Many people misunderstand the term weightlifting belt. They only know that their best weight lifting belt is used for the protection of the back. However, if used incorrectly, then the lifting belt will make no sense. Now you may feel it’s a wastage of money. There is no doubt that a lifting belt is safe for the backbone while doing heavy lifting. In today’s content, you can learn about why and how to use a lifting belt.
What’s The Role Of A Lifting Belt?
When doing the heavy lifting, there is high intra-abdominal pressure or tension in the abdomen. The pressure on the back is serious and can damage the lower backplates. That’s why athletes and gym enthusiasts wear weight lifting belts to have controlled intra-abdominal pressure.
How Does Intra-Abdominal Pressure Work?
When a boxer is in the game, he or she transfers the force produced from the hips to the fist. Another example can be a baseball player transferring the force from the hips to the bat. When a person is doing squats, the force is high on the spine. It never matters how strong the legs and hips are, the pressure on the spine is enormous.
While doing the deadlift, the trainer emphasizes resisting gravity and keeping the back posture straight. It’s because the lifting goes in the right way, and there are fewer chances of severe injuries. However, it’s not easy for everyone to perform, so the use of belts for weightlifting comes into a scenario.
How Do We Create More Intra-Abdominal Pressure?
When a gym enthusiast wears the weight lifting belt, then it works like this. When a balloon is blown by you, there is pressure inside the balloon. If you fill too much air, then the balloon pops. Similarly, it is the case in the lifting belt as it creates more pressure by providing you the support.
However, for creating intra-abdominal pressure, a lifting belt is used with the technique. Using in a correct way, there will be high tension and stiffness, and you can experience stronger bones and muscles.
The Technique To Create An Intra-Abdominal Pressure
The technique that has been mentioned above is called bracing. Whether you are using the weightlifting belt or not, you must know about this technique. The belt is used to make bracing effective. Below are the guidelines to brace yourself:
- Firstly, stand straight.
- Now place your hands on your rib cage
- Do the deep inhaling through your nose.
- Exhale through your mouth slowly.
- Give heed to your ribs sinking and deflation.
- Once the exhale is done completely by emptying your lungs, note your rib position.
- Start breathing normally; however, think of breathing into your obliques, belly, and lower back. You will have an excellent 360-degree expansion in your midsection.
- Your obliques, abs, and low back should expand simultaneously.
- You will feel a weird or strange pressure in the midsection.
- Well, your intra-abdominal pressure is achieved.
Generally, many people wear the best weight lifting belts. However, it’s vital to create intra-abdominal pressure as it keeps the backbone safe and boosts the person to perform well.
