Inzer Belt Too Big?

[kevin1969]

I recently started back on the LP program and just switch to using my 10mm leather Inzer belt for squats. The first thing I noticed is how much more stable and powerful my drive out of the bottom was compared to that crappy vinyl Atlas belt I was using.

But the belt feels really big almost like it gets in the way when I'm squatting. I'm 5'10" and about 220. I noticed that Inzer makes a belt with a lower-profile buckle for maybe this reason?

Has anyone else noticed this with large thick leather powerlifting belts?

Thx!!!

[stef]

Is the belt width the problem or the buckle area? If the latter, just wear it with the buckle in the back.

Belt width is discussed in this article.

[Lee F. Stewart]

Hey Kevin. Did you take the time to do a little "breaking in" of the belt? I just bought an SBD 13mm belt and it chewed me to shreds on my first workout. I knew it needed to be broken in but I didn't have time before my next workout. To break mine in i started with it on the ground and folded the end of it over and used my body weight (I applied my knee to it) and "rolled" it back and forth a few times. Then role it over a little more and repeat all the way down the belt. Makes a HUGE difference. Just make sure to bend it in on itself the way it naturally should bend (as if it were wrapped around a pencil-thin waist).

I also find that I need to offset the buckle area because it overlaps and creates a 26mm thick bit of leather that can irritate my ribs if I wear it too high.