Why do I need an athletic belt and how to choose one? Answered by a professional athlete

bojovník ligy "Naša vec", majster sveta a Európy v džude, zakladateľ Judo ligy s hviezdami

“An athletic belt is an element of athletes’ equipment. It is worn to lift the maximum weight without hurting the back. At the same time, some do not take it off for the whole training, and someone is categorically against such an assistant.”

Why do you need an athletic belt?

Performing exercises with extreme weights, you contribute to the activation of the defense mechanism of the nervous system. Muscles weaken, making it impossible to lift heavy weights. An athletic belt allows the muscles to contract at maximum weights, blocking the nervous system’s signals. The spine, when wearing an athletic belt, is able to maintain an upright position even when working with extreme weights. In simple words, the belt enhances the natural support of the muscles of the body.

Sometimes athletes wear this accessory when performing exercises that do not directly involve the lower back. For example, bench press. Is it correct to use a belt in this case?

If your lower back is sagging during bench presses, a belt can help reduce the risk of injury. In this case, it will be useful. However, in training, a lot depends on how your nervous system works.

At the level of sensations, the use of the accessory manifests itself as a strong squeezing in the abdominal area. As if something is protecting you. But it is important to realize that the belt is only an auxiliary tool. It will not guarantee you 100% safety.

It makes no sense to spend the whole training in it and use it for all exercises. Moreover, you can “accustom” your muscles to the additional support, and they may simply get used to working independently and get a reduced load from the exercises.

It will be much more useful if you learn to treat sports thoughtfully, guided primarily by common sense, rather than additional tools.

How to choose an athletic belt?

Suppose you decided that this accessory is necessary for you. Now you need to figure out how to choose it correctly and not to miss.

The belt should be wide along the entire length, this is the most correct option from the anatomical point of view. But there are other varieties. For example, the accessory can be wider in the lumbar region, and in the abdominal area – narrower. In no case, do not take very narrow athletic belts. They are not only useless, but can even be harmful. The necessary fixation and support will be weak, so you will simply overstretch your torso and make things worse.

When buying a belt, take into account the size, it is indicated on the package. Before you buy an accessory, do not forget to measure your waist, and also take into account that over time it can change – to narrow or expand.

Pay attention to the material. Most often belts are made of leather, leatherette or fabric. The first option is always more expensive and stiffer, but it will last a very long time. Such a belt is more suitable for professional level.

Belts made of leatherette often have a wide variety of fastenings and stiffness. And cloth ones are made mostly with Velcro. These options are for beginners and amateurs.

To wear a belt or not – a personal matter for everyone. First of all, you should pay attention to your feelings while working with heavy equipment.