Do weightlifting belts make your core weaker?

Do weightlifting belts make your core weaker?

In short, no.

Belts have been shown to increase intra-abdominal pressure by 25-40% (Lander et al., 1992).

With no difference being found in external oblique activation or spinal erectors.

Recent research has been conducted on the effects of using weightlifting belts over longer periods.

They have shown no conclusive evidence that belts make your core weaker (Azadinia et al., 2017; Takasaki et al., 2017)

2 Types of Athletes Who Should Wear a Belt

✅You want to get your legs stronger without the trunk being a limiting factor.

✅You struggle with back pain during squats/deadlifts. The increased intra-abdominal pressure should reduce sheer stress on the spine and back pain without reducing abdominal activation (Bourne et al., 1991)

3 Types of Athletes Who Shouldn’t Wear a Belt

❌Your sport/position requires you to produce large isometric trunk force without a belt i.e. prop within rugby. It would be a good idea to practice that skill.

❌You have blood pressure problems.

❌If you have a history of inguinal hernias due to spikes in intraabdominal pressure.

Summary:

Belts are a good tool when lifting > 80% of 1RM. They won’t make your core weaker.