Most people think they need a weight belt because they start to feel their back as they lift heavier weights.
Let me make this clear: that is NOT that purpose of a belt.
If you’re feeling your back on an exercise, a belt is not going to solve your issue. Because if you’re feeling your lower back on an exercise the problem is one of these three things:
1) What you’re lifting is too heavy for you.
2) Your technique is poor.
3) Your using the wrong exercise variation for your body (e.g. If you can’t come close to touching your toes, but are doing conventional deadlifts from the floor).
A belt is not a brace to help your back. It’s a performance aid.
If someone is using a belt, it should be uncomfortable to wear.
Alex Tankskey is the founder of The Movement Lab. A former marketer and Facebook surfer, Alex changed careers when he experienced how strength can transform your life. He's now a Strength Coach under the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), StrongFirst (SFG1), Functional Movement Systems (FMS), and a certified Precision Nutrition Coach (Pn1).