eli5: How does a weightlifting belt prevent injuries?
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Powrtlifter Here. A weightlifting belt does NOT prevent injuries. You should never use it as a band-aid for back pain. Proper technique and bracing prevents injuries. This involes activating your core muscles (most like to think about it like you are about to be punched in the gut) and breathing into your stomach. This creates immense pressure in your core locking your spine in a neutral position. Doing this allows your muscles to move the weight instead of your spine and ligaments.
A belt is a tool used to increase the amount of pressure you can build in your core by pushing back against your brace. Most of the time you won’t need a belt. I personally don’t use one until I get to my heavy working sets or above 80% of my one rep max.
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