![]() “At best, you’re denying your body the opportunity to build a strong, resilient core. Using a belt too often is like keeping the training wheels on when it’s time to graduate to your big-kid bike. You might be limiting the core strength benefits of your session. What happens if you wear a belt more often that you need? But once you get rolling, it’s best not to wear a belt for most of the time you spend squatting and deadlifting. ![]() Of course, if you’re brand-new to lifting, you’ll be PR-ing left and right. “While a lot of recreational lifters think they should be maxing out every single time, you really shouldn’t aim for a personal record more than once every few months,” Williams says. If you’ve never found your 1-rep max before, this guide can help.īut here’s the thing: You shouldn’t be maxing out every time you lift. “But you don’t need to wear a belt for every weight you lift.” So when *should* you belt up?Īccording to USA Powerlifting coach Kyra Williams, “Anytime you are moving over 85 to 90 percent of your 1-rep max or are trying to hit a personal best, using a belt can provide stability.” “The purpose of the belt is to create abdominal pressure to support and protect the spine when you’re squatting or deadlifting heavy weights,” says Melody Schoenfeld, certified strength and conditioning specialist and founder of Flawless Fitness in Pasadena, California. They fasten across your abdomen with Velcro, a buckle, or a quick-release lever. Weightlifting belts are made from neoprene or nylon (or sometimes leather). We’ll also let know you about any International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) safety recommendations when they apply. We asked experts to break down the benefits of the most common weightlifting accessories, when to use (or not use) them, and what to keep in mind before forking over the dough. Speak with a trainer or physical therapist to see whether they’ll be beneficial for you. You can still get a full workout without using accessories. It’s still important to work on unsupported ankle mobility.
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