Belt in a Deadlift is Slack at Bottom

[John Watson]

My belt tends to go slack at the start position of the deadlift. It moves around slightly on my back when I'm bent over.

I have the 3" Best Belt. (I use a 4" belt for squats).

It feel tighter when I stand up.

Should I tighten it up a notch?

I kind of feel like the belt is more necessary in the squat than the deadlift.

Was just curious if anyone else experiences this.

[Nick Klemetson]

I put the belt on loose, get into a relatively correct starting position, let the belt find where it wants to go, then hold it in place, stand up, and tighten it. It usually doesn't move when I do that. Everyone has a different trick.

[Cody]

I'm still deadlifting without a belt. I haven't found a solution that has made me happy yet.

[John Watson]

I put the belt on loose, get into a relatively correct starting position, let the belt find where it wants to go, then hold it in place, stand up, and tighten it. It usually doesn't move when I do that. Everyone has a different trick.

Excellent. Like this much. Thanks Nick!

[Adam Skillin]

I put the belt on loose, get into a relatively correct starting position, let the belt find where it wants to go, then hold it in place, stand up, and tighten it. It usually doesn't move when I do that. Everyone has a different trick.

That sounds like a good solution. Here's mine (may also apply to other little guys like me) I just tighten it moderately tight in as high a position as possible around my waist but below your sternum, get in the bottom position, and shove the front down a bit and back up until it settles into place. There's a groove for it, it's just not a horizontal one, and this helps me find it. There's no groove for a 4" belt, so when I have to pull in that, I do in fact put it around my sternum, right under my pecs. Seems to work pretty well.

[John Watson]

That sounds like a good solution. Here's mine (may also apply to other little guys like me) I just tighten it moderately tight in as high a position as possible around my waist but below your sternum, get in the bottom position, and shove the front down a bit and back up until it settles into place. There's a groove for it, it's just not a horizontal one, and this helps me find it. There's no groove for a 4" belt, so when I have to pull in that, I do in fact put it around my sternum, right under my pecs. Seems to work pretty well.

The 4" belt worked it's way under my ribs. Not too comfortable. I guess higher is better.

BTW Adam, I look forward to meeting you at Iron Fest. Gonna be an awesome day.

[Adam Skillin]

The 4" belt worked it's way under my ribs. Not too comfortable. I guess higher is better.

BTW Adam, I look forward to meeting you at Iron Fest. Gonna be an awesome day.

Well, why the heck weren't you at the seminar last weekend?!

[John Watson]

Well, why the heck weren't you at the seminar last weekend?!

I didn't plan for it because work is always too busy in October, and my schedule can sometimes confirm with only a day or two of notice.

As it turns out I could have done it, but I would have registered only the day before, and I had 10 days of no training up until then, due to late nights and a big out of town gig. I think I'd get more out of it if I show up rested, and not slightly detrained.

Gonna do the one here next summer, when work is slow, or whenever the next one is.

I am bummed that I missed it, I'm sure it was a great time and educational.

[Adam Skillin]

I didn't plan for it because work is always too busy in October, and my schedule can sometimes confirm with only a day or two of notice.

As it turns out I could have done it, but I would have registered only the day before, and I had 10 days of no training up until then, due to late nights and a big out of town gig. I think I'd get more out of it if I show up rested, and not slightly detrained.

Gonna do the one here next summer, when work is slow, or whenever the next one is.

I am bummed that I missed it, I'm sure it was a great time and educational.

No worries, man. I'll give you the 5 minute Cliff's Notes of the ~27.5 hours of instruction next Saturday.

[John Watson]

No worries, man. I'll give you the 5 minute Cliff's Notes of the ~27.5 hours of instruction next Saturday.

Ha! Nice!