One of the best tools that you can use in the gym to help you lift more is to use a weight lifting belt. But, while using a belt can help to prevent injuries or further aggravating old injuries, it can also cause new ones if you don’t use them correctly. Here are a few tips on correctly using a weightlifting belt so that you avoid injuries.
Essentially, what a weight lifting belt does is take pressure off of your lower back. It increases inter-abdominal pressure, which essentially gives you stronger abs. Your back muscles will have a much more solid surface to stop them from pulling forward, taking pressure off your back. If you’ve got a back injury from trying to lift too much or from some other activity, wearing weight lifting belts can help you to continue to lift without further injuring yourself. Just make sure to consult with a doctor if your injury is severe.
However, this is a double edge sword and could end up further injuring you. Lifting belts should never be used as a substitute for proper form. If your mild back injury was the result of improper lifting technique and you just slap on a belt to make yourself feel better, you only reinforce your bad habits. Later on, this will inevitably result in a much larger injury as you start lifting heavier and heavier weights. Instead, you should move down in weight and work on your technique before you start piling on pounds.
Weight belts can help you avoid injuries, but they can also cause them if you use them instead of developing proper technique. Know when to use a belt and when you should instead be working on developing your technique. Doing this will make sure that you don’t fall victim to most of the lifting injuries that other gym-goers suffer.
