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The design of weight lifting belts varies. Standard weight lifting belts start at one-quarter to one-half inches wide becoming four-to-six inches wide at the widest part, which may extend from the back to the sides of the trunk (3, 5). Power lifting belts are four inches wide all the way around. Traditionally, belts were made of one or more layers of leather, but synthetic materials are being used as well. No matter what the construction, belts serve the same purpose.
Why Weightlifting Belts?
A weightlifting belt has two main purposes. It reduces stress on the lower back while the person is lifting in an upright position and prevents back hyperextension during overhead lifts (2). A belt reduces low back stress by compressing the contents of the abdominal cavity (3, 5). This increases the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), providing more support in front of the bones of the lower back. This allows the spinal erector muscles, which would normally provide this support of the lower back, to produce less force during the lift (2). Another benefit of increased IAP is a reduction in the amount of spinal shrinkage (lower back compression) a lifter may experience during circuit weight training (1). Some belts have a wide back and a narrow front. Therefore, it would be advisable to wear the belt backwards if increased IAP is desired, as the area gives the contents of the abdominal cavity more surface area to push against.
The belt prevents back hyperextension by forming a rigid wall around the lower torso, connecting the rib cage to the hip (2, 6). This not only limits back movement, but it also prevents sideward bending and twisting. A powerlifting-style belt that is the same width all the way around would be ideal for this purpose. Otherwise, a conventional belt can be worn in the usual manner with the wide part of the belt in the back.
Wearing a belt also causes the lifter to be more aware of the position of his or her back (7). This is because the physical sensation of a belt against the skin provides additional information prompting the lifter to consider his or her back position and what muscles must be activated to maintain good posture. In this case, the belt does not need to be worn too tightly for an effect. Some lifters report feeling more secure and confident while wearing a belt even if IAP and muscle activity are unaffected (6).
How a Weightlifting Belt Should be Used
However, a belt must be worn tightly to maximize its usefulness. This is physically taxing and should not be done for long periods of time. Research has shown that wearing a tight belt during exercise can elevate blood pressure (4). For this reason, belts should only be used on two primary occasions. The first is when performing maximal or submaximal lifts in exercises such as the squat or deadlift, in which the weight is supported by the lifter's back. The second is while performing exercises, such as the military press, which may cause the back to hyperextend (2, 7). The belt should be loosened to allow blood pressure to return to normal levels in between sets.
Belts are especially important when performing multiple submaximal lifts to failure (i.e., the point at which the lifter cannot perform another repetition) (5). During the latter part of the set, the muscles supporting the lower back may experience fatigue and may not be able to perform their task. Thus, the belt could provide an extra form of protection in case these muscles fail.
When Not to Use the Belt
Weightlifting belts are not necessary for other types of weight training exercises in which the spinal erectors do not work against heavy resistance. For example, the use of a belt will not affect performance on exercises such as the lateral pull down and leg extension (2). Belts also have little or no effect on performance weight loads that are fairly light (6). However, elevated blood pressure that results from using a belt can increase over time, even when fairly light work or aerobic activity is performed (4). Lifters with heart disease and blood pressure problems should exercise caution when wearing a tight belt for long periods of time.
Constantly wearing a belt can also cause decreased strength development in abdominal muscles (5). Electromyographic research has found that there are lower levels of muscle activity in abdominal muscles when a belt is worn while lifting. The muscles that would normally keep the abdomen stabilized are inhibited when a belt is used, which could result in weaker abdominal muscles in the long run.
Strong abdominal muscles are important in maintaining trunk stability in the absence of a support belt. Studies have shown that substantial IAP can be achieved by simply holding one Us breath while lifting (6, 7). It is also important not to be too dependent on belts while training as they may not be admissible during competition (2).
Pros and Cons of Using Weightlifting Belts
Weightlifting belts can help support the back by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and preventing back hyperextension. They are most effective when used for maximal or submaximal lifts in which the spinal erector muscles work against heavy resistance. However, many ill effects, such as high blood pressure and abdominal muscle weakness, may result from improper use of weightlifting belts. They should be used sparingly in training.
REFERENCES
(1) Bourne, N. D., & Reilly, T. (1991). Effect of a weightlifting belt on spinal shrinkage. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 25, 209-212.
(2) Faibenbaum, A. D., & Liastos, N. S. (1994). The use and abuse of weightlifting belts. Strength and Conditioning, 16(4), 60-62.
(3) Harman, E. A., Rosenstein, R. M., Frykman, P. N., & Nigro, G. A. (1989). Effects of a belt on intra-abdominal pressure during weight lifting. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 21, 186-190.
(4) Hunter, G. R., McGuirk, J., Mitrano, N., Pearman, P., Thomas, B., & Arrington, R. (1989). The effects of a weight training belt on blood pressure during exercise. Journal of Applied Sport Science Research, 3, 13-18.
(5) Lander, J. E., Hundley, J. R., & Simonton, R. L. (1992). The effectiveness of weight-belts during multiple repetitions of the squat exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 24, 603-609.
(6) McGill, S. S., Norman, R. W., & Sharratt, M. T. (1990). The effect of an abdominal belt on trunk muscle activity and intra-abdominal pressure during squat lifts. Ergonomics, 33, 147-160.
(7) Siff, M. (1992). Lifting, belts and breathing. Fitness and Sports Review International, 27, 125-126
Orginally published in the Student Newsletter, Health and Wellness, for the Exercise and Movement Science Department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon.
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