What's cue best suggests that it's time to start training with a belt?

[100kilos]

Hello all,

Does anyone have a suggestion on when to start training with a belt? I'm in the 6th week of NLP (37 years old, 5'11", 197#, Sq 265, Bench 240, Press 130, Deadlift 360). I would like to avoid straps and belts for as long as practical. I realize SS and PPST give some insight but I want more ideas.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Why did the two books seem to provide insufficient insight?

[100kilos]

The books provide sufficient insight into how and why they’re used. A more appropriate question for me to have asked would have been am I more likely to miss a set or injure myself if I decide not to use one for the foreseeable future? My squat and deadlift are weak now and I have no history of injury. Maybe I’m being stubborn and overthinking it.

[Ericw]

Are you training?

Yes: get a belt. Get the SS belt.

No: don’t get a belt.

[JJ23]

I used one for squat almost immediately. Deadlift I wish I had earlier but I'm stubborn and don't like change so I haven't figured it out yet. I have the SS single ply ready for when I have to reset a bit.

[Sib]

The books provide sufficient insight into how and why they’re used. A more appropriate question for me to have asked would have been am I more likely to miss a set or injure myself if I decide not to use one for the foreseeable future? My squat and deadlift are weak now and I have no history of injury. Maybe I’m being stubborn and overthinking it.

Get the ss belt, you won't regret it.