I have been reading conflicting arguments on the net the past day or so about the benefits of weight belts. I know that back in high school when I lifted, the coaches encouraged us to wear them for added support when squatting.

Since I have put on so much weight since high school I want to take every precaution as to not hurt my back while getting back into working out.

What is everyone's take? What kinds of exercises might wearing a weight belt we warranted?

Thanks!

Pug

Squats, deadlifts, and standing barbell calf raises are the main ones I can think of.

Work light with your exercises and don't try to increase the weight too quick. Do core strengthening exercises and actively work on your back and ab strength. You won't need a belt this way.

Good support starts with you.

i agree with chicanerous

if you've used one in the past, your core won't be up to strength with your other body parts, so doing core exercises until you can ditch the belt would be useful. doing those exercises without a belt lightly will also help.

belts are not necessary. your core musculature is a weight belt, and a much more portable one. intra abdominal pressure or something is the name of the automatic squeezing/tightening that your core does (your transverse abdominis and such)