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Below are some of the most common questions:
FAQ’S
This post is to
address several recurring questions. The ones included today won’t be of
interest to everybody but they are SOME the most frequently asked.
Should I use a weight belt?
Contrary to popular belief,
the purpose of a weight or lifting belt is not to support your back.
The purpose of the belt is to
give your body’s core muscles (Rectus abdominis-the “6 pack”, transverses
abdominis-the abdominal muscle behind your “6 pack”, obliques, and spinal
erectors) something to push against so that these muscle groups are better able
to stabilize your spine and other areas.
Some experts believe the use
of a belt prevent these muscles from developing to their fullest potential thus
making your core weaker than it could be. From a “functional” standpoint they
may have a point. If, for example, you have a very strenuous occupation
involving heavy lifting outside the weight room or, if you engage in other
activities with similar risk.
Others believe that if the
belt aids you in lifting more weight more often that the strength of those
muscles is not adversely affected and may actually become stronger. And you
will definitely become stronger overall. The other side of that coin is if you
are injured you may miss time in the gym.
I have not seen any
scientific studies on the subject or other evidence supporting either argument.
My opinion:
I usually do not use a belt
until I reach a weight approaching about 85-90% of my max. Or if have any
soreness or discomfort in my back or other core areas.
Should I use Lifting Straps?
Like the question regarding
the use of a weight belt, opinions are split.
Your grip is usually the
weakest link in any pulling movement. Some say using straps limit the strength
gains for your grip thus limiting your total capacity for the lifts.
Others say using straps
removes the weakest link from the lift allowing you to lift more weight thus
increasing overall strength.
My opinion: Don’t use
straps until your grip fails. Then,
grab the straps and continue raising the weight.
As an example, the dead lift
works practically every muscle group from your scalp to your toes. The dead
lift is the single best exercise for adding strength. Why would you let one
weak link limit that potential?
Sure, you need to strengthen
you grip. But there a myriad of other exercises that can do that and do it more
efficiently.
I follow the same logic on
all pulling exercises. Though there are only a few where the issue comes into
play. (T-bar row, heavy dumbbell row, heavy farmer’s walk). But only use them when a lift fails solely
because of your grip.
Using straps on every
pulling exercise won’t add grip strength. Plus,
you’ll look like a tool!
Send your questions to alphaedgefitness@gmail.com
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