Unless you are a competitive power lifter or olympic lifter, you should not use a weight lifting belt! A weight lifting belt increases the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to support the lumbar spine better (lower back). Therefore, it helps a powerlifter or olympic lifter lift more weight. However, by using an accessory to help increase the intra-abdominal pressure, you are thus, not using your own muscles to do the work.EMG (Electromyography) research has shown a decrease in the activities of the spinal erector muscles and the Transverse Abdominus muscle when using a weightlifting belt. Therefore, the muscles that you are born with to use are de-activated, or disengaged, meaning they get weaker from disuse. In particular, it is very important that the Transverse Abdominus (which is basically your body's own weightlifting belt because it wraps around your torso from the ribs to your pelvis) is activated.
In conclusion, if you use a weightlifting belt, sure you could back squat or deadlift more weight, but only if you're wearing one. Once you take it off, you actually have a weaker core, and you will not be able to lift more.
WOD 31Aug09
“Angie”
For Time
50 Pull Ups
75 Push Ups
75 Sit Ups
100 Squats
*Must complete all reps prior to moving on
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