Belts

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and a
weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and which
is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and a
weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and which
is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and

a

Quoted message said:

weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and

which

Quoted message said:

is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

Strengthen your core. Leave the belts for the big power lifters or the
posers.

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and

a

Quoted message said:

weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and

which

Quoted message said:

is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

Strengthen your core. Leave the belts for the big power lifters or the
posers.

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college, and
have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly executed
javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same. I do core
stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college, and
have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly executed
javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same. I do core
stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

John said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and

a

Quoted message said:

weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and

which

Quoted message said:

is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

Strengthen your core. Leave the belts for the big power lifters or the
posers.

Exactly. But it doesn't hurt to keep a belt around to work on form,
or if you're slightly injured and still want to work your lower
back...

John said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the functional and purposeful difference between a sports belt and

a

Quoted message said:

weight lifting belt? I've seen belts that are generally synthetic, with
velcro fasteners, saying they offer lumbar support, but calling themselves
sports belts.

Then I've seen weight lifting belts, generally half the price of a sports
belt, and made from leather, also boasting lumbar support, and fastening
with a double buckle rather than velcro.

Does anyone know the difference between these two kinds of belts, and

which

Quoted message said:

is best for what? As far as I can make out, they seem to offer similar
support, but market themselves as entirely different products. Thanks.

Strengthen your core. Leave the belts for the big power lifters or the
posers.

Exactly. But it doesn't hurt to keep a belt around to work on form,
or if you're slightly injured and still want to work your lower
back...

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college,
and have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same.
I do core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less,
likely to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a
belt, IMHO. Build a strong core while you build a strong everything
else through heavy two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged
lifting, and all manner of strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college,
and have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same.
I do core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less,
likely to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a
belt, IMHO. Build a strong core while you build a strong everything
else through heavy two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged
lifting, and all manner of strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

"Steve Freides" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college, and
have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same. I do
core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less, likely
to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a belt, IMHO.
Build a strong core while you build a strong everything else through heavy
two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged lifting, and all manner of
strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back. I laid off the weights for a week, but it still twangs a bit.
It's not a serious thing, but it does appear to be fairly constant at the
moment, and I would have thought that, if I could use a belt to take a
little of the stress off my back, just in the short term, I could carry on
lifting, and not have to endure a long sessation. I know the importance of
not using one long term, and I do have a decent core, but have a specific
and current problem to overcome, and wonder if a belt might help.

In article <[email hidden]>,

The Crow said:

"Steve Freides" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college, and
have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same. I do
core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less, likely
to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a belt, IMHO.
Build a strong core while you build a strong everything else through heavy
two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged lifting, and all manner of
strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back. I laid off the weights for a week, but it still twangs a bit.
It's not a serious thing, but it does appear to be fairly constant at the
moment, and I would have thought that, if I could use a belt to take a
little of the stress off my back, just in the short term, I could carry on
lifting, and not have to endure a long sessation. I know the importance of
not using one long term, and I do have a decent core, but have a specific
and current problem to overcome, and wonder if a belt might help.

There have been studies on this. The studies show there is no
significant difference in recruitment of core muscles between those
wearing a belt and those not.

IOW - it doesn't matter. The argument against belts as a crutch is
bogus. Belts may allow powerlifters to lift more weight in the squat
because of the rebound effect against the ribs and thighs coming out of
the hole. Unless you are 8' tall you won't realize that effect in the
deadlift.

In short - it makes no difference. If a belt makes you feel more secure,
wear one. If it helps you proprioceptively to recruit core muscles -
fine.

But you have to learn to keep the lower back neutral and a belt won't do
it for you.

--
Keith

"The Crow" wrote

Quoted message said:

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back.

Far be it for me to comment on anybody's spelling, since I have been known
to mispell (butcher?) a word or two myself. But I got this very amusing
thought/image when reading the above statement.

I thought that "muscle soarness" was that dull ache you get in your muscles
after a hard day of flying and gliding.

And how appropriately the author of that statement had named himself.

Anything you would like to share with us Crow?

<silly grin>

"The Crow" wrote

Quoted message said:

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back.

Far be it for me to comment on anybody's spelling, since I have been known
to mispell (butcher?) a word or two myself. But I got this very amusing
thought/image when reading the above statement.

I thought that "muscle soarness" was that dull ache you get in your muscles
after a hard day of flying and gliding.

And how appropriately the author of that statement had named himself.

Anything you would like to share with us Crow?

<silly grin>

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Steve Freides" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in
college, and have a very slight, long term back injury as the result
of a poorly executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt
all the same. I do core stability seperately, so as to keep it low
impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less,
likely to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a
belt, IMHO. Build a strong core while you build a strong everything
else through heavy two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged
lifting, and all manner of strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for
increased "safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do
most of their training without it.

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in
my lower back. I laid off the weights for a week, but it still twangs
a bit. It's not a serious thing, but it does appear to be fairly
constant at the moment, and I would have thought that, if I could use
a belt to take a little of the stress off my back, just in the short
term, I could carry on lifting, and not have to endure a long
sessation. I know the importance of not using one long term, and I do
have a decent core, but have a specific and current problem to
overcome, and wonder if a belt might help.

I don't mean to be harsh, but I endured more than a little muscle
soreness for years lifting because that's what it took for me to deal
with my back injury. (Read my "success story" on the DragonDoor site,
links to it on the front page of my site, if you want more details.) It
hurt each and every time, and sometimes I still go for days, weeks, or
months of lifting in some degree of pain. That's life, friend. Learn
to tell the difference between good pain and bad, between the kind that
means you're fixing a weakness and the kind that means you're hurting
yourself, and get on with moving towards your goals.

I disagree with Keith here - the degree of muscle activation being the
same belted and beltless is not the point. Without a belt, you develop
a groove that more closely resembles the rest of life, and you're better
prepared for whatever comes your way. You may get abs that are just as
strong using a belt but that's not the point, at least it's not the
point I'm making. And Keith, please guesstimate what percentage of the
time you used a belt training as a powerlifter- percentage of total
poundage lifted belted and beltless, percentage of number of lifts, or
something like that - thanks.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" wrote

Quoted message said:

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back.

Far be it for me to comment on anybody's spelling, since I have been known
to mispell (butcher?) a word or two myself. But I got this very amusing
thought/image when reading the above statement.

I thought that "muscle soarness" was that dull ache you get in your
muscles after a hard day of flying and gliding.

And how appropriately the author of that statement had named himself.

Anything you would like to share with us Crow?

<silly grin>

Urrr... um... squawk? (is that spelt right?)

In article <[email hidden]>,

Steve Freides said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Steve Freides" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
>I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in
>college, and have a very slight, long term back injury as the result
>of a poorly executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt
>all the same. I do core stability seperately, so as to keep it low
>impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less,
likely to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a
belt, IMHO. Build a strong core while you build a strong everything
else through heavy two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged
lifting, and all manner of strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for
increased "safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do
most of their training without it.

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in
my lower back. I laid off the weights for a week, but it still twangs
a bit. It's not a serious thing, but it does appear to be fairly
constant at the moment, and I would have thought that, if I could use
a belt to take a little of the stress off my back, just in the short
term, I could carry on lifting, and not have to endure a long
sessation. I know the importance of not using one long term, and I do
have a decent core, but have a specific and current problem to
overcome, and wonder if a belt might help.

I don't mean to be harsh, but I endured more than a little muscle
soreness for years lifting because that's what it took for me to deal
with my back injury. (Read my "success story" on the DragonDoor site,
links to it on the front page of my site, if you want more details.) It
hurt each and every time, and sometimes I still go for days, weeks, or
months of lifting in some degree of pain. That's life, friend. Learn
to tell the difference between good pain and bad, between the kind that
means you're fixing a weakness and the kind that means you're hurting
yourself, and get on with moving towards your goals.

I disagree with Keith here - the degree of muscle activation being the
same belted and beltless is not the point. Without a belt, you develop
a groove that more closely resembles the rest of life, and you're better
prepared for whatever comes your way. You may get abs that are just as
strong using a belt but that's not the point, at least it's not the
point I'm making. And Keith, please guesstimate what percentage of the
time you used a belt training as a powerlifter- percentage of total
poundage lifted belted and beltless, percentage of number of lifts, or
something like that - thanks.

For most of my training I used a light web belt for proprioception
during all squats and deadlifts. During lifts 90% and above I used a
thick belt. So I'd guess 50% of my reps had a belt on, but remember I
was training myself to powerlift, not deal with life. When I relearnt
the sumo squat and added the sumo deadlift I made pressing my abs
against the belt a key proprioceptive element.

As an olympic lifter I don't use a belt at all now and I still squat
pretty heavy and every once and a while go up to 500 lbs or so in the
deadlift without a belt. I've essentially developed motor patterns now
that make it impossible for me to voluntarily round my lower back.
Freaky, but during a Supertraining seminar Mel Siff demonstrated to the
seminar (and me) that I was unable to round my back unloaded.

Anyhow, I agree with Steve that a belt is unnecessary, but disagree with
those who label it a 'crutch'. I was pretty well prepared to lift heavy
things without a belt while training with it.

:^)

--
Keith

Steve Freides said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college,
and have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same.
I do core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less,
likely to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a
belt, IMHO. Build a strong core while you build a strong everything
else through heavy two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged
lifting, and all manner of strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

Steve,
There is no doubt that you are one of THE biggest morons to ever post in
MFW. You act like you are some kind of expert, yet you lift less weight than
kids in junior high and you don't even look like you work out. You really
should be embarrassed to post here.

--
Robert Schuh
"Everything that elevates an individual above the herd and
intimidates the neighbour is henceforth called evil; and
the fair, modest, submissive and conforming mentality,
the mediocrity of desires attains moral designations and honors"
- Nietzsche

http://www.hardbopdrums.com/

The Crow said:

"Steve Freides" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Crow" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I know I know, the belt's a crutch etc etc. I used to row in college, and
have a very slight, long term back injury as the result of a poorly
executed javelin throw. So I'd like to consider a belt all the same. I do
core stability seperately, so as to keep it low impact... ish.

Using a belt is exactly what _not_ to do. You are more, not less, likely
to hurt your back outside the weight room if you lift with a belt, IMHO.
Build a strong core while you build a strong everything else through heavy
two-handed lifting, one-handed and one-legged lifting, and all manner of
strength and strength/endurance work.

The only reason to use a belt is to lift more weight, not for increased
"safety", and most PL'ers who compete with a belt still do most of their
training without it.

Fair enough, but I am experiencing muscle soarness at the moment, in my
lower back. I laid off the weights for a week, but it still twangs a bit.
It's not a serious thing, but it does appear to be fairly constant at the
moment, and I would have thought that, if I could use a belt to take a
little of the stress off my back, just in the short term, I could carry on
lifting, and not have to endure a long sessation. I know the importance of
not using one long term, and I do have a decent core, but have a specific
and current problem to overcome, and wonder if a belt might help.

PLEASE ignore everything that Steve Freides posts. I was able to lift more
weight than this guy can when I was 12 years old. Besides being physically weak,
he does not even look like he works out. That is a hell of a testament to his
training "philosophies."

--
Robert Schuh
"Everything that elevates an individual above the herd and
intimidates the neighbour is henceforth called evil; and
the fair, modest, submissive and conforming mentality,
the mediocrity of desires attains moral designations and honors"
- Nietzsche

http://www.hardbopdrums.com/