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When to use belt for squats?

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KIAman

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So I finally reached one of my lifting goals and squat 5x5x315. My last set is huffing it and my form starts to crumble a little but I get it done.

The issue is that ever since I got to 300, my lower back gets sore but only after I finish a squat set, not during the squat. It is directly above where my glute muscle is attached, so very low on my back. It almost feels like a cramp because it doesn't go away sitting down, laying down or standing. After 10 minutes it goes away by itself and I'm fine. It doesn't affect any of my lifts strengthwise, just that I feel this nagging pain.

My question is, when should I start wearing a belt to squat? My form is still good at this weight but I don't want to mess something up just because I'm being ignorant.
 
I sort of agree with the 70s big blog. I'm doing 8 weeks on 8 weeks off right now, I just started. with everything I've got going on I'll probably do more than 8 this first cycle. Not using a belt ever is pretty stupid.
 
Pantlegz said:
I sort of agree with the 70s big blog. I'm doing 8 weeks on 8 weeks off right now, I just started. with everything I've got going on I'll probably do more than 8 this first cycle. Not using a belt ever is pretty stupid.
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Excuse my ignorance, but what is 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off? Is that squatting for 8 weeks then taking 8 weeks break?
 
Same here, after doing the squat it feels as if that part of my back has been shot. I wonder if it has to do with my form (not that I am squatting as heavy as you).
 
You don't need a belt for form. Ever. If you're going for powerlifting performance, then you can train with it - just like any other tool you use with a sport. If you're not powerlifting, it's not really anything you need to do. It will not prevent injury - it may in fact increase your risk of injury due to vastly increased abdominal pressure, which can put you more at risk for a hernia, increase your blood pressure, eye pressure, etc.
 
KIAman said:
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off? Is that squatting for 8 weeks then taking 8 weeks break?
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8 weeks with the belt and 8 without. Just to allow my body time to adapt and get stronger both with and without.
 
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