Why don’t we use a belt when lifting heavy weights, like in the deadlift?
Belts act to simulate the Valsalva maneuver, or a big breath during the lift. We prefer to use a breath to stabilize intra-abdominal pressure and keep the core tight. Belts have often been shown to promote poor lifting form, provide a higher risk for more serious injury, and increase blood pressure during a lift compared to those not wearing a belt. Belts might be worn when lifting extremely heavy weights. But when you are presented with a heavy object to move in every day life you are not going to say, “Hold on a second, I need to go grab my weight belt.” We will teach you how to lift weight from the floor, or anywhere for that matter, safely, correctly, and effectively.
