Weight Lifting Belt Pain

[Michael Loucas]

So for the past 2 months I've been using a weightlifting belt for squats deadlifts, and press (been doing Starting Strength). The belt I got was the Athlete Belt from BestBelts.net (http://www.bestbelts.net/). It has definitely helped my lifts a lot, but after 2-3 weeks of using it I have been starting to get a pain in my lower ribs (I think it presses into them when I get deep into my squat). Is it possible that my belt is too wide?

Also another possibly unrelated note, I've been getting a pain that feels like constant muscle soreness on my hips. It feels like the muscle that connects my quad to my pelvis hurts like its sore whenever I start squatting down. After proper warmups though, the pain goes away.

Thanks!

[RyanLack]

I'm not a Dr. but I've dealt with similar pain. Make sure you're properly warming up but also try to get friendly with a foam roller and lacrosse ball. Check out www.mobilitywod.com Its a great website run by a guru of physical therapy and has a wealth of info on proper joint mobility etc.

Make sure you're focusing on the psoas which can be stretched with lunge style movements, your hamstrings and your IT bands. All those bits that connect your hips/low back etc and wreak havok if not properly maintained/stretched/warmed up.

I know from experience. I'm going to the Dr. today because I didn't head my own advice. Best of luck!

[glennpendlay]

Have you tried a nylon belt and seen if you still have the same pain? Do you have the same pain if you dont wear the belt?

[Michael Loucas]

Have you tried a nylon belt and seen if you still have the same pain? Do you have the same pain if you dont wear the belt?

I started wearing my belt lower, and I don't get the pain on my ribs anymore. I still get that soreness though on my hips when I begin warming up for squats. I'll try some stretching to see if that helps it at all.

Thanks!

[texaslifter]

I have recently started using a belt again, but for squats only. It took a little while to get used to squatting deep with a belt on, but I got there. Just experiment with placement as you go and you'll find the right place.

I also second Glenn's thoughts on a nylon belt. I used to use a traditional leather belt, but got a nylon belt this time (the Harbinger one sold at Dick's sporting goods, 4") and absolutely love it. Even as a nylon belt, it needed a few sessions to break it in.