Do NOT Use Weight Belts When Performing Weight Training Exercises

People who are involved in weight training programs are told that wearing a weight lifting belt is one of the best ways to eliminate injury chances. Although this is true, these belts do have certain disadvantages that you should be aware of before you go ahead and purchase one. The first disadvantage is that it creates dependence once you start using it. This is because people push out against the belt when doing the lifts. When you do not have the belt the body still continues to push the abdominal muscles instead of tightening them. This can cause lower back injury.

Another disadvantage of using the lifting belts in your weight training program is that they affect blood flow rate. Normally you have to tighten the belt in order to gain the required support when the belt is so tight, your blood pressure increases. There is also increased pressure in the abdomen that increases systolic blood pressure obstructing the flow of blood to the heart.

Using a weight lifting belt also reduces strength. In normal lifting, your back and the abdominal muscles should act as a natural belt supporting the lumbar spine. Using the belt during the workouts means your lower back as well as the abdominal muscles is used to a lesser extent due to the support from the belt. This will have the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve by getting involved in the training workouts.

The weight lifting belt also changes your lifting style entirely. It also puts pressure on different parts of the body. This can result in injury. Weight lifting belts are also used by people who are injured as a way of covering the injuries hence continuing with their exercises. This causes the injuries to worsen. Finally, the belt can change your perception leading you to lift heavier weights than you should. This is the easiest route to injury. So how can one use these belts effectively?

1. First you should not wear the belt for extended durations, as this is physically taxing.

2. You should wear the belt only when performing maximal lifts during special exercises such as dead-lifts or squats. This is because the weight is supported by the back of the lifter.

3. The belts can also be worn during the military presses which can cause the back to hyperextend.

4. Finally, you should also confirm your health with a doctor. This is because the belts are not meant for people with blood pressure problems due to their effect on blood flow.

Bill has been an online article writer for nearly 6 years. In addition to his normal topics of diet, fitness and weight training, you can also check out his latest website on Brother Embroidery Machines as well as Babylock Embroidery Machine to see reviews and product comparisons.