Home Gym Equipment: Do You Need A Weight Training Belt?

In health clubs and gyms, it's a common site to see burly men with thick leather belts lifting heavy weights. Are those belts of any use, and should you get one to compliment your home gym?

A weight training belt is a thick belt made of leather or synthetic material typically about 6 inches in width. The belt is worn around the waist and the idea is that it gives support to the back when lifting weights.

However you do not need to wear this type of belt in order to effectively train using weights. In fact, they can hinder your movements and prevent the proper development of your back and abdominal muscles.

The best way to develop your ability to lift weights is to develop the muscles in your back and to carry out the correct lifting and breathing techniques during your lift. To develop the muscles, it's important that you have a program set up where you regularly train and gradually build up the resistance that you are putting on your body.

The other problem with weight lifting belts is that they can give you a false sense of security, especially when lifting heavier weights. This can lead to injury.

Some people also like to wear wraps and supports around the joints. These are typically made from elasticated material and fixed using Velcro around the wrists, elbows or knees. They are commonly seen in gyms and people often wear them if they have had an injury.

But similar to weight training belts, their usefulness is questionable. If there are exercises that make your knees hurt, then you should not be carrying out those exercises. If you are recovering from injury there are other exercises that do not put such a strain on the body that can be useful. For instance using an elliptical trainer is a low impact way of exercising that can help the circulation.

Instead of spending your money on a weight training belt and wraps, spend some time devising a personalized weight-training program that will help build your strength without risk of injury.