If you’re a seasoned lifter, or if you’ve been wanting to take it up a notch on your fitness level, a weight lifting belt will come in handy. I mean, a stronger and beefier bod doesn’t come without lifting heavier weights. So it might be time to consider just how useful your very own weight lifting belt would be.
Wearing one can help you lift heavier weights, thus helping you build those muscles that make you stronger. Using a belt is a personal choice. So if you’re still in the process of figuring out whether or not this is for you, let me share with you some tips on how to make the most of wearing this effective training aid.
Weight Lifting Belt: 5 Tips on How to Maximize the Use of Your Belt
Using a weight lifting belt lets you swiftly start lifting heavier weights. It’s just like bicycle training wheels. Once you’ve finally gotten used to riding a bike, you’ll eventually be ready to take off even without training wheels. So, are you ready to take your fitness goals up a higher, more intense level? Then it’s time to get to know more about weight lifting belts. Read on and enjoy!
1. Use Your Weight Lifting Belt Effectively
A common misconception about weight lifting belts is that its sole function is to support one’s back. Fortunately, that isn’t really the case.
A weight lifting belt helps you increase intra-abdominal pressure. When the pressure’s increased, the belt will function as a brace, strengthening and supporting your spine. You can effectively use your weight lifting belt by performing the Valsalva maneuver — a manner of forcibly breathing out while your mouth and nose are closed. As you perform this breathing technique, the pressure will build up in your tummy.
2. Know When To Wear One
Just because you’re lifting doesn’t mean you need a lifting belt. It’s best to wear one only when you’re attempting to lift loads you cannot easily support.
Wearing a weight lifting belt with heavier loads can aid in minimizing the risk of having injury. So, if you think the load might be too hard for you to bear, wear one.
3. Know How Tight Your Belt Should Be
Just like the leather belts you wear on a fancy dinner date, you want to wear your weight lifting belt with just the right tightness. Not too loose for it to cause falling, and not too tight to stop midsection contraction.
To make sure you’re wearing the belt properly, try inserting your hand between your tummy and the belt.
4. Know Where To Position Your Belt
You’ll know your belt isn’t positioned correctly when it disrupts your lifting. Ideally, the bottom part must not get squeezed into your hips, while the top shouldn’t be pushed against your ribs. Wear it somewhere you’re comfortable with a. Because remember, the belt allows you to have the needed pressure against it.
5. Know What Movements Call The Need To Wear One
Heavy load lifts, such as deadlifts and Olympic lifts, normally require the use of a weight lifting belt. Generally, those big lifts involving a lifter’s lower back are the ideal times to use a belt. Wearing a weight lifting belt while performing these exercises will boost the lifter’s performance.
Want to know what’s the best weight lifting belt? Watch this video by Lee Hayward:
A weight lifting belt is an effective training aid to help you perform big compound lifts. On exercises not involving your lower back ,such as bench presses or pull downs, there’s no need to wear one. However, don’t rely on using the belt all the time. Being over-reliant to weight lifting belts can also weaken your core.
Do you have any other tips on wearing a weight lifting belt? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Originally posted on August 23, 2016 @ 4:49 AM
