Lifting belts do not weaken your core; EMG research shows abdominal activation actually increases when bracing against a belt. Belts should be reserved for heavy top sets over eighty percent of your max, while warm-ups are best done beltless to master proper bracing.
Does a lifting belt make you weak?1. A belt is a brace, not a crutch. It gives your abs something to push into you brace harder, not less.2. Core activity goes up not down. EMG work shows more ab activation the weak core story never held up.3. It is for heavy sets only. Top sets above eighty percent belting curls is the actual joke.4. Learn to brace without it first. Run your warm up sets beltless strap in when the weight gets real.See if the heavy work is actually showing up. GainFrame
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