Hi all

What is the general feeling on lifting belts and straps?

At the moment I don't use either.

Straps I have avoided because I thought my grip would get stronger by not using them and would increase with my weights. However I am now getting into the heavier weights on single arm rows and shrugs so was contemplating rethinking and using some on these two exercises.

Also weight belts, I have read things for and against. Although I have never used one as again I worked on the principal, by not using one my core would get stronger as I did. Thus take any strain I put on it. However again I am now getting into much heavier lifts on deadlift and squats so was considering using a belt on these two.

I would value anyones opinion?

Belts are an absolute must when training back and legs. I knew a guy once who sort of shrugged off the idea about wearing a belt... 4 years later he collapsed a spinal disc when squatting, whose laughing now!

Your abdominals support the lower back and when attempting to execute a heavy lift the abdominals will protrude and weaken the lower back. A lifting belt keeps everything in tact and forces the stomach back giving more support to your lower back.
I always tighten the belt before a lift and undo it after the lift to relieve pressure.
Always, always wear a belt!!!

Lifting straps, i couldn't train back without these because my forearms always give in before my back. Wearing straps is optional and isn't a must but if your forearm's fill with blood before your back does then i would buy some straps for a more intense workout, after all you want blood in the area of your back that you are working and not indirectly in your forearms.

That's my take on it  

Thanks BK

I reckon I will be looing for a belt then. Any advice on what to look for in a belt? leather? nylon?

I have always used a Valeo belt, if you can spare the expense i would go for a 4" wide belt but a cheap leather one is fine.

I have a valeo for off season for when im fat and happy and a smaller one for when im dieting  

I only use a belt for my last set or so of either squats or deadlifts.

I used to use a belt more, but I felt that it was preventing the use of ancillary muscles and preventing the lower back from getting as strong as it should. Its a personal thing and we each have our views on this, this is just my take on it.

If your form is bang on you shouldn't need one for anything else. I agree with Bigkeiko on the straps issue, if you need 'em use 'em. I only use a 'em on my last set of bent over rows if I am triple dropping, my forearms do blow then. Not for deads nor anything else. I believe the best way to strengthen your forearms and grip is to make em work !!
When doing the powerlifting a number of years ago they weren't an option, so you had to have a strong grip.

Reaper.    

Cheers Reaper

This really is one of those subjects with two schools of thought, maybe I will try and borrow one to try and see how I get on before I buy. I do think if I go down either route though I will keep use to a minimum because as you say I don't want other strengths to suffer.

i never used to use a belt and now i always get a sore lower back. so if im doing deadlifts i always use a belt.  as for squats i dont find i need a belt at all as i find sqauting doesnt realy affect my lower back even at heavy wieghts like it does to some people but i wouldnt dare deadlift without 1 now not worth the risk it took a few years to catch up with me but it has now. ive also tried straps pulleys etc and never found much use for them but  the majority of people seam to like them so they must do summit

Cheers James. I think I am gonna give one a try and see how we go.

Bit off topic but I saw in another one of your posts you mentioned "stuart mcroberts" books, which one did you read? I have just finished Arnies Encyclopedia (which is worth reading) so I am looking for a new book to read.

B.

bwawn by stuart mcrobert and beyond bwawn. and also big bench by brooks kubic and big arms by brooks kubic and stuart mcrobert. these are for natural training  but they work much better than  any other trianing regimes. i tried them all for 9 years as a natural and these gave me much better results. theres no pics in them just dull boring looking books but with great info. anyway no need for them now i took the plung and took gear lol

Cheers for the info. I'm only 18months in so all natural and staying that way for some time yet, reckon I'll order myself a copy of Brawn for a bit of bedtime reading

Good luck on your cycle and I look forward to seeing the after pics.