Do I need a weight lifting belt to protect by back while doing bodybuilding exercises?I have a 50kg barbell/dumbell kit.

I was told years ago that you should build up your core muscles rather than wear a belt.

You're far better off building a strong core and learning good technique.  A weight belt is like a crutch, you come to depend on it.

I'm no weight lifter, but my husband uses one....

You should try and get him to give it up!  Work on building up his core instead.

you do not need to use a belt if you are training correctly strict style is a must

Right, the notion that these people say safety isn't important is a scary thing!!!  If you are determined to learn bodybuilding you must have common sense, a belt is need for certain exercises as especially when the weight gets heavy.  To have a strong core well that speaks for its self, but it would be the dumbest thing anyone can do, when doing this sport in not taking precautions.

Example:When you find yourself squatting your own body weight plus more your core muscles wont be enough to support your lower back or pelvic floor muscles safely. Plus you will find that knee wraps are of high importance. Listen to what your body is telling you!!!

 

I dunno - my boyfriend squats more than twice his own weight with no belt or wraps or anything - he;s built up over time and uses good technique, reckons those things are props you don't need.

I still think strength and technique are what you need, not artificial aids.  there are guys at my gym who leg press up to 1000 lbs, with not a knee wrap or weight belt in sight.

Hi gymgirl can you let me know what gym that is, cos like to pay a vistit.