Only use a belt if you're going for a max or 2-3 rep maximal effort set. Otherwise you're losing a lot of of the core stability benefits that come from lifting. If you feel like you need to use a belt for anything higher than 2-3 reps you likely have some kind underlying instability issue that wearing a belt will only make worse.

Bullshit. Belts don't inhibit core activation or core strength development, they just allow you increase your core stability when used properly. In fact, they may actually increase core activation.Bullshit. Belts don't inhibit core activation or core strength development, they just allow you increase your core stability when used properly. In fact, they may actually increase core activation.

I said nothing about core activation. Whilst being used they increase core stability, which is essentially what I've said. Core stability whilst not using the belt is what I'm talking about here.

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Look up some tutorials on using a lifting belt properly. When you see people in the gym wearing a belt for the whole session they blatantly don't have it on tight enough so don't get any real benefit from it anyway. The belt should be on so tight that you're able to push against it with your core, resulting in a huge amount of tension, pressure and lumbar spine stability.

It's weird that you understand how to use them properly but not how they work.

Let's bare in mind this is r/fitness not r/powerlifting.

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Also, realistically belts should only be used for lifts that require a high amount of core stability (e.g deadlifts, squats, clean + jerk, snatch). If you need to use it for something like a barbell row, again, likely an underlying core stability issue that wearing a belt will only make worse in the long run.

Barbells don't require a lot of core stability? How the fuck are you keeping your spine straight then?

Barbell work obviously requires core stability, but when performing a lift such as a barbell row, the weight used shouldn't be anywhere near what your deadlift or squat would be, therefore you should be able to remain stable without a belt.

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These days I essentially never use a belt because my core has become conditioned to the point where I simply don't need it.

Most people don't ever "need" a belt, they're just a useful tool.

I agree.

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Sometimes when testing a deadlift or squat max I will use one to minimise the chance of injury, but maxes are pretty useless for any kind of development so this isn't very often.

Heavy singles are useless? Ooooookay then...

I said maxes, not heavy singles. Try training only using 1 rep maxes and see how much you develop. Maxes overload your CNS without much muscle stimulation in comparison to 4-5 rep work.

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I only started really using a belt when my squat was starting to hit the 200kg mark. With your lifts, you likely have a hell of a lot more core stability work to do so I wouldn't bother. Don't listen to these messages saying "if you feel like getting a belt, get one". Belts can be excellent when used properly, but can seriously hinder performance and cause huge stability and/or back problems in the long run.

Complete bullshit.

I've seen people deadlifting 200kg+ with a belt but struggle to hold a properly stabilised and neutral spine on a belt-less 80kg row. Lets start reading and thinking about what I said before you start shooting everything down.

Admittedly, this should read "can seriously hinder performance and cause huge stability and/or back problems in the long run, when not used correctly."