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When to begin using weight belt for Squats

When to begin using weight belt for Squats

Snake_Griffin
Snake_Griffin g Snake Griffin
32 Post(s)
32 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: March 3, 2015
Posted

I currently weight between 155 to 160 pounds.

 

I have incorporating squats into my workout for the last 2 to 3 months.

 

The other day I hit a PR of 245lbs for 8 reps (I know it is chump weight LOL) but still a good mark for me.

 

My question is, at what point should I begin to use a weight belt? There are soo many different views on the matter. Some say if you use it too early your core development could hault, while others say use it whenever you want.

 

I feel ok and I'm not experiencing any pain in my back when lifting that weight. Should I wait until I am getting closer to 300lbs to use belt?

 

P.S. The same question would go for Knee sleeves as well.

jmboiardi
jmboiardi p John M Boiardi
2.6K Post(s)
2.6K Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Bodybuilding Date Joined: October 10, 2013
Posted
Posted By: Snake_Griffin

I currently weight between 155 to 160 pounds.

 

I have incorporating squats into my workout for the last 2 to 3 months.

 

The other day I hit a PR of 245lbs for 8 reps (I know it is chump weight LOL) but still a good mark for me.

 

My question is, at what point should I begin to use a weight belt? There are soo many different views on the matter. Some say if you use it too early your core development could hault, while others say use it whenever you want.

 

I feel ok and I'm not experiencing any pain in my back when lifting that weight. Should I wait until I am getting closer to 300lbs to use belt?

 

P.S. The same question would go for Knee sleeves as well.

Snake,

 

First off, 245Lbs is not chump weight and unless you plan to be a power lifter then who gives a shit about the amount of weight you lift? The weight is a means to an end not the end in and of itself and its more important to train with intensity and proper form to build muscle :-)

 

I weigh 160Lbs like you and I use no weight belt or knee wraps. I have gones as heavy as 275 for 8 reps with no issue. I am more interested in keeping the size and strength I already have and not setting PRs so I generally squat in the 135 to 225Lb range. I do, however, incorporate supersets and drop sets - sometimes 2 exercises (squats with leg press) or 3 exercises (squats with leg press with front squats). Trust me, you don't need to do a lot of weight to beat the piss out of your Quads when doing either supersets or drop sets. Try squatting 175Lbs for 12, then immediately drop to 155Lbs for 12, then immediately drop to 135Lbs for 12 or do a set of squats with 205Lbs for 10 then immediately hit the leg press with 260Lbs or 350Lbs for 10 - and do these sets 5 times and you will see what I mean and no belt is required :-)

 

As to when to wear a belt, it is totally a subjective decision. If you squat correctly and have a healthy back and knees, I am sure you can go beyond 315 raw. If not or if your concerned about potential injury, my personal opinion would be not to go raw above 300Lbs.

 

John

34 years of lifting and nutritional experience and resident "old man" :-) MS Athlete and past Super Hermanite since 2013.
Snake_Griffin
Snake_Griffin g Snake Griffin
32 Post(s)
32 Post(s) Gender: Male Goal: Gain Muscle Date Joined: March 3, 2015
Posted

Your awesome John. I felt like I just got slapped in the face..........but in a Good Way!

 

Thanks for the real talk.

 

Just for the record, I squated 245lbs for 10 reps yesterday and it felt great. My friend did a great job spotting me.........amazing how much of a role the mind plays when it comes to pushing yourself to greater levels.

 

I usually do about 6 to 8 sets, which includes my warm up sets of 135lbs.

 

Usually go 135lbs (2 sets of 10-12), 200lbs (1 set of 10), 235lbs (2 set of 8-10) 245lbs (1 set of 8-10)

 

Thanks for the great ideas on incorporating supersets and insight on weight belts!

 

Take care and thanks for always jumping to share your experience and knowledge with us.

muscular strength
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