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Thread: Can a tight belt break ribs?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
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    Default Can a tight belt break ribs?

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    Hi all,

    Just wondering if it's possible for a tight belt to break ribs, especially during the deadlift? And if it is possible, is it the sort of thing that happens only as a result of improper belt positioning/size/technique/etc., or can it happen "just because" once the weight/strain gets above a certain level?

    Thanks!

    -skypig

  2. #2
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    May 2020
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    Do pigs fly?

  3. #3
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    Jul 2007
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    If you wear it too high, sure it can. If you need a 3" instead of a 4", sure it can.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
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    Thanks Mark - I currently have a 3" belt, and I try not to wear it too high, although I'd say it is a bit higher than the squat belt position. I will double-check this.

    Eric - yes, pigs can fly, if you're strong enough to throw them into the air. I wouldn't try grabbing a pig though.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Indianapolis, IN
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    One of my first lifters cracked a rib while squatting because the belt was too high and tight. Confirmed with an x-ray.
    Last edited by AndrewLewis; 04-09-2021 at 07:25 PM.
    Starting Strength Indianapolis is up and running. Sign up for a free 30-minute coaching session.
    I answer all my emails: ALewis@StartingStrengthGyms.com

  6. #6
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    Jun 2020
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    Albuquerque, NM
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  7. #7
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    Nov 2020
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    Thanks Andrew - duly noted!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
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    Knoxville, TN
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    I cracked a rib deadlifting two months ago. Link is to my NLP journal entry about it, but the short story is that I was using a 4" gym belt while waiting for my 3" belt to come in. I'm 5'-9" and have no need for a 4" belt whatsoever, but thought I could make it work for the short term.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
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    starting strength coach development program
    Thanks Isaac and Hooper for the additional details - my question has now been thoroughly answered .

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