Wearing A Lifting Belt For Squats: Should You Do It?

If you’re new to squatting and lifting heavy in the gym, have had some recent back pain under the bar, or are looking for ways to break through your plateau, you may find yourself wondering: Should I be wearing a lifting belt for squats? The simple answer is: yes.  Research states that a lifting belt can help you squat 5-15% more weight. Also, wearing a belt for squats can reduce shear forces on the spine, which decreases your chance of injury. It’s also been proven that belts can increase the activation of your core and leg muscles, which increases overall training effectiveness. Below, I’m going to discuss the science behind these factors in more detail, as well as talk about how you should be wearing your belt to make sure that you’re getting the most out of it.  Key Takeaways
If you’re new to squatting and lifting heavy in the gym, have had some recent back pain under the bar, or are looking for ways

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