Why Athletes Should NOT Wear Weight Belts While Working Out

Athletes should not and I repeat….SHOULD NOT wear a weight belt while performing heavy lifts in the weight room.  Here are some reasons why:

1.  If you don’t wear a weight belt in competition, you should not wear one while performing lifts.  Be functional not stupid.

2.  By wearing a weight belt to perform heavy lifts you are actually weakening your core.  By tightening a belt around your waist, you apply pressure to your abdomen region and your “core” takes a back seat to the demands and does not activate (contract/get stronger).  All movement is generated from your core and if do not train properly then your core will not develop accordingly to the demands for your sport.  Work the whole body not specific muscles…athletes are not body builders! 

3.  You back hurts performing the lifts because 1) your core is weak, or  2) you are not using proper technique, and/or you have muscle imbalances that need to be address so that the proper muscles can fire/contract/relax in order for you to perform that lift effectively and safely. 

I always use the phrase “Work Hard to Win Easy” but please do it the right way!