05/03/2020
Do you need to wear a wear belt in order to squat safely?
No, but there are benefits to the addition of one:
According to Jeffrey McBride of the NSCA, Weight belts can increase intra-abdominal pressure during training and can improve safety when done correctly.
HOWEVER, using a belt for every set will undertrain your abdominal muscles.
Also, if you rely on a weightbelt and suddenly stop, your core will likely not have the Strength to continue that training intensity.
Conclusion:
•Wearing a belt is not needed for exercises not directly affecting the low back
•For exercises directly affecting the low back, using a belt is NOT REQUIRED (you can build up the strength requirements without one)
•Save the belt for heavier sets and refrain from using it on lighter sets of deciding to use one
