In the past, the use of weightlifting belts was a tradition strictly followed in Olympic weightlifting and in power lifting. Presently, more and more recreational lifters have taken the habit of wearing such belts because of health reasons most of the time. In fact, weightlifting belts serve for two purposes mainly: first of all they protect the lower back during the lifting of the weight in the upright position, and secondly, there is an increase in the abdominal pressure that provides stability to the bones of the back and thus the grip and the weight lift is a lot more stable. Other additional benefits result from this kind of usage.
Weightlifting belts reduce the risk of damaging the spinal cord because of the bone shrinkage that usually occurs when lifting weights. Reducing lower back compression is a great point in achieving a more stable and safer background for bodybuilding sports. Most weightlifting belts are wider in the part that supports the back and narrower at the front. Such belts can also be worn the other way round for an increase of the intra-abdominal pressure, that is with the wider part in front even if this is more unconventional. Another direct consequence of wearing weightlifting belts is the awareness of the back position; thus, such an equipment item contributes to the correctness of the posture.
You don’t have to wear weightlifting belts for all the exercises; normally only maximal or submaximal lifts are suitable for such an item, because then you’ll put a lot of pressure on the back. Weightlifting belts will also reduce the risk of back hyper extension when performing the military press for instance. Do not over-use a belt because there is serious evidence that it can increase the blood pressure alarmingly. If you perform light weight lifting, wearing weightlifting belts are of no real use, and they could even impair the way the exercise is performed.
Another downside to the extensive use of weightlifting belts is the strength decrease in the abdominal muscles, and we should not forget that these muscles are crucial for the stability of the trunk. This part of the body is less stimulated because of the belt and therefore tends to lose its strength. Consequently, while it protects the lower back against injuries, a weightlifting belt should not turn into a must-wear accessory. It is a very useful equipment item, but make sure you know when to wear it and how to wear it for maximum positive results.
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