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Fitness FAQ
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Question:
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Wouldn't a rubber belt help to burn the fat on my waistline?
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Answer:
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Absolutely not. First of all, there is no such thing as SPOT REDUCING fat, as purported by manufacturers of such wasteful products. Secondly, rubber belts, or garments of any kind, merely cause a more rapid loss of water. Such enhanced DEHYDRATION, particularly during exercise, is dangerous. This can lead to dizziness, weak muscular contractions and, in extreme cases, potential heart problems.
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Question:
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Do you recommend using a lifting belt for all workouts involving weights?
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Answer:
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No. Relying on the use of belts will weaken support muscles, namely the ABDOMINALS. Consequently, whenever you lift heavy objects outside the gym (groceries, box of books, etc.), and you most likely won't be wearing a weight belt, you run a much higher risk for back injury. The only time you may consider using a belt is when you are lifting your heaviest weights for overhead exercises or for squats.
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Question:
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Is it true that the use of lifting straps for back workouts will cause the forearm muscles to weaken?
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Answer:
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Although the debate on this issue remains inconclusive, I believe that this is true. Lifting straps alleviates some forearm fatigue resulting from back exercises. Consequently, with less challenge to the forearms, they will not grow in strength in proportion to, or syngergistically with, the back. They may even atrophy to some degree.
On the other hand, since the forearm muscles are so much smaller than the back muscles, they tend to fatique much more easily, thus interfering with greater development of back strength and, if you choose, size. The best of both worlds (developing both forearm and back strength) would be to use straps during back workouts and therefore challenge the back to a greater extent; subsequently, be sure to perform strengthening exercises specifically for the forearms.
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