Deadlift belt/Squat belt

[jakemcmillan]

What's the difference between a deadlift belt and a squat belt?

[jfh26]

I don't believe there is a difference. But they do have a major similarity - they shouldn't be used

http://stronglifts.com/gym-equipment-ac ... der-armor/

[jakemcmillan]

Haha, well I agree that they shouldn't be used at the beginner/novice stage. But as weights get heavy and you start doing heavy singles and doubles, it becomes more important. Especially in powerlifting.

[sjl]

I searched around a little, and found no distinction. Although I did find a distinction in a "bench belt"-- usually only 2.5 inches wide, as opposed to 4 inches wide for a powerlifting belt.

"Bench belt" --2/3 down the page
http://www.prowriststraps.com/weight_li ... rkout_belt

I searched a little deeper for "squat belt" . The term MAY be interchangable with weightlifting or powerlifting belt.

But, there IS a "hip squat belt". --a different exercise.
hip squat belts
http://www.davedraper.com/fusionbb/show ... tid/21562/ (with videos)
http://www.flexcart.com/members/eliteft ... 9&pid=1595

I hope I'm not "encouraging" belt use, here.

Interesting search.


P.S. - That isn't you in that first video is it Jake? The guy looks pretty young. LOL

[jakemcmillan]

Thanks sjl, never seen that hip squat belt, kind of weird. And hell no that isn't me in the video! My arms are much more impressive.

[sjl]

Well, sorry!! I guess I really eat my foot here.

A fresh look at him says he's just modeling it. Not using it. It makes that pic kind of funny.

But I still have this mental image of heavy weights = heavy body; me not being around this stuff prior.

So. Bad joke by me. Looking at your stats, you're very light for all that you lift.

Laugh at me. My bad.

[eLvarouza]

I've heard of people using different belts for squatting and deadlifting due to comfort issues with the thickness of the belt. A very thick belt might hinder you getting into the deadlift starting position.

I think it depends more on how you wear your belt, at least in my experience. I have my belt a bit higher on my stomach when I squat. I also have the belt higher in the back and lower in the front when I deadlift.

When I deadlift if I try to have the belt in the same place it is when I squat then I won't be able to get into a good position and the belt won't be of any use.

But I'd suspect it's mainly a comfort/positioning type of thing.

[jakemcmillan]

Thanks eL, I was also thinking it was just a matter of how wide the belt is....anyway I also wear a belt the same way, when I deadlift it almost automatically shifts higher in the back. It usually finds the right spot by itself.

@sjl: I was just joking around

[HOBEL]

nothing wrong with belts. it is a falsehood that it hinders muscle development. mark rippetoe in starting strength encourages using it with heavy or if you have some compensation factors like back difficulties-he says better to be safe than sorry. belt should be same size 3-4 inches all the way around. there are some cheapo knock off belts that are 4 inches and thicken to 6 in back dont buy these.

[jakemcmillan]

there are some cheapo knock off belts that are 4 inches and thicken to 6 in back dont buy these.

Those are garbage.