<b>Belt or no belt?</b>

A brief one to discuss this commonly asked, often controversial, question.

It can be a confusing subject and I would suggest you do what you feel is right for you however in McGill’s book <i>‘Ultimate Back Fitness &amp; Performance’</i> he explains what some of his research demonstrated:

1). <i>Those who have never had a previous back injury appear to have no additional protective benefit to wearing a belt
2). Those who are injured while wearing a belt seem to risk a more severe injury
3). Belts appear to give people the perception they can lift more and may enable them to lift more
4). Belts appear to increase intra-abdominal pressure and blood pressure
5). Belts appear to change the lifting styles of some people to either decrease loads on the spine or increase the loads on the spine
6). But for athletes there is no question that belts add stiffness and assist to move more load</i>

In summary considering the pros and cons it would probably not be advisable for healthy amateur lifters to wear a belt during routine exercise. However the temporary use of belts may help some individuals return to 'normal' lifting capabilities after injuries. Extreme athletic lifters use belts to move more weight in their sporting discipline NOT for enhanced health.

Many will use a belt for one of these reasons

•    They have seen others wearing them and assume it’s a good idea

•    Their back is sore and they believe the belt will help

•    They want to lift more and feel the belt will help achieve this

None of these reasons are consistent with what the literature states or for the aim of good health. If you want to lift a few more kilos then wear a belt BUT if you want to improve and 'groove' your own motor programming strategy and a stable trunk, then it’s probably a good idea NOT to wear a belt.

<b>COMING SOON! - The Squat Part 6 - The Conclusion</b> <b>&amp; References</b>

Don't worry if you have only just joined the Juicemail you can find all the previous Squat Articles Parts 1-4 by following these links ....

<a href="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/the-squat-part-46/">Part 4/6 The Foot </a>

<a href="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/the-squat-part-36-re-released-by-request/">Part 3/6 The knee</a>
<a href="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/the-squat-part-26/">Part 2/6 The Spine</a>
<a href="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/the-squat-part-1/">Part 1/6 The Pelvis</a>