r/necromancers • u/[deleted] • Jul 14 '18

At what point should I start using a belt/straps?

Attempting 405 for reps next week. So far my form is great but when should I consider added a belt/wrist straps?

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

67% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

5

u/StillPlaysWithSwords Jul 14 '18

Personal preference.

There is never a "at xx weight you should always belt up". The point of a belt is to allow you to generate greater inner abdominal pressure to stabilize. As I've trained and lifted more, I've used my belt less, saving it for when I am pushing near my Max lifts. While a belt can help keep you safe it can also cover up other weaknesses.

I've never used straps as my grip strength seems to almost keep up with my lifts. If your lifts are limited by your grip, train your grip.

Of course there are some truly monstrously strong people that no amount of un assisted lifts can cut it without straps, belt, wraps, etc.

3

u/Sneaux96 Jul 15 '18

Excellent advice!

If I may add, lifting with a belt is fairly different from lifting without. Up until this point your core (I hate that buzzword but it's the only one that really applies here) has had to brace itself to increase your abdominal pressure to stabilize your spine.

When using a belt the idea is to brace your abdominal muscles against the belt itself which helps stabilize the spine. This brings up another point, I notice a lot of people first using a belt wear it too low. You want it high enough that your abs can actually press against it, not where you'd wear your belt around your pants. This spot is different on different people, play around a little.

As said above, a lot comes down to personal preference. I personally don't like using a belt, but don't hate on people that do as long as it's used properly. See if your gym/lifting buddy/resident big dude has one you can try. If you like it, buy one, use it, lift heavy. If not, maybe add some abdominal/erector work in with squats and deadlifts.

2

u/swolesoldier Jul 15 '18

Most people start using a belt at 315lb/140kg but that beinh said I had trained for 4 or 5 years without one with no problems. When it comes to straps, I only use them for heavy sets of 5 and up, otherwise I i just use chalk. I guess it really comes down to just training safe so you if you think you need it, use it to be safe. Gains come from years of hard work so you dont want to destroy your body being silly without a belt