HighIntensity.net View Mike Mentzer Bodybuilding Topic

I just got a new belt; it′s a 4" suede powerlifting belt. I bought it online and had never worn one before. The first time I put in on at home when I got it and did a squat, I noticed that it dug into the bottom of my ribcage bigtime. It was even worse doing a deadlift. Has anyone else had this problem? How do I work around or through this?

aarnoe,

I don′t believe I ever saw a picture of MM wearing one–I have no idea why. I don′t think that he ever addressed the issue. I haven′t worn one for more than 20 years.

The important thing is to keep the low back arched at all times throughout both the squat and deadlift. My issue with belts is that they tend to make one rely on the belt and their form deteriorates. I′m not saying that will happen to you, but I found that when I started using really good form, keeping my back arched throughout the lift, the belt slid up my body. I eventually began to think, what′s the point of wearing it? And like you, I found them uncomfortable.

use perfect technic, i wear a Belt only on heavy singel deadlifts. Ohterwise your low back and the abs get weak.

Eddie_Brock

I agree.

I only use the belt on the heaviest of my lifts because of the development issues as you both mentioned. My question, however, is not about lopsided development. It is in relation to the belt digging into the bottom of my ribcage when I DO use it. Now this is only a problem w/ a few reps, but when I have 350lbs on my back, those few reps will be very painful if this problem is not corrected.