April’s Belt Review
So, Steph asked me to do a review on belts. And I know I’m basically one of the only powerlifters on this site…so I was nervous to speak about belts to mostly crossfitters. However, we do a lot of the same lifts with the same idea in mind: Lift heavy ass weights ya’ll.
When I began, I used a buckle belt from INZER; I loved it because it was purple, and I hated it because it literally took everything Stephen (my incredible husband) and I had to get it on and off because it was insanely stiff. When you’re lifting, you need the belt to be snug, like only fitting a couple of fingers in between yourself and it. So, when you push your belly into that belt, you are stable as possible.
So, to be stuck in something squeezing the life out of you isn’t fun…especially if you’re weirdly clausterphobic (just one of my many phobias–maybe I’ll do a funny article just about my phobias…) like me. Then, I tried a lever belt….and heaven’s light shown down on that beautiful day! I bought one of my own, also INZER, and with a lever instead of a buckle. It’s easily adjustable and quick to take off or put on the moment before the lift. So, in powerlifting and for me personally, my favorite belt so far in my powerlifting world, is the INZER lever belt. It’s wonderful. I ordered it from the INZER site, and it took about three weeks to get. I ordered fuscia, but I think if you get black, it’s delivered a lot faster. I also think you can get it from Houseofpain.com and they are supposedly faster. So, there’s my two cents on the belts….nothing scientific….I’m just not that cool.
More places to find belts:
http://harbingerfitness.com/
http://harbingerfitness.com/category/strength-training/belts/
We are by no means experts here, but we do like to shop. So if you have suggestions on a GREAT belt or where to find ones for good prices, LET US KNOW!
Feature image by simononly
Hey April, thanks for writing this review. Since I am not an actual power-lifter (I follow Wendler 5-3-1 about 90% of the year so I do powerlifting lifts), I normally try to avoid the belt but I also herniated two disks in my back a few years ago and I still have lower back issues today. Some days my back is feeling rough and I need to wear a belt or I can’t workout. All I have is an old bodybuilding style one that was my dad’s. So I definitely should invest in something that will help preserve my back. I think your review has sold me on the Inzer lever belt, assuming this is a good choice for men too, should I go with the 13mm or 10mm?
Hey Erik! First, a belt is very important especially for anyone with previous injury, however, I wanna be sure you’re doing some important things during your lifting. You probably are, but I’ve been surprised before. So, safety first….when you squat, deadlift , etc., make sure you are staying tight, every muscle in your body should be flexed , you should be able to plant yourself in a way that someone walking by could not knock you over. Also, when you get ready to lift, as you hold the weight take in a deep breath and hold it in your belly, pushing your belly into your belt until the lift is finished. This will keep your spine protected and stable. I’m sure you know this but , just making sure 🙂
The 10 mm is the belt me and my husband use. I’m not sure , but I’m thinking that the 13 mm must be for bigger people , because it is just too thick and stiff for me. Gets in the way! I love my belt. I used to use a bodybuilding belt, its a pain but it works, its just more work to get it on and off. Hope this helps you!! 🙂
Great advice! I have noticed that a lot of crossfitters “bounce off the bottom” in the squat — I started to do this with my front squat because I could gain momentum and it helped me with the low squat level in the clean. But I never really go heavy in the front squat so I wasn’t too worried until I noticed that I wanted to do this with my back squat (muscle memory I suppose). Anyway, if I start inflating my stomach early in the decent this actually stops me from going too deep in the back squat– this is a concern for me as my butt starts to dip below parallel. Anyway, thanks and I think I will get the 10mm.
Also, for those of you interested in squatting — there is a really interesting article T-nation did about a week ago. I will get Steph to tweet it out from strongfigure so follow her @StrongFigure.