weight belts, etc...

[knig22]

Just curious, how many of you guys use weight belts, lifting gloves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, or any other lifting aids when you work out. what is your rational behind using or not using such aids.
Personally, when i started lifting I wore gloves to keep my hands from getting destroyed. Now I use a leather belt when doing deadlifts and standing barbell curls to protect my lower back. I have considered looking in to some sort of knee brace for squats because I have had knee problems in the past.

[Kane]

I use lifting straps for deads because I can't hold the weight for all the reps, but thats all I use. I stay away from gear because its primarily there to compensate for weaker muscles. (If I was deadlifting 600lbs then it would be a diff story...). I've had knee problems before too and I don't have any problems in the squat rack. I only do A2G, I find it's easier on the joints. I used to wear gloves to help improve my grip strength (wearing gloves means you're gripping a bigger circumference and actually helps to improve your natural grip strength) and to make it easier on my palms but now my hands are like leather and I can crush a boulder by squeezing it!

[knig22]

I actually was just introduced to the magical world of a2g squats and deadlifts. I think the primary reason I have been wearing the belt is to ensure that I keep my back straight. Maybe after a few more weeks I'll lose the belt and see how it feels

[Eric3237]

Originally Posted by Knig

Maybe after a few more weeks I'll lose the belt and see how it feels

I think that's a very good idea, but don't wait a few more weeks. Lose it now. If you keep getting heavier in the next few weeks with the belt when you take it off your weights are going to decrease significantly. If you don't decrease them you could end up with just the kind of injury you've been trying to avoid simply because you've allowed your core to weaken like Kane said.

If you can't keep you back straight then lower the weitght...and work on strengthening your back with other lower back exercises and of course work you entire back.

I would forget the knee wraps too.

I posted an article

Back Strong and Beltless

Very long and highly technical and you probably don't need to memorize it or anything but it gives a very concrete idea of what a belt does and doesn't do.

Originally Posted by Kane

If I was deadlifting 600lbs then it would be a diff story...)

Exactly. There may be a time or a stength limit where a belt is necessary. 0311 has suggested to me that when you are lifting 2 to 2.5 times your bodyweight then a belt is advisable. Also at times when you are going for a big PR then I don't see anything wrong with using a belt...but it should not be a regular part of your training IMO.

[Hilton]

I wear gloves and straps personally but iv heard knee and wrist wraps are a great if u are olympic lifting, here's a great place to get them
http://www.prowriststraps.com/

[Ross86]

^^^

[widdoes2504]

Double

[iron_worker]

Hilton I'm really starting to think you're advertising for pro wrist straps....

I use gloves cause I like to keep my hands soft for the gf. lol Also, I have heard it increases your grip strength as well so thats always a bonus.

IronWorker

[Pitysister]

i just use gloves and a belt i can attach weight to for dips and pullups...

[Arnold]

I use gloves.. and people at my gym are like wtf?
so that belt stuff is a bit too complicated for me