Beyond the programs, belt or no belt

Hi coaches, you’ve written in a bunch of places advising not to wear a belt on exercises in BBM programs where it doesn’t specifically say “with belt”. The belt seems to be limited to the main “competition” lifts in the BBM stock programs. I’m happy to oblige and always DTP the first time through. Besides, my competition squat is pretty close to a 3-0-3 tempo squat, so it makes sense to not wear the belt later in the week for the supplemental squats. A couple of questions, since I’ve seen a few of you training untamed and using a belt for a supplemental lift.:

Q1: In programming for oneself, what factors into deciding to use a belt on a supplemental lift for different blocks?

Q2: How does this differ for variations where the weight on the bar exceeds that of the main lift…like slingshot bench, rack pull, anything plus chains?

In case it’s relevant, I do not compete, just trying to live well and die hard. Thanks!

If the lifter competes, the Bondarchuk exercise classification for the exercise in question, how much the lifter cares about squeezing out every last ounce of progress from their training, if the lifter has access to a belt, and if the lifter’s compliance with the program does not depend on the prescription (or lack thereof) of belt work will all influence the prescription of belt use.

Belt use is almost never prescribed for Specific Preparatory Exercises (i.e., supplemental lifts; e.g., 303 Tempo Squats, Front Squats, SSB Squats, RDLs, Snatch Grip SLDLs).

Belt use is mainly prescribed for Specific Developmental Exercises (i.e., assistance lifts; e.g., 2ct Pause Squat, Pin Squats, 2ct Pause Deadlift, 2" Deficit Deadlift, Rack Pulls) if a competitive lifter is nearing an important competition or the maximum training effect is desired. However, as with everything, it depends.

This depends more on the Bondarchuk exercise classification than the bar load.

Thanks for the info