Video Series - 9th installment (My thoughts on weight belts)

If you lift weights as a part of your exercise program, you may have seen a few people donning weight belts during their workouts.

And if you're a more advanced lifter, and you've progressed to some relatively heavy lifting, you may have considered using a weight belt for the heavier, more complicated lifts. OR, you may have already begun to use one.

Well, unfortunately, I don't agree with the argument for weight belts.

You can find out why in my next pet peeve video!




And if you already wear a weight belt, let me give you some quick advice on how to effectively wean yourself off of that practice...

1. Before even beginning to lift, practice creating a vacuum in your stomach to activate those deep abdominal muscles. First take a deep breath, then pull the belly button inward while holding that breath. Work on holding this contraction - to teach the brain how to recruit those inner muscles.

2. Begin to focus on that same sensation during EVERY SINGLE EXERCISE. Even the upper body movements. Practice on bodyweight exercises and less complicated movements first.

3. Attempt the heavy lifts without a weight belt... but make sure you drop the weight significantly at first. Prove to yourself that you can do the movement correctly with just your "internal weight belt", then slowly progress back up to heavier weights.


Practice all three of these steps, conscientiously focusing on abdominal involvement and proper form, and you will successfully get yourself away from weight belt use without injury.
Good Luck!