Fitness belts are the new obsession in the weight loss community. It is believed that this The best way quickly get a figure hourglass, reduce the volume of the stomach, lose weight and, of course, avoid the growth of the waist from strength training.
The spine is just a chain of bones. Without the continuous cooperation of the muscles and fasciae that hold it up, the weight of the upper body alone is enough to cause injury. The deep core muscles are the muscles that surround the body in a cylinder. The diaphragm covers it from above, and the muscles of the pelvic floor from below. Coordination correct breathing using the diaphragm with muscle tension in the abdomen and pelvic floor, it creates the correct pressure inside the abdominal cavity. It is it that stabilizes the back and supports it in all the movements that we do in everyday life and in training.
The intra-abdominal pressure in the cortex is like a balloon: it becomes rigid when filled with air.
Compression of this ball in the middle changes the distribution of pressure, directing it down or, conversely, up to the diaphragm, depriving the pelvic floor muscles of the correct pressure.
Important organs are located in the abdomen: small and large intestines, stomach, liver, kidneys, uterus and bladder. It is assumed that if you wear a fitness belt for a long time, the organs will change their position over time and the waist will decrease.
Fortunately, modern corsets are not capable of this, and all torture hard corsets are a thing of the past. Women of past centuries wore corsets almost from childhood. Over the years, the chest was deformed, and the organs changed their position.
It is not able to "dent" the fabric for a long time, it cannot deform the ribs if you do not wear it from childhood without taking it off. The shape of the chest is just the case when broad bone has the meaning:
All the miracles of losing weight in the waist from wearing belts and corsets are photoshopped or ordinary weight loss due to the fact that a woman began to eat less.
The constant wearing of a corset, although it does not change the position of the organs, squeezes them and can bring many problems.
- It restricts breathing, making it impossible to take a deep breath with the diaphragm. When the lungs cannot expand adequately, we cannot get enough oxygen. This is especially dangerous in the gym.
- A corset can reduce blood flow to and from the heart. This can lead to dizziness and fainting.
- Greater pressure on the intestine impairs digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. The intestines need space to contract and "move" food. Constipation, bloating and other troubles can await.
- When the stomach cannot expand, there is a risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), when the contents of the stomach, along with hydrochloric acid, are thrown back into the esophagus, which was not intended for hydrochloric acid at all.
- Reduced pressure on the pelvic floor muscles can cause or worsen urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse problems, especially if the woman has multiple pregnancies, ligament and connective tissue weakness, and poor core muscle function.
Belts in training and waist growth
It is believed that women should definitely wear slimming belts during training to prevent the waist from growing in breadth from lifting weights. People assume that external pressure on the muscles around the waist will prevent them from growing.
But the obliques grow from dynamic targeted work on them. These are the very exercises "from the sides" that women like to do to remove them. Instead, they get what they fear so much - a wider waist. From tilts with dumbbells or on the simulator for hyperextension, the muscles do not dry out and the fat from them does not drive.
Anyone who hopes so needs to know two things about training:
Muscles can grow in a specific area of the body. If you want to increase muscle in a specific area, you need to do exercises that target that particular area. You can not swing your legs and grow your arms in this way. Fat cannot disappear from a specific area of the body. Unlike muscle, fat is different. Exercises that work specific areas on the body do not affect the amount of fat in any way. Fat goes evenly throughout the body, and this is controlled by the central nervous system. Muscles do not give a direct command to fat to burn and melt at the place of their work. If the muscles need energy (and fat is just unspent energy that needs to be spent on something), they send an official request to a higher authority - to the central nervous system. The central nervous system determines those responsible for execution - hormones. Hormones enter the bloodstream and are distributed with the blood throughout the body and act on all fat cells.
By working out in a belt, you partially take work from the core muscles, preventing them from strengthening to protect your back outside the gym. Even those suffering from exacerbation of lumbar hernia, doctors recommend wearing medical corsets for a very short time. Then they must be engaged in strengthening the muscles supporting the back. Otherwise, problems with hernias will occur more and more often.
Separately, there are rigid athletic belts, which are often worn in the gym without understanding the essence of their work. They are absolutely not for thin waist. These belts used only with the correct diaphragmatic breathing to further increase intra-abdominal pressure. They partially replace the core muscles in heavy squats and deadlifts. Most don't need them. And it's even more pointless to just put them on, thinking that they themselves will do something with the waist. And if they hang out on it, then they are generally ineffective.
Recovery after childbirth
After abdominal operations or childbirth, many women, especially those with muscle diastasis (divergence of the rectus abdominis muscle to the sides due to pregnancy), wear corsets and bandages on the recommendation of a doctor for a short time. They support abdominal cavity while the muscles are recovering. But they are soft enough and do not aim to make the postpartum waist thinner as quickly as possible, do not interfere with breathing and digestion.
In the United States, most physicians and physical therapists do not recommend bandages after pregnancy because it is important to train the core muscles to re-stabilize the spine, restore pelvic floor muscle function, and deep muscles abdominal press. Mechanical tightening of the waist does not help this.
findings
What are the benefits of wearing a corset? In fact, wearing a tight corset simply makes a woman eat less, which will inevitably lead to weight loss. But the same effect can be achieved in a healthier way.
It seems logical - if you press hard on a place, it can be reduced. But modern corsets are not able to deform chest and change the position of the organs. The waist will return to its normal position as soon as you remove the corset.
There is no magic way to quickly reduce any part of the body. Any long-term change comes only from long and consistent work.
In each gym there are people who must wear a weightlifting belt during training. There are also athletes who do not see the point in using such equipment or use it only when performing individual approaches. Which decision is considered correct? Why do you need a weightlifting belt? How to choose such a tool for training?
Purpose
Why is it advisable to use a weightlifting belt? Usually, it is worn when performing strength exercises while working with impressive loads. Putting on the belt, the athlete tightens it tightly, thereby increasing the level of intra-abdominal pressure. In turn, this contributes to reliable fixation of the intervertebral discs in a static position. In other words, the use of such equipment makes it possible to stabilize the muscles of the lower back and prevent their damage.
Application features
How to wear a weightlifting leather belt? It should be noted that the use of such equipment throughout training process doesn't make sense. Moreover, such a decision negatively affects the condition of the muscles.
There are several rules, following which allows you to turn a weightlifting belt into effective remedy for safe training:
- It is recommended to put on such equipment only before approaching sports equipment, which are held in a position above the head or used to increase the load when performing exercises in a standing position.
- After completing the approach, it is recommended to remove the belt.
- With regular use of the device, special attention should be paid to maintaining the tone of the abdominal muscles.
- Using a weightlifting belt, you must perform no more than 10 repetitions. And it is better to resort to working with maximum weight.
- As you get used to sports equipment, the development of an impressive mass abdominal muscles, you need to try to gradually abandon the belt.
The form
When choosing a weightlifting belt for personal needs, special attention should be focused on the form. The device can have the same width along its entire length or expand in the lower back.
It is wiser to acquire a wide weightlifting belt and gradually get used to it. Perhaps such equipment is not so convenient for beginners. However, with its help there is a truly uniform maintenance of the body.
Manufacturing materials
Today, weightlifting belts are made from genuine leather and leatherette, fabric and synthetic bases. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on how the equipment is used.
Leather athletic belts have a long service life and therefore are the most expensive option. The bulk of products in this category are equipped with reliable metal fasteners for two pins.
Leatherette belts belong to the budget category. At the same time, such belts are characterized by a variety of fixing components.
Synthetic fixtures are suitable for working with medium weight. Most often they have a fastener in the form of Velcro.
Type
Currently, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Classic models - have a wide part, which is located in the lumbar region and a narrower one, which is adjacent to the stomach.
- Wide belts are much more massive in the working part compared to classic products.
- Cloth belts - made from dense fabric. They are not as reliable protection for the lower back as the above options. Therefore, this equipment is more suitable for beginner athletes.
The size
It is extremely important to select weightlifting belts based on the parameters own body. When buying in a sporting goods store, it is worth trying on the belt once again. When ordering a device on the Internet, it is recommended to carefully study dimensional grids individual manufacturers.
Ultimately, you should always remember that the volume of the abdominal zone can change quite quickly in one direction or another as you train. Therefore, it is better to give preference to weightlifting belts with the ability to adjust the position of the fasteners in a wide range.
For classes in the gym, everything is clear, then it is more difficult to deal with such a thing as a belt, since people involved often put on a belt in an inappropriate situation.
For example, it is not necessary to wear a special belt for people who often visit gym, if there are no medical contraindications.
Each person is the owner of his own muscle corset, which nature gave him. If a person's corset is strong, he can perform without a belt, and also pull a huge amount of weight.
If you constantly wear a special belt, the corset given to you by nature will begin to weaken, over time it will become slightly underdeveloped in comparison with the rest of the muscle tissue.
Bodybuilders who spend more time in the gym consider the belt at the waist to be something more than just an attribute.
First of all, it is protection and support for the lower back.
Quality belts according to doctors
A good weightlifter belt is not only protection for his back, it is an assistant in increasing the load during squats with a barbell, also when pressing from the chest in classical style. When performing an exercise such as a belt, it also helps the weightlifter.
When you put on a special support belt, your intra-abdominal pressure increases. This is considered a helpful factor. The load on the spine in its lower part is reduced by about half. Thus, the loads on are redistributed. Some part of the strength of your muscles is released.
The freed up reserves will help you gain weight. As a result, the effect of barbell squats will improve by 10%.
Support belts are of three types. The first two types of belts are made from leather and synthetic materials. These belts are very common. The back of these belts is wide. 
Non-synthetic belts are made from rough leather. They are equipped with a metal buckle. Fastening at the waist in front. It is narrow in the front and comfortable during squat exercises.
Physiologists believe that the belt should be wide not only from the back, but also from the front. The skin on the abdomen should not rub.
The support belt supports and, it creates pressure inside.
The opinion of physiologists was taken into account. Neoprene and nylon belts appeared. It is wide at the back, as well as at the ends.
The material of the belt has an advantage. It is very durable and hugs the body well.
Nowadays, leather belts are made with a special insert. With it, the belt fits very well to the body.
Professional athletes choose a synthetic belt.
The third type is considered a power belt. It was invented by bodybuilders a very long time ago.
The power belt is used by weightlifters in competitions, thereby demonstrating their highest achievements. 
This belt is made of durable materials that never stretch under load.
The power belt is very wide along its entire length, the clasp on it is ingenious and durable.
Athletes involved in weightlifting use this belt for a very hard workouts extra class.
If we take into account the fact that the belt fasteners are adjustable, we can conclude that there are different sizes power belts.
Choose the size yourself, depending on.
For each person involved in weightlifting, the back of the special belt has its own size, depending on which of the weight categories is related to the athlete.
Remember that you will feel the maximum effectiveness of the belt when you get the right belt that fits around your waist.
The weightlifting belt is an indispensable assistant that will secure your workouts and make them more comfortable. But is this piece of equipment always appropriate, and how to choose the right model? You will learn about this by reading the article.
If you want to achieve results in bodybuilding for as soon as possible, then apart from proper training additional assistants will be needed, one of which is a weightlifting belt. It will help keep you safe during heavy-duty activities.
Weightlifting Belt
A belt for a bodybuilder is a bandage that is fixed on the belt. This important piece of equipment is indispensable for protecting the abdominal muscles from stretch marks and the risk of hernia during weightlifting and powerlifting, as well as bodybuilding. In addition, it is an excellent protection for the spine from hyperextension while lifting an impressive weight.
But here it is important to remember that it is necessary to use a belt when lifting heavy loads during performances, competitions. As for regular training, your own back muscles should be developed enough to withstand the load without the help of a belt. The thing is that you can’t wear such equipment all the time, otherwise the functions of the girdle muscles will decrease.
The body will no longer include its muscle reserves in the work, because there is an assistant who will do everything himself. If you wear a belt all the time, then muscle corset loses momentum quickly. And then the risk of injury to the lower back during the exercises is quite likely.
The mechanism of action is simple: when you tighten the belt on your stomach, spinal column, as well as intervertebral discs in the lumbar region become much more resistant to deformation. The belt for a bodybuilder is indispensable when lifting weights above your head and when performing exercises while standing. But still, in between sets, you need to remove this useful detail.
Powerlifting belt: pros and cons of using
Pros:
- Very reliable in terms of the safety of the athlete in the gym.
- Prevents injury during workouts.
- Suppresses the fear of getting hurt.
- You can give your best in training.
- Can't be worn all the time. Otherwise, it will be addictive.
- The fabric of which the belt consists is thick enough and does not allow the body to breathe. As a result, an increase in body temperature is possible.
How to choose a weightlifting belt
It is very important to choose a high-quality weightlifting belt - the comfort of training and the durability of the product itself depend on it. Yes, and how effective the training will be, this also has an important impact.
What should be a powerlifting belt:
- Fairly wide.
- It is best that the material for its manufacture is genuine leather.
- The inner lining should also be - it creates comfort during classes.
Models with a constant width are used for strength exercises that are performed with a straight body. Due to the fact that the front is wide, the body does not lean forward. Such models are ideal for heavy squats. The same goes for the deadlift.
It is best to purchase both types of athletic belt, because during training exercises can be very different in nature. If you decide to choose one, then for bodybuilders the best fit is a model that has extensions from the back. As for powerlifting, in this case it is worth choosing the model that has the same width on all sides.
The girth of the belt at the waist is also important, as well as the overall size. Therefore, it is best to try to put on a belt yourself before buying, or take measurements in advance, using a centimeter as an assistant. It is important that, after fastening the belt, the buckle is somewhere in the middle of the holes for fixing the belt.
Do not forget to find out what material the model is made of - it must be so strong that the belt does not break. In addition to natural leather, leatherette or synthetics can be used. The durability and strength of the element that is responsible for fixing are also important factors when choosing a model.
It is necessary to pay attention to the flexibility and wear of the belt. Models made of several layers of genuine leather are more durable and easily take the desired shape of the body. High Quality. They are stitched with a zigzag pattern.
The last thing you should pay attention to is the color of the belt and the label depicted on it. It is very important to first make sure that the model you choose meets all the requirements that were listed above.
Video about the sports belt for the back:
People who decide to engage in heavy sports simply cannot do without special ammunition. A powerlifting belt is an integral part of any weightlifter's outfit.
It is thanks to the belt that it will be possible to raise maximum weights. In addition, it allows you not to worry about the condition of your spine. A properly selected belt will support and protect the spine from various sprains and injuries.
Powerlifting
Before choosing and purchasing a powerlifting belt, you should decide what kind of sport it is, and how it differs from bodybuilding that is familiar to many. The power view sport involves lifting heavy weights. And if in bodybuilding weights are lifted for the sake of building muscle mass and giving the body a beautiful relief, then in powerlifting the cubes on the press are completely unimportant. The only thing that matters here is the sprint.
For any athlete in this sport, proper nutrition, balanced diet, good sports training. And, of course, equipment.
What is the belt for?
During the lifting of the barbell, a very strong load is placed on the spine. In order to avoid trouble and health problems, every powerlifter should have a good supportive support. The best powerlifting belts are, of course, leather. They are much more comfortable, stronger and more durable.
The belt is also mandatory for those who already have some kind of back problems. It will reduce the load on the spine and lower back while lifting the bar, acting as a strong corset.
Sometimes the muscles are not ready for the loads that the next sport competitions. Belts help out here too, allowing you to set your own records, despite insufficient preparation.
It is not recommended to refuse to wear a belt. If you decide to do this, then experts advise to carry out the refusal gradually. Muscles are already used to the fact that they always have support. And if you sharply deprive them of a frame, then they simply will not withstand the proposed load. You can start with a warm-up, doing and exercising without a belt.
How to choose a belt
It is very important when choosing the right size belts for powerlifting. Thin weak, even made of quality material, will not be able to provide proper support and secure dorsal muscles. Professional athletes prefer strong and wide belts.
If you practice this sport professionally, then support from simple thin materials will not work. She simply will not be able to secure her back while lifting the barbell. The normal allowable width is about ten centimeters. This will be the optimal belt for powerlifting, which will help support not only the muscles of the back, but also the abdominal wall.
With a wide belt, you can “pull” the barbell and squat without much concern for your health. Professional athletes generally make a high-quality leather belt for powerlifting to order. Only in this case, the belt does not cut into the skin, does not press and does not interfere with performing the exercises correctly.
If you ask professional weightlifters: “How to choose a belt for powerlifting?”, They will answer: “According to the figure.” It should not interfere, should not press or cause discomfort. As the athletes say, it must merge with your body and become one with it. You should not feel the belt itself while wearing it. Only reliable support of this part of the powerlifter's wardrobe should be felt.
Differences
Belts for will be slightly different from those used by bodybuilders. The back wall is enlarged and raised. This allows you to securely fix your back and lower back. The front part will be narrower, which allows you not to experience discomfort and not injure the ribs during the performance of squats with a barbell.
Cheap and expensive belts will also differ. The first, as a rule, are made of low-quality thin synthetic material. They have an uncomfortable and unreliable Velcro fastener. The shelf life of such a fastener is about a year, after which it will be necessary to change either the belt itself or the Velcro. It is suitable only for those who are unprofessional and with low weight.
How to wear
The belt must not only be chosen correctly in the store, but also put on correctly before training. It is recommended to first attach it to the back and only then adjust the clasp on the front. Tighten it should be tight, pressing as hard as possible to the pelvic bones.
It is important to remember that the belt is only used during training or exercise. When you take breaks between sets, it will need to be removed.
Properly selected equipment, as experienced athletes assure, is more than half the success of training. Victory in competitions also depends on high-quality and correctly selected sports ammunition.