Weight Belts: leather or nylon/other?

[Angrymarshmello]

Just curious - what type of weight lifting belts do you guys use/prefer? My lower back has been feeling kinda strained since my leg workout on Monday. I concentrated really hard on proper form because I've been lifting more than I usually have, but apparently that's not enough. My dad has had chronic back pain in the past so I'd like to do whatever I can to help protect my back while I'm young. I know a weight belt isn't an excuse to lift wrecklessly, but I figure I need one. So what type is better/preferred: the leather ones or the nylon ones?

 

[StageLeft]

I have a leather one but I've never tried nylon. I figure leather is less forgiving and that's what I wanted. Mine is also extra wide. I do find it helps a lot and even with trying my best on form it's difficult doing squats without this belt if I want to avoid any pain/discomfort.

My back over the past few years has started to hurt (I'm only 25 for pete's sake!). I'm now sleeping on the floor recently with my legs propped up (spine flush against the floor) and it's helped tremendously. If I'm on my side I make sure it's only the side and not half stomach or all stomach (sleeping on my stomach is what started all this plus poor chair posture).

BTW My dad also has bad back problems now but he's quite overweight so no idea how much of the weight is a factor (probably a major part).

 

[Amused]

Never used a weight belt and never will.

It's funny, but everyone I know who uses one has a bad back, and developed that bad back while using the weight belt.

Proper form. No weight belt can ever make up for a lack of it.

 

[Spamela]

Originally posted by: Amused
Never used a weight belt and never will.

It's funny, but everyone I know who uses one has a bad back, and developed that bad back while using the weight belt.

Proper form. No weight belt can ever make up for a lack of it.

true, but using the weight belt doesn't cause the injuries (nearly every competitive powerlifter i know or have ever seen at a competition uses one).

i have an Inzer lever (leather) belt for serious squatting & deadlifting.

for lighter workouts i use a leather Valeo with a buckle.

the nylon ones would get you laughed off the powerlifting platform.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Ahh ok. I'm not into powerlifting or anything along those lines, just the "normal" lifting weights so to speak.

 

[Rudee]

I use a leather belt for heavy squats, deadlifts and bent-over rows.

 

[Mrburns2007]

Weight belts should only be used in competition, during workouts no belt or supersuit should be used so your tendons can strengthen.

 

[Spamela]

Originally posted by: Mrburns2007
Weight belts should only be used in competition, during workouts no belt or supersuit should be used so your tendons can strengthen.

"supersuit?"

i use a belt in 2 out of 3 workouts & have never had a problem.

a belt, properly used, enables you to handle more weight with less chance of injury by stabilizing your torso. this means greater strength gains with added safety. this doesn't mean you don't have to do ab & lower back work.

if you don't use a belt (or other equipment) ever in workouts, then it's going to feel awfully weird using it in a competition.