Ask Mens Fitness: What's the Deal with Weight Belts? - Men's Fitness

Q: I started weight training^[1] six months ago, and I'm seeing great results. Now I’m wondering, do I really need to wear a weightlifting belt?

Four Ways to Save Your Shoulders>>> ^[2]

A: Simply put, no. “Using a belt allows you to lift artificially heavy weights^[3] by covering up your weakest links. This can lead to injuries, because other muscles have to compensate,” says Jason Ferruggia, owner of Renegade Strength & Conditioning. Build your own “belt” by strengthening^[4] the muscles in your lats, abs, obliques, lower back, and glutes. Then learn how to brace yourself properly, and you won’t need a belt to protect your spine.

Related:

Boost Your Back Squat>>> ^[5]

10 Strength Building Strategies>>> ^[6]

References

1. ^{^} weight training (www.mensfitness.com)


2. ^{^} Four Ways to Save Your Shoulders>>> (www.mensfitness.com)


3. ^{^} weights (www.mensfitness.com)


4. ^{^} strengthening (www.mensfitness.com)


5. ^{^} Boost Your Back Squat>>> (www.mensfitness.com)


6. ^{^} 10 Strength Building Strategies>>> (www.mensfitness.com)