The Tradition Of Wearing Weightlifting Belts
In the past, the use of weightlifting belts was a tradition strictly followed in Olympic weightlifting and in power lifting. Presently, the use of weightlifting belts has been adopted by recreational weightlifters who buy these items for safety reasons. In fact, protection and performs are the two elements that justify wearing weightlifting belts: first of all when lifting the weights in the upright position, the back needs to be protected against spinal injury, and secondly, there the abdominal pressure increases which provides stability to the back bones and thus the grip and the weight lift improve and become steadier. There are several other benefits resulting from these main two functions.
Weightlifting belts reduce the risk of damaging the spinal cord because of the bone shrinkage that usually occurs when lifting weights. Reducing lower back compression is a great point in achieving a more stable and safer background for bodybuilding sports. Most weightlifting belts are wider in the part that supports the back and narrower at the front. Such belts can also be worn the other way round for an increase of the intra-abdominal pressure, that is with the wider part in front even if this is more unconventional. Plus, with a belt, you’ll be more aware of the back position during certain postures thus performing exercises more correctly.
Not all exercises require the use of weightlifting belts; normally only maximal or submaximal lifts are suitable for such an item, because then you’ll put a lot of pressure on the back. Weightlifting belts will also reduce the risk of back hyper extension when performing the military press for instance. Do not over-use a belt because there is serious evidence that it can increase the blood pressure alarmingly. Lightweight lifting does not even need such a gear item, to give just an example of when to leave the belt out of the exercise routine.
Another downside to the extensive use of weightlifting belts is the strength decrease in the abdominal muscles, and we should not forget that these muscles are crucial for the stability of the trunk. This part of the body is less stimulated because of the belt and therefore tends to lose its strength. Consequently, although it protects the lower back against injuries, a weightlifting belt is not always a must-have accessory. It is a very useful equipment item, but make sure you know when to wear it and how to wear it for maximum positive results.
Whatever exercise you use for Health and Fitness it’s important to check with your Doctor before embarking on a fitness regime. More information and resources on Health & Fitness today can be found on the Health And Exercise Website.
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