Weight lifting belt
A weight lifting belt is used in bodybuilding and weight training such as weightlifting , powerlifting (KDK) and stone lifting as well as in throwing disciplines in athletics to support and protect the back and spine . The stable workmanship of the belt ensures a straight and healthy posture for the athlete during back-heavy training exercises and heavy weights and reduces the risk of injury. The associations of the sports concerned have regulations of the various dimensions, e.g. For example, in weightlifting competitions, a belt may be a maximum of 12 cm wide. For training purposes - regardless of the discipline - belts with a width of approx. 15 cm are also commercially available.
Executions
The classic weight lifting belt is composed of at least about 4 mm thick cowhide , is in the back and forth approximately 10 cm in the vicinity of the Eindorn- or Zweidorn- buckle about 6 cm wide. Depending on the exercise and discipline, there are many variants in terms of shape, dimensions, material and locking system. The KDK is dominated by very thick leather belts from 10 mm to 13 mm thick, which have a constant width of approx. 10 cm over the entire length. Different locking systems have been developed here that are intended to enable a particularly tight fit or particularly easy opening with one hand. For bench presses , narrower belts are available, some of which are particularly narrow in the back.
Since around 1960, belts have been developed from various particularly tear- and tensile-resistant synthetic fibers that can be continuously adjusted to the desired length and are usually secured with Velcro. Belts are also made from such materials, with curved shapes designed to adapt particularly well to the athlete's body.
Other differences are whether the back is padded.
use
It is disputed how tightly (tightly) a belt should be worn, here the opinions of the athletes differ widely. In weightlifting competitions, although a large number of lifters use a belt for pushing, far fewer athletes also use it for tearing, some use different belts depending on the discipline. It is now undisputed among weightlifters that a belt should not be worn constantly when training with relatively low loads.
Some athletes use belts for protection during jumping exercises.
Web links
- Andreas Hadel: When is a weight lifting belt really important ? In: paradisi.de , accessed on December 13, 2012
Individual evidence
- ^ William J. Kraemer: Krafttraining , Meyer & Meyer Verlag , ISBN 978-3-89899-358-6 , p. 209 ( online ).