Originally Posted by
Tom Campitelli
The belt is a wonderful piece of equipment. However, at light weights its contribution is negligible. You don't really care about higher levels of motor unit recruitment during warm ups. Further, being able to squat without the belt is the equivalent of skill practice. For people that have injured backs, wearing the belt for most or all of the warm ups can often be a good idea. Dan Green is an exceptional athlete at the far end of training advancement. He is attempting to manipulate every variable he can to continue to eek out progress. Training without a belt can provide a way of working hard, although at slightly reduced tonnages. For most people that have progressed into heavier weights, doing the last warm up and work sets with the belt is a good idea. The physical and psychological benefits of wearing a belt are significant.