Should I buy a lifting belt?

[supercharger]

I have thought about getting a lifting belt but the price range is pretty wide:from $15 to over $75.

My questions are:

1) Does price dictate quality? That is, can I get away with a $20 belt or do I need a $60 Sheik for it to actually help?

2) Do I really need a lifting belt? I do squats, dead lifts, Romanian dead lifts, etc. but I'm wondering how necessary a belt really is. I'm not talking about a whole lot of weight here. I can only squat about 200 lbs. and dead lift about 300. My lower back usually gets sore after dead lifts but not painfully. That is, I don't have any problems currently, I just want to avoid future ones.

[TRAZ]

I have heard that weight belts are more for powerlifting and not bodybuilding. What are your goals?

[SUPREMO]

I have heard that lifting belts actually take the place of your core muscles, so that they become weak. I don't use one.

I'd just stick with low enough weight, so that you can keep good form-then you won't need a belt.

[Massive D]

I don't know specifically about what you guys are training and for what, I find when I use my belt I can control the reps allot better, which is a big part of fatiguing your muscles. I picked a cadillo leather belt up for around 199.99 on-sale at Max Muscle Last time I was in the USA, really helps when I go in upward of 500lbs with the deads... and I'm no powerlifter...

MD

[supercharger]

I'm definitely a bodybuilder and not a power lifter, although I mix in some low rep power moves occasionally. I have no intention of spending $200 on a belt, I was mainly wondering if it's even worth buying one of the cheap ones that are like $20. Sounds like probably not so far.

[Odin92681]

Well when it comes to prices and such, how much is your lower back worth to you ? If you are going to get one I'd suggest thick leather with dual knots/holes. Those belts will last forever and I would shop around for one on the net cause its worth it in the long run in preventing injury when going real heavy.

[Son Goten]

The belt I use costs only $10 and it's very good for the price.

[Caferacer]

Until you get in the big poundages you might as well be working your core. Most guys I see wearing a belt squat 500+ and deadlift more, so they can justify it. Scrawny kids squating 150lbs or deadlifting with belts on make me laugh.

It applies pressure to your core muscles, kind of supplementing tension built up in your tendons. Thats why it's easier to squat and pull with a belt.

I'm at a 315X5 squat and a 490lbs dead and I don't use a belt. No need for it... yet :P

[NaturalProfessor]

A belt isn't required if your max lifts are below the 400 pound marks and if your doing the lifts correctly breathing is the key - do more ab and lowerback work to strengthen up the trunk of your body and when your able to hit 495 on a squat you'll be ready for the belt..best of luck!