question for powerlifters

Just wondering because ive been getting alot stronger lately when one should start wearing protective gear when theyre maxing or doing real low rep work.  I never use a belt or anything because I want my core to get stronger but most videos I watch on youtube or the real strong guys in my gym wear a belt.  Im just wondering if its really necessary or if theres a certain point when one should wear one.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

Some people say you should wear one with maxing but I don't even do that.  My lifts aren't huge but I've pulled 515 without a belt or any other gear and have done 600+ off a rack with no belt.  If I were you I wouldn't even be thinking about one as of yet.  Just make sure your form is legit.

If you can keep yourself stable, that's all that matters.  No one has to wear a belt.  They are essentially just extra abs.

Jane

Belt or not...I would still include core in your training.  

Very true. 

If you do use a belt, save it for max attempts only, I don't see a reason in handicapping yourself during regular work sets.

I've liked squats a lot more since getting a good belt, never liked them before, I don't think it works your core less anymore like I used to.  I do more core work as well, but I honestly feel like my core gets worked pretty hard with a belt on because I am pushing against it.

http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/Seos-Log-2008-m442008.aspx

Lets not confuse core with just the abdominals though, it extends completely around your body.  You might get some ab work from pushing against the belt but you no longer need to support yourself as much to stay erect.  Thus you work less of your core as a whole.

I feel like im cheating when I use one.  About 2 weeks i failed at 385 and then put the belt on and got it, but it felt like it wasnt really me.  But I would really like to get 4 plates soon and even with a belt I would feel pretty good about it.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

The one good thing about the belt is that it helps you focus on pushing your abs out against the belt.  The bad part is that most people don't practice that technique when they take the belt off.  You should inhale straight into your gut (you know you are doing it right if your shoulders don't raise up when you inhale) and squeeze your abs tight with your belly filled with air.  This will help you stay much tighter throughout the squat. 

it basically gives you a fake core in a sense.

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NASM certified trainer
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Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

i agree with CP 100%... personaly out of fear that 1 slip up on form with injure my back any further i always use a belt when im approching maxes. but i advise to train with out one, that way you're really TRAINing and getting better on your own. if ever going to compete, always use that type of gear, it helps a lot obviously

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Maybe if you wear it for every single set and every single exercise.

Its for saftey more then anything, and while im confident in my form on heavy deadlifts and squats...im not going to risk injury.

and not to mention if you wear the belt properly, it can actually work your abs/core a bit more then not wearing it because as some of you have pointed out it forces your abs to press up against something.

There is nothing wrong with wearing a belt for max attempts or near max attempts, if you choose not too, thats fine too.

Creation


it basically gives you a fake core in a sense.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"