# Belt **URL:** \ **Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\ **Created:** [November 2, 2017, 12:17pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382 "2017-11-02T12:17:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fatih](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/fatih/32/1205_2.png) [@Fatih](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Fatih)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 12:17pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/1 "2017-11-02T12:17:19Z")
When to introduce belt into workouts? What is the sign tells you that you need to start using weightlifting belt? Missing a rep? ---
**Author:** ![LeahBBM](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/leahbbm/32/17_2.png) [@LeahBBM](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/LeahBBM)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/2 "2017-11-02T20:21:30Z")
We generally suggest you start using a belt by week 4 of your linear progression. There’s no sign, it’s just a great piece of equipment to have. ---
**Author:** ![Fatih](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/fatih/32/1205_2.png) [@Fatih](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Fatih)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2017, 7:54pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/3 "2017-11-07T19:54:00Z")
Do you recommend using same belt for both squat and deadlift? What is your suggestion on the width and thickness? How about 4" wide 10mm thick? ---
**Author:** ![LeahBBM](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/leahbbm/32/17_2.png) [@LeahBBM](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/LeahBBM)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2017, 1:39am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/4 "2017-11-08T01:39:59Z")
For most of us, one belt is just fine. A 4" 10mm belt is a great start. I think that most people do well with that belt once they get used to it. I do tend to wear my belt a TAD higher for my DL than my squat. (and before anyone says-I have a short torso, I need a smaller belt, I will just offer that I am a 5’4" tall woman with a short torso and I use a 4in belt. It is very possible for it to work very well and it can even touch your ribs or hip bone and still be fine.) ---
**Author:** ![Fatih](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/fatih/32/1205_2.png) [@Fatih](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Fatih)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2017, 8:38am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/5 "2017-11-08T08:38:40Z")
Is there a guideline on how to decide whether you need 3" or 4" belt? ---
**Author:** ![Ghostman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Ghostman](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Ghostman)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2017, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/6 "2017-11-08T14:55:42Z")
Is it ok to not use a belt? My working weight on squats right now is 275LBS. I’m not using a belt currently. ---
**Author:** ![LeahBBM](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/leahbbm/32/17_2.png) [@LeahBBM](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/LeahBBM)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2017, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/7 "2017-11-08T15:37:45Z")
> [@Fatih](#): > > Is there a guideline on how to decide whether you need 3" or 4" belt? Not really. I’d get a 4 inch belt. Do you have some reason to think you’d not be able to use one? ---
**Author:** ![LeahBBM](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/leahbbm/32/17_2.png) [@LeahBBM](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/LeahBBM)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/8 "2017-11-08T15:38:47Z")
> [@Ghostman](#): > > Is it ok to not use a belt? My working weight on squats right now is 275LBS. I’m not using a belt currently. We’d certainly suggest you get one and start using it. A belt gives you something to push against when you lift with the valsalva. It’s a very helpful tool if you plan to lift and train. ---
**Author:** ![radu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b2d939/32.png) [@radu](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/radu)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/9 "2017-11-17T01:53:47Z")
Thanks for this Leah. I’ve been using a 3" belt for DLs but today I tried using my 4" squat belt and it felt better (I also put it slightly higher than for squats). I remember trying it before and it was too uncomfortable, but maybe I was fatter or the belt wasn’t broken in. ---
**Author:** ![timelinex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9c0ed/32.png) [@timelinex](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/timelinex)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/belt/382/10 "2017-11-17T17:15:57Z")
> [@Fatih](#): > > Is there a guideline on how to decide whether you need 3" or 4" belt? I’m 6ft tall and I got a 3" belt for deadlifts and I know I needed it for sure. I have flared bottom ribs, so I can’t just place it over the bottom ribs like most people could and the extra size digs UNDER my rib. On the other hand my 5ft2" wife has used a 4" belt just fine. So your rib anthropometry might dictate this a bit.