The weight belt can be used as an effective muscle building aid, both mentally and physically. There are a number of muscle building aids that the weight lifter uses in order to aid his quest for strength and muscle gain. Aids such as wrist straps, chalk, and of course, the weight belt.

The weight belt is traditionally made of leather, is wide in the rear, and has holes in the front where teeth fit in, similar to that of a normal everyday belt. More modern day weight belts are made of different material, but the standard is the old brown leather. The belt is cinched relatively tight, but not too tight. The rational in using a belt is that it supports your back and thus prevents back injury from occurring. It is generally seen as mandatory on exercises such as squats and rowing exercises where a fair amount of lower back is involved indirectly, and chances of the lower back jerking or assisting too much is of concern.

There is controversy over the weight belt, and while many swear by them, there are others who simply don’t believe they provide any help to the lower back, with some believing more harm can be caused. There are squaters who refrain from using the weight belt, feeling it puts an unnatural element to the mighty muscle building exercise. Other problems which have been cited with the weight belt has been the pressure put on the stomach area due to the belt cinching tightly around the waist. Some have even attributed distended abdomens as the results of tight weight belts.

Personal experience has concluded me to be a weight belt user, though not for the usual reasons. I do believe the weight belt provides some support to the lower back, but even a greater “mental support” I find to be paramount in the end. Feeling the belt in place causes the lifter to be extra aware of lower back isolation , and, at least for me, one slight twitch or jerk of the lower back can cause some serious problems. Just the belt being there, in place, locks my back into place, both physically and mentally. I even use the weight belt for some standing shoulder dumbell exercises. I believe this improves my form, my concentration, and ultimately assists in my overall muscle building goals.

It is also important to loosen up your belt between sets, or at least exercises. I’m inconclusive on the distended abdomen theory but I do believe constant pressure on the abdomen is not a good thing; if nothing else it interrupts your breathing causing heavy gasps normally unnecessary and detrimental to proper rest between sets and exercises.

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