Im sure you have asked your friends or even trainers, do I need to wear a weight lifting belt while weight training? Half of them probably said yes while the other half said no. So where does that leave you? Maybe you should have asked them, when should weight lifting belts be worn? Based on research from Stuart McGill who is a professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada, it all depends on the type of training you perform. McGill does not recommend weight lifting belts for healthy individuals. His exception is for extreme bodybuilders because a weight lifting belt will help increase stability. Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of wearing weight lifting belts: Advantages - They help support your spine - They help decrease the chance of lower back injury - Give people confidence they may not have had prior to training without a belt Disadvantages - Some people may cover up an injury with the belt - Increase of blood pressure depending on how tight you make it - They may cause a slight change in your lifting style, which may cause injury I am a firm believer in wearing weight lifting belts. I started with one when I was younger and have been wearing one ever since. I guess it is like a security blanket for me. It also makes me feel BIG and gives me confidence. My thought is, if a weight lifting belt makes you feel good and it psychologically helps you to perform better in the gym, then by all means, wear it. |
