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Do you wear a weightlifting belt!?

I was at a try-out day for a weightlifting club; half of the participants wore a weightlifting belt, half of them didn't.... should I?

This is a very controversial issue- I'm not gonna go into too much detail (still a beginner, trying to figure out whether I need one, for squats/deadlifts. You can find my sources further down and read up on it)

What it does;

Many ppl told me it's supporting the back, it does, but crucially;

A weightlifting belt will increase the intra-abdominal pressure, which stabilizes your midsection part and allows you to lift more. (chinese to you? yea, I don't know if I know what I'm writing either...just bear with me...)

The Valsalva Maneuver; for the belt to benefit you, you have to take a huge gulp of air, then exhale throughout the lift- this will create a pressure around your midsection, which pushes your belly into the belt. The belt braces you and allows you to lift more.

(still chinese?  ever tried to look like a pregnant woman? well, try it- that way you breathe with your BELLY, ie you're pushing your tummy into the belt and allows your abdominals to stay STRONG throughout the lift.)

 If you can take advantage of the Valsalva Maneuver, the belt will enhance your performance.

Benefits;
1) reduce some pressure on lower back
2) Prevents spine from hyperextension (during overhead-lifts, such as Military Press)
3) increases abdominal pressure (IAP)
4) reduction in the amount of spinal shrinkage

= It prevents your body from being CRUSHED under the weight (which, let's face it, is pretty good...) 

Be aware;
A belt should only be worn when you are doing HEAVY-lifts (submax or MAX)

Using it ALL DA TIME will;

1) Increase blood pressure
2) Inhibit the motor learning in your abdominal muscles
3) Make your lower back weaker

There are different types of belts- the ones that are equal around your waist (powerlifting one) is the most common ones. It gives you the same pressure around your entire midsection. Anyhow, not gonna go into detail about that RIGHT NOW, as I've got quite a lot to study.

I found this video interesting - it's all about breathing techniques in lifting;

Correct Breathing Techninque (California Strength)

Should I use a BELT- well YES, I think I will buy one for my MAX lifts... when I have the money :):)

xoxo

Hispfia

Sources;
BodyBuilding
SportsMedicine
Elitefts