I'm noticing my form with deadlifts isn't the best, I'm working on it, but in the mean time would it benefit me to wear a belt? With squats as well? I'm not going super heavy yet as I'm still pretty weak but my strength is increasing little by little.
I also have scoliosis.

While your'e concentrating on form with lite weights it might be best to leave it off. Get a better impression of your balance and form, also good for Er Spinae muscle building (to support the scoliosis prob)

Thanks IC. I think my form is getting better over time but I don't have mirrors down there to watch myself in. Should probably get some.

I would say wear one. It will help keep your waist small. These 2 exercises will widen your waist if you don't wear one.

Dr. Steroids wrote:I would say wear one. It will help keep your waist small. These 2 exercises will widen your waist if you don't wear one.

Thanks fonz, I certainly don't want a wider waist.

I never use a belt. I think a belt will make you week in areas where you need strength for support. Even when lifting really heavy I don't use one. I used one when I was a lot younger, but never now days, and I like not using one better.

hmmm everyone seems to have a different opinion. Not sure what to do

there are varying opinions on wearing a belt...

personally, i do not wear a belt unless i am at my max or tryinig a PB...i think it takes away from your stabalizing muscles in your abs & obliques...

The body widens the waist to compensate for the additional weight placed on it. So yes it strengthens the core area(not to wear a belt), but to do so the body widens the area to help stabilize it.

jrtlover wrote:Thanks IC. I think my form is getting better over time but I don't have mirrors down there to watch myself in. Should probably get some.

Definately mate! Big bonus for studying your form / posture.
Go shopping ladee lol

ironclad wrote:Definately mate! Big bonus for studying your form / posture.
Go shopping ladee lol

Oh great another reason to go shopping just what I need lol...

jrtlover wrote:Oh great another reason to go shopping just what I need lol...

buy me something!!!

giantkilr wrote:buy me something!!!

Whatcha want? I just got a new butt blaster I can let you borrow that!

I haven't noticed my waist getting wider and Ive been training with no belt for 10 years or better. I kind of have a small waist anyways, so it has never been a problem for me. I could see it being a problem for some though.

4thAD wrote:I haven't noticed my waist getting wider and Ive been training with no belt for 10 years or better. I kind of have a small waist anyways, so it has never been a problem for me. I could see it being a problem for some though.

Its really simple. What happens when you stimulate a muscle? It grows. When you lift heavier and heavier weight, you stimulate more muscle fibers therefore causing growth. And when you squat and deadlift you engage your abs, stimulating them and in turn causing growth.

It's simply "Progressive Overload" which is a well known principle.

How would every other muscle in the human body grow when subjected to a stimulus except your core (your abdominals)? Quite simply, it wouldn't.

I'm not saying your waist is going to grow to epic proportions but yes it does grow. It is your choice as to whether or not wear a belt but the simple answer is yes your waist will widen.

jrtlover wrote:Whatcha want? I just got a new butt blaster I can let you borrow that!

That's IP's job, lol.

I pride myself on a naturally small waist and I want it to get even smaller so I think I'll try the belt.

Dr. Steroids wrote:That's IP's job, lol.

Butt Blaster..! Is it out on blu ray?

ironclad wrote:Butt Blaster..! Is it out on blu ray?

Oh yeah, IP said he's been shooting in High Def for a long time so I'm sure he's moved on up. lol

Lol!!!!!!ahahahahhaahhaah

What do you all think of this one? I don't want leather, since I try to live cruelty free.
Amazon.com: Valeo VLM 5-Inch Performance Foam Core Belt: Sports & Outdoors

or this one?
Amazon.com: Altus Athletic ACB-5 Contour Weightlifting Belt: Sports & Outdoors

I've got the 1st one. It's more supportive than it looks i think.

I wear a belt when I have to. when I get into heavier sets I use it for support, I don't think a belt weakes anything..it is support to assist keep ing your back straight it does not take any muscles out of the equation on a lift, wereas wrist straps will assist with grip, so use it when you need to and get the support you need.

As for widening the waist, this debate will go back and forth forever, as stated as you train heavier the muscles grow, which def is tru..but honestly, I was wearing the same clothes all along my life withouth the waist getting tighter..and I in no way am bragging here, but I have squatted 800lbs, I have yoke walked 850lbs for 50', trained powerlfting for a year straight and weighed upwards of 260lbs training heavy squats and deads week after week.
Then strongman for 3 yrs, yoke walk of at least 500lbs every week, farmers walks, heavy deads, etc...waist has grown minmally if any in all those years of training, so IMO I do not think it effects the waist,,,diet affects the waist and of course use of other supplements.

Yeah I'm just really feeling my scoliosis lately with all these deadlifts and squats, so I think I need the support. Or a freaking chiropractor lol. Damn it I had one but I went psycho mad on him one time when he showed me an x ray of my spine.