Front Squats without a Belt

[MDR2]

When doing front squats I used to not use a belt (actually for any exercise) until I became educated. I remember my obliques would be very sore after front squats. Then I switched to a belt. Now my upper abs area get sore (the area right above the belt). So I did an experiment. After my 3x3 of front squats I take off the belt and do a set of 5 at a lighter but still kind of heavy weight. Right when I pick the bar up I feel it in my obliques and lower ab area. After that last lighter set I will be sore for a few days in places that are not sore when using a belt. This is how I have been doing my front squats for the last 3 weeks.

The rage seems to be that using a belt with the basic lifts is one of the best "core" exercises there is. But based on my experience there seems to be something left out, at least with front squats. So onto my question. In your opinion, is there a good reason to sometimes use a belt and sometimes not, or any benefits from not wearing one in certain situations?


Just for the record, I always use and will continue to use my belt for my heavy sets.

Thanks,
Matt

[Mark Rippetoe]

How often are you doing FSs and with what weight? I actually have an abs article in process right now that may address this issue for you.

[LaHabra]

Is the secret for 8 pack abs in this article? I've only found the secret to one solid round AB.

[MDR2]

I do front squats every wednesday in my Texas Method with, as of yesterday, 280 lbs. An example day would be 3x3 at 280(belted) then 5x1 at 235(unbelted).