FitMethod

The weight belt is an important piece of equipment, when used properly. Usually at the gym, it is not. The weight belt exists to protect the backs of those who do frequent lifting, such as movers. As common sense would dictate, frequent stress on the lowerback can lead to injury. So the weight belt is meant to get rid of that excess stress put on the back.

I keep seeing to many people use the weight belt for the wrong reasons. For instance, I had a friend who once told me that he used it so that he can bench press more weight. What he, and others, fail to realize is that the weight belt inhibits the functioning of the body’s own weight belt, the transversus abdominis.

The transversus abdominis is a major muscle in the Core muscle group. Its function is to stabilize the pelvis and the spine during movement. A stable spine (supported by the transverse abdominis which acts as a girdle) is essential for all muscles to be recruited and function properly. A stable spine prevents injuries.

Now, as I stated before, when a weightbelt is used the functioning of the transversus adbominus becomes impaired. This prevents the muscle from developing and becoming more efficient. Because it is not used, it actually becomes weaker. This leaves the body more vulnerable when a weight belt is not used, since the transversus adbdominus has not been exercised. So as a consequance to using the weight belt to “become stronger”, the body ends up being more vulnerable.

What this all means

The weight belt should be used during very heavy lifts. However, it should not be used all the time. It is necessary to do core-strenghtening exercises (check out the exercises of the week) to keep your own internal weight-belt strong and not just relying on outside help. The back is a very vulnerable, so it must properly be looked after. The weight belt is like cast on a broken leg; the cast keeps the leg fixed, but without physical therapy the leg is not going to fully heal. The same applies to the lower back; relying on the weight belt prevents the muscles that its protecting from becoming stronger.