Types of belts

I’ll divide belts to the following types:

1. Weightlifter’s belts
2. Powerlifter’s belt
3. Others

Weight lifter’s belts

This is the most common belt in commercial gyms. As can be seen from the picture the belt’s width isn’t constant. The narrow part is around the abdominal region and the wide near the back. Why this belt has such form? These belts are used by weightlifters. Hence there is a constraint, this belt shouldn’t disturb while exercising (“snatch” and “clean and jerk”).



This type of belt is made from leather. Generally, the portion of the belt that crosses the small of the back is approximately fifteen cm (six inches) in height.

For more information about weightlifting please consult: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlifting

Powerlifter’s belt

This type of belts can be rather rarely seen in commercial gyms. It’s used by powerlifters. This type differs from the previous one by its form. There is no wide and narrow part. There is only the wide part.



Why this belt has such form?

If you think of this, in order to bend your back you need to make a small abdominal bent (like a small bow). In other words: to keep the spinal column straight hold abdominal muscles straight.

This type of belt is made from leather.

For more information about weightlifting please consult: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerlifting

Why is there a difference between powerlifting and weightlifting belts?
The difference results from competition exercises. In weightlifting execution technique (the exercises themselves and the execution speed) is dissimilar to powerlifting. Powerlifter’s belt gives the maximal support, but if it’ll be used by a weightlifter than it’ll have a negative affect on execution technique. Thus while weightlifting belt gives less support, it doesn’t have a negative affect on execution technique.

Others

There are types of belt. All non leather belts fall into this category. Usually these are durable nylon belts that have similar form to the weightlifting belts. There are also other purpose belts. For example: a dipping belt (see picture below).

When should I use a belt?

As many things in life, there are two sides.

Pros

• Weight lifting belt will protect the lumbar portion of the spinal column from needless injury. Those in favor of using the belt also suggest that the thickness and width of the belt that spans the lower back can prevent muscle injuries.

Cons

• Weightlifting belt is counterproductive in building up the muscles of the lower back. They point out that any dependence upon the belt will weaken the small of the back rather than allow for its strengthening. The strengthening of the lower back, they point out, is one of the major reasons in taking up weightlifting. Thus, it is quite important to lift weights with caution.
• Those who do not advocate using the weight lifting belt argue that the wearing of the belt will cause needless pressure to be placed on the abdomen. In their argument they point out that this undue pressure placed on the abdomen increases the weight lifter’s blood pressure.

In conclusion of this section I’d advice using belt only when it’s needed. Don’t use belt in biceps curls. Use it in heavy (heavy stands for close to your maximal weights) squats and deadlifts. Don’t forget to wear the belt only during sets. Either remove or loosen it in the resting periods.

Tips on choosing a belt

• If you under threshold and don’t have back related health problems, don’t use belts at all. I’d define the threshold as: 50kg squats for women and 80kg squats for men (or 130% of the mentioned weights in deadlift exercise).
• Prefer powerlifting leather belt, unless you’re making typical weightlifting exercises (like: clean, clean and jerk).
• Choose belts with buckles (secured in a similar fashion as a normal belt). Some of the other types (like: scotch tapes) might cause problems.
• When you’re putting a new belt there should be no space between you back and the belt. Some belts are tight on the sides, but leave space between your back and the belt.