Weighlifting Belt

Been watching at those big boys at the gym wrapping a big thick sausage over them? Wana get one as well? Not until u know how it work…

Pros
1)Weighlifting belt have been shown to increase intra abdominal pressure during performance of a resistance training exercise.
2)Contribute to injury free training by decreasing the compressive forces on the vertebral column.

Cons
1)The muscle of the lower back and abdomen may become unaccustomed to supporting the torso.
2)Without a weight belt, the weaker torso muslces may ot be capable of generating enough intra-abdominal pressure to decrease the chance of injury.

WhenTo WearThen???
Few Things to consider before u put on a weighlifting belt.

a)Is your exersice ground-based??

This means,structural exercises that load the trunk and place stress on the lower back.(back and front squat,standing shoulder press,dead lift etc..)
If your answer is "yes" u might consider getting one.Dun stop here READ ON.

b)Involve lifting maximal or near maximal louds?
If your answer is "yes" for this one u certainly need a belt.

A weight belt is not needed for an exercise that does not directly load the trunk even if it place stress on the lower back.(Lat pull down,bench press,biceps curl,leg extension etc..)

Reference:
NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training