Quick question,
I use my belt for competition squat and comp deadlift.
I also use it though for the day 2 squat on PB1.
I have read that you recommended not using the belt for the day 2 squat.
I find though that my back feels more stable and secure wearing a belt and I also can lift more weight.
Should I still train beltless for the day 2 squat or doesn’t matter?
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I don’t think it matters much. An excerpt from the recent belt article:
It is possible to lift weights productively for a very long time without using a lifting belt, though most would be able to lift heavier weights with a belt than without. With that in mind, I recommend using a belt for all “priority” lifts, i.e. the lifts an individual cares the most about improving.
In general, priority lifts are performed earlier in a workout so that performance is maximized within a training session. In strength training, the priority lifts are typically some variation of the squat, bench press, deadlift, and the overhead press. I’d recommend using a belt for the heaviest exposures to these lifts each week. A lifter may consider going beltless the rest of time in an effort to manage the total training stress generated from the program, although this is similarly up to individual preference.My theory here is that the absolute load being used imparts some amount of fatigue on the individual independent of RPE. Consider the following scenarios:
- Scenario A: Lifter squats 80% of their 1RM for 3 sets of 4 reps @ RPE 8 with a belt, which ends up being 315 pounds.
- Scenario B: Lifter squats 80% of their 1RM for 3 sets of 4 reps @ RPE 8 without a belt, which ends up being 300 pounds. While the volume (sets x reps), movement, and proximity to failure (RPE) are the same in both scenarios, the absolute weight is higher in the individual using a belt. My prediction is that scenario A imparts more training stress due to the heavier absolute load. Thus, using a belt for more (or all) exercises may increase training stress compared to limiting the use of a belt to only the priority exercises. Higher absolute loads may be favored when preparing for a competition or 1RM strength test, but a more moderate approach may be appropriate for general strength training. Again, this is just a theory, but this is where I typically start when it comes to using a belt.
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Well explained. Thank you again,
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