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weightlifting belts

steve2 Posts: 91 Joined: 2001/07/19	2003/11/24, 09:02 AM What are your thoughts on them? My lower back seems to be tight a lot lately would this help?
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/11/24, 09:11 AM You will find a ton of different opinions on this. My belief is that using a belt all the time weakens that area more. So I use a belt only when I am lifitng a max for deadlifts and squats...otherwise I just stay with a weight till I can lift it without a belt. -------------- LIFT HEAVY! BECOME STRONG, LIKE BULL!
steve2 Posts: 91 Joined: 2001/07/19	2003/11/24, 09:24 AM Thanks 7707mutt I think I will try to use it more often when doing my heavier weights. You see I work out from my wheelchair; I have M.S. but can still stand and have lots of strength. Do you think it would help on machines like leg presses and hack squat machines as I can no longer do free squats. What about rows? I do these with the aid of a smith machine and usually go quite heavy for me that is.lol Steve
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/11/24, 09:28 AM To tell you the truth i am not quite sure which way to go with this one. I would say in your case making sure your back is protected is the number one priority. However, as I know just a little about your condition I would ask your doctor, and or consult a qualified trainer. One question I have is when you say your back is tight is that after every workout or just after a back? I would think that using it for the heavier weights would be ok...try not to use it as a crutch, but as a aid, if you can..let me know how it goes and good luck! -------------- LIFT HEAVY! BECOME STRONG, LIKE BULL!
steve2 Posts: 91 Joined: 2001/07/19	2003/11/24, 09:45 AM I have talked to the doc's, trainers, and even rehab and they have said keep it up. Actually the first question my doc always asks me is if I am still in the gym. I key on doing all my exercises correctly because I have been doing this now for a number of years. Hey I've been to the physio lol. I think sitting in the chair may have something to do with it as I might have a slight strain and with sitting all the time there may not be enough time to recoup and yes I streach. Just like gumby!lol I just thought that the belt may give it a break.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/11/24, 11:02 AM Go ahead and wear it and see if it helps! -------------- LIFT HEAVY! BECOME STRONG, LIKE BULL!
steve2 Posts: 91 Joined: 2001/07/19	2003/11/24, 12:30 PM Ok I am going to give it a whirl! Thanks Steve
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/11/24, 12:43 PM Kool let us know how it goes! -------------- LIFT HEAVY! BECOME STRONG, LIKE BULL!
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/11/24, 09:53 PM Actually wearing a belt can be really good. You are usually constantly aware of it, so if you think about it, the first thing you do when you are wearing one is tighten your abdominals. This alone can help strengthen the back as they are support muscles. -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....