I've been doing squats for years now. On tuesday, after 2 warmup sets, and coming up on my third rep, my ab muscle just below my rib cage blew out. i actually felt it give out.
I can finally inhale most of the way today without pain, and have taken off until monday (i hope).

I wear a belt when i lift... and this pull happend just above the belt. i'm wondering if i need a bigger belt, or if this was just an injury that can happen??

i have been going heavier on abs in my split.. maybe it was just weakened and i was asking too much..

I an see possibly wearing a belt in an extreme competition lift.


But where others use the phrase "using a Smith machine is like having training wheels", (which I don't agree with), I put "using the belt" in this category.

I don't use a belt personally for anything. Except a weighted Dip belt.

If you train correctly on a regular basis you don't need the belt.

IMO if you use the belt on a regular basis yo are actually training weaker, because the belt is going to do your core support for you instead of your muscles.

The belt could have contributed to your popped ab, as the stress is going to go to the place of least resistance.