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I see guys walking around the gym wearing weight belts. Is it true that weight belts cause more back injuries than they prevent?

If you look around most gyms, you see fewer and fewer guys wearing training belts. Back in the ‘80s, they were huge accessories that everyone seemed to need. But as time went on, they seemed to just go out of style. But if you step into
any powerlifting gym, you’d be hard-pressed to find one guy that doesn’t own a belt.

According to researcher Michael Sedlak, an adequate amount of data has yet to be presented to determine unmistakably that the use of a weight belt reduces the occurrence of low back injury. Weightlifting belts or abdominal belts are meant to work by reducing the forces on the spine, increasing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).

The most common and widely accepted guideline for use of a weight belt is that its benefits are best when used for maximal or near maximal loads that place stress on the lower back. Chronic dependence on a weight belt during training may result in a decreased ability of the abdominal musculature to generate sufficient IAP while training without a belt.

The fact that these belts help you lift more tends to create a false perception that they should be worn at all times, during any lifting activity. This is a myth that will only lead to decreased performance and potential injury. If you’re new to the gym, leave the belt at home! As you become a more experienced lifter, you will understand its importance and when a belt may be beneficial.