Hi guys. Many thanks for this, and your other, excellent resources!
I’d like to ask when you would recommend I start lifting with a belt (or if I “need” one at all)? Is there a particular point in one’s training career when you’d suggest wearing a belt, and, if so, when should it be worn. Just the work sets? Every training session?
I’m a 35yr old man. I started SSLP six months ago with no prior barbell experience. My squat has gone from 60kg(132lbs) to 127.5kg(281lbs), deadlift 80kg(176lbs) to 155kg(342lbs), bench 40kg(88lbs) to 72.5kg(160lbs) and press 33kg(73lbs) to 52.5kg(116lbs). Bodyweight from 81kg(179lbs) to 89kg(196lbs).
I feel like I still have more to gain from LP, for a while at least. My bench and press are increasing quite slowly, but my squat and deadlift are improving on most training sessions. They feel very heavy now though (I felt pretty light-headed after deadlifting today), which is what prompted me to consider if I’m at the point where a belt could be helpful.
Also, I understand that the belt is used to brace against to increase intraabdominal pressure. But I’ve seen a few posts online where people say that belts are good for supporting the back, preventing or helping with back injuries. My back feels fine, but I was just curious whether these posts are accurate about the belt being a back support?
I started at almost exactly the same weights as you (but on the other end of the bodyweight spectrum at 315 lbs.), and I started wearing a belt for Squats on LP when they were around 235 lbs. I started using it for Press and Deadlifts at the same time.
You’re correct that the belt is used to increase intraabdominal pressure when bracing. I think the idea that the belt is a back support is at best an oversimplification of what’s going on. The support for your back comes from bracing properly. If someone doesn’t brace correctly, then the belt’s not going to do much of anything. But, if you do brace correctly, the belt will make your brace more effective. This in turn will allow you (especially over time) to squat/press/deadlift/etc. more weight, which will make you stronger, which will may prevent back pain. Anecdotally, my experience has been that barbell training has almost completely eliminated my low back pain.
Thanks for your advice. I’m glad to hear that you’re low back pain has been improved by training.
I think I’m going to bite the bullet and get my own belt now. It feels like the right time, and I’m going to get one sooner or later, so why not now!?
The Pioneer/General Leathercraft belts seem very well regarded, so I think I’ll try one of their lever belts (hopefully they ship over here to the UK). You guys in the US seem spoilt for choice when it comes to quality leather belts, the UK doesn’t seem to have similar handmade equivalents, which is a shame…
I’m you but 30 lbs heavier OP (Same age and almost exactly the same current working weights on SSLP). I’ve only been belting up for work sets, but started doing so a while ago. I don’t think there’s any reason (on the LP) to not belt up for work sets. Unbelted work can be introduced as a variant in intermediate program. Right now we just need to get “big 'n straghn”.