Belts, straps and gloves

[tractor]

No, this isn't a topic about an afternoon party. I was wondering if/when you use a weight belt, straps or gloves. Why or why not?

I used to use a weight belt and gloves when I lifted in college. I would use a belt for everything, even bench. When I got back into it a little over a year ago, I was going to buy a new belt, but decided to wait. I noticed that no one else at the gym really uses one, and there are a few laying around to choose from when you want to grab one. I tend to use a belt whenever I deadlift or do squats over 225 lbs. It seems to help maintain proper form. I never wear gloves, but do like using chalk, which is one of the benefits of the gym I work out in. They have an ample supply. I know most places do not allow it.

I also use straps when I do shoulder shrugs, especially when the wait gets up there. I have small hands and have a hard time gripping the bar. Occasionally I use straps for lat pull downs as well, only to minimize the amount of arm muscles with each rep.

How about you? Are belts too 80's? Did anyone else use to have their name (or nick name) in big bold letters across the back?

[Artemis Windsong]

I wear gloves when working on the smith or anything with a nubby metal surface. Also, on pull ups and dips as that is part of that routine. I use the half-finger neoprene from Menards at $5 rather than the fancy ones at $15 or more.

I have a nearly new belt that I used years ago but did not lift enough weight to warrant it. I want to involved the core to stabilize. I don't use straps as I don't use enough weight. I could use the elbow supports to do hanging leg lifts but I don't.

I do use an ankle strap for lieing 4 position leg pull downs on the cable machine. I will do those instead of standing leg lifts, which would probably have more secondary muscle benefits.

[pig]

My thoughts: Always use a belt on squats, dead lifts and heavy bent over rows/T-bars. It's a safety issue. The belt doesn't really do anything for your back (common misconception). What it does do is allow your abdominals to push outward against resistance. This allows you to stabilize your core.

Straps are pretty much worthless. There really isn't much place for them. If you are unable to hold the weight then your grip is too weak. Work on your grip strength. Straps are a crutch.

Gloves are great. I do not use them because they are not allowed in competition lifting so they are a no no. You have to condition your hands to take the beating. Takes a while to build up callouses.

[Artemis Windsong]

I thought my hands would be stronger from grasping weights. Wrong. I have to be in hand shape to run the slide and reload.

Pig opened the conversation to this. I thought your callouses were from b----g something else. Bada bing.

Self - No, no, no, don't hit enter. Pig is nice now that he isn't raptured.