How To Use A Weightlifting Belt (IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)

When most use a weightlifting belt, they do so incorrectly. Ask yourself if this scene sounds familiar. You look towards the squat rack and see an athlete struggling with all their might to fasten their belt as tightly around their stomachs as possible as if they are donning an 18th century corset.

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Proper use of a belt is much more than just wearing it tightly around your stomach! In order to properly use a belt, you must breathe “into the belt”. If you only cinch it tight, you miss out on the benefits the belt has to offer. Always think about expanding your stomach into the belt and then bracing against it.

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Music credits

[timoh]

You lost me at "Here's your six-pack"

[SaitamaRage]

The greatest explanation for core stability I have and will ever watch

[mrcommonsense]

If you read the norse saga's Thor used a weight lifting belt. If he was about to do something that required ultra strength he would put his belt on first. So even the vikings recognised the power of the belt.

[kbflorida]

Nobody ever explained how to wear a belt like that. THANK YOU!

[nroor]

I'm a 90 yo female, and your videos have helped tremendously.

[TonyTouch]

This is the lesson I’ve been waiting for! How to create intra-abdominal pressure. The example you did in the beginning of the video really shows how it works. No wonder too many people get injured while doing squats and deadlifts. They’re not doing this important step! Thanks for saving our backs. 👍🏼

[drewski]

Would love to see a follow up to this with regards to use and positioning. Mostly how it relates to squats and how to prevent a belt affecting form (pushing knees out wider, or if it keeps you more upright). Also stuff like comfort, breaking in a belt, how often to use a belt.

[rcs]

I can't deny how much a belt has helped me with my strength. As a beginner I hit a plateau with my deadlifts and squats and struggled with progressive overload. I started using a belt yesterday and immediately was able to breeze through my deadlift and today squats. Going to try bracing properly the next round!

[derrick]

Agreed, proper bracing should always be done before entering any snatch.

[donwaffles]

Hey Dr, could you do a video on best exercises for the stability of upper back muscles and how to stretch the hamstrings.

[antigravity.pajamas]

@neuralhalation - this video comes exactly at the right time as I level up my workouts. thanks for the consistently amazing content!

[G-ray]

Just starting out on my powerlifting journey. This video was SO helpful on teaching me proper breathing! Can’t wait to watch and learn more from you!!

[malachite]

Awesome that you put this video together. I found it really useful. They content you make is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[g-absfitness]

@gabfitness thank you for the great content, I usually listen to your podcast but your videos are even better.

[dreturner]

I'm gonna start using the can analogy for my clients. Thank you.

[ryanday]

Just buought a +50 Strength belt from PR. Never used a belt before. HUGE improvement. Trying knee sleeves next.

[WarIsOver]

The best weightlifting advice on Youtube

[JTheMotivator]

Thanks for these tips! Started YouTube channel this month to show how geeks can lift. These tips will help me improve my PRs!💪🏾💪🏾✊🏾👊🏾

[strahinjazuvic]

@zuviiic Doesn't matter if I win or not. Either way I want to say thank you. You are the reason why I'm doing squats correctly. I didn't want to do them before that because I were too scared to injure myself.

[michaelmarowitz]

@mmarowitz - always great content! I definitely was the guy who thought squeezing the life out of me with the belt was the way to go. Feel so much stronger and stable now!