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Fitness, bodybuilding and powerlifting. If you are looking for hints and tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle then you have come to the right place. We provide information on the latest trends from keep in great shape all the way up to proffessional powerlifting.
Do you need a weight lifting belt? |
Lifting belts are quite common in the gym. Various types of lifters e.g. bodybuilders, powerlifters and the average person can be spotted wearing them. Many people believe that a belt is worn to protect the back. And while this is partly true, it certainly isn’t the sole reason for their use.
A weight belt helps to stabilize the core and when used properly it will in a way create a fake external core. If you were to attempt to punch a hole in a wall, the force that you apply to the wall will be applied back to tour fist. Your hand is just as likely to break as much as the wall. This is similar to how a powerlifting belt works. When you wear a lifting belt, you apply a force with the abdomen and this force is applied back you your core. This is like having a second set of abs and so build up intra-abdominal pressure. PowerliftingBelts.org provides excellent information on weight lifting belts. Types of weight lifting belts Bodybuilder belts are available from many department stores and are usually designed with a wide back and thinner front. A mentioned previously, to get the most out of a belt, you should push against as much of a belt as possible so it can apply that force back to you. This is usually done by pushing out the stomach. Unfortunately with these types of belts, the area is quite small to push the stomach against and so less opportunity to create pressure than with a larger belt. In fact some bodybuilders wear their belts backwards so that they have something more to press against. Powerlifting belts are usually the same width all over and generally either 10mm or 13mm in thickness. Their width and thickness mean that they can withstand a massive force and are optimum for creating pressure within the body. These belts are used for heavy working sets and should be worn almost uncomfortably tight. These belts usually have either a pronged buckle or lever mechanism. Most belts are pronged belts which have a traditional buckle and provides easy adjustment. So a lifter can adjust it depending on the list and also share their belt with others during their workout. A lever belt will allow a much higher level of tightness when compares to the pronged variety. This means that more pressure can be created. But this comes at a cost. They are usually more expensive and they cannot be adjusted with ease. A screwdriver is usually needed to adjust the lever and thus the tightness of the belt. |