are over used. I personally use the belt to help when I do my squats when I need extra help but, most of the time I do not use it.  

I have had some time to train with no belt and it has worked for me very well.  What I do is i train all week without a belt, then on friday pm practice i do use a belt on my clean and jerk and my clean and jerk has been very strong, consistant, and even a PR clean…..almost had the jerk., next time.  My back is getting much stronger, I can feel it on my pull in the snatch mostly, I am getting very strong this way.  this works for, maybe it can work for you. 

I was never a big fan of belts but now I am, they are just like wearing a seatbelt when driving a car, it doesnt do anything unless you crash, then it safes your life. I guess you can realate this to an injury when squatting, its more for a safety issue than anything.