support belt and hammer

No, it would be too restrictive to wear for hammer.  

That's what I was thinking, Craig,  which is  one reason why I got a really narrow one.  I figured it was worth a try anyway, the belt was only $20 and my lower back is affecting my hammer distances.     But after winding  a couple of times with the belt on I sorta started to re-think the whole idea... Thus, the question.

The nice part would be that you could use the 4" Valeo over the Rehband for really big stuff like those Farmers walks etc.  The only problem I had with mine was when I put a regular PL belt over top of it to do axle presses.  Very supportive, but couldn't breathe.  Look at the Kono as well, I think it's a lot less expensive and Kono stuff is good.

Mr. Natural wrote: I started wearing a belt for the hammers after I tore an abdominal muscle. I also wear it for the caber and WOB, and sometimes the 56. It may be more psychological than anything, but I feel like it helps to have something for my midsection to push against.

Something to consider. Pulled something this past weekend
with the Hhammer from the side back area to the front.
Awesome bruising now and still hurts to roll out of bed and
cough.

I wear a basic work type back support for most events.Very flexible but gives just a bit of support.

ROB EVANS wrote: what about PL squat briefs? some come over your abdomen. no jokes please :)

No way you could compete in a pair of todays type briefs, and if you wanted them to stay up you'd have to belt them anyway.

I did; however, compete a full season in single ply power pants when I tore my hip flexor.  It worked. 

What Craig said.  I was figuring that if there was one event not to wear it for, it'd be hammer because of the huge amount of core movement.

WOB (standing), Caber, sheaf all seemed straightforward....should be able to wear it fine.  Now that I think of it, Dan Williams strapped up for spinning WOB at Costa Mesa, too.  And Harrison had a narrow strap up high....Harrison, somebody had said you'd hurt somethin'...that so?

Here's Rusty @  Woodland, heavy hammer - got a belt on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eAGabgSZBw
Rusty practicing the 28...belt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoBe0oPguGk&feature=relat ed
Rusty practicing 56 wfd  ...belt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_7a0ICa1To&feature=relat ed

Ironmind cover with Larry Brock
http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2009/Jul/L arry_Brock_Wins_Grandfather_Mountain_Highland_Games.html

Gregor Edmonds with caber
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jammach_uk/4804563844/

In case you want to know what brand Gregor wears...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jammach_uk/4803938267/in/photos tream/

OK, what is this that Gregor has on?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jammach_uk/4804570306/in/photos tream/

Awesome picture of Harrison...
http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue/files/2008/11/l101439-2.jpg

And another...hey, if you were a kid at HBIII's school, would you give your principal a load of trash mouth? 

http://cmsimg.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl =1&Site=BL&Date=20100515&Category=PHOTOS01&A rtNo=5150803&Ref=PH&Item=6&Maxw=940&Maxh=500 &q=100


CONCLUSION:

1. If I'd just looked around online I'd have found my answer.
2. No pics of Mike P or Ryan V or Sean B  that I saw, belted up. SO..some do, some don't.

Alan H wrote: I'd be interested in knowing what the big back support  is that Gregor is wearing, though.

It's a Rehband belt with his weight belt over it.

Not sure on the stones, Craig.  I just didn't like it, so I don't wear it.  Now, I think it's more pyschological than anything ... habits. 

C. Smith wrote: ROB EVANS wrote: what about PL squat briefs? some come over your abdomen. no jokes please :) No way you could compete in a pair of todays type briefs, and if you wanted them to stay up you'd have to belt them anyway. I did; however, compete a full season in single ply power pants when I tore my hip flexor.  It worked.

I am not an expert by any means but back in my PL days the gear was extremely tight.  I was wondering if maybe you buy something a little less restrictive a couple of sizes larger.  but i see your point about having to belt it any way. 

I generally loosen my belt when I throw the hammers.

Can't get that good Highlands Hula going when I'm all laced up.

I wore the belt a lot on Sunday and it was a big help.  Sure, my back got tired by the end of the day, but big surprise. I had no significant pain, nor any loss of strength.  I took it off for sheaf, but wore it for everything else.  Excellent!

The Tommy Kono waist band arrived, and I've actually got it on right now, just to see what it's like. I absolutely would wear this for any and all events.  It doesn't grab you like a weightlifting belt does, but just that little bit extra support is nice.... and no real compromise in range of motion that I can feel. 

Just my two cents and I know nothing, but if I had some sort of abdominal strain this would be a huge help.

I have a Mueller neoprene belt from that evil giant Wal-mart that works well.
It similar to the Rehband and cost right around $20. I like it for HG, as it
gives a little compression and a support, but allows movement.

AlDargie wrote: Alan keep me posted as I am thinking about some sort of core wrap. 2 weeks post comp and I still have some massive bruising from that pull/rip.

I have to say that this thing is only $28....$32 with shipping and all that stuff and it's totally worth it.  You're not out a mint if you don't actually like it. It's simple, literally just a thick neoprene sleeve for your gut with a velcro closure. There's a lot of "give". However, it's MUCH wider than a standard weight belt, so it supports most of your abdomen.  The ONLY downside I can see to wearing this this on Game Day is that it's probably going to be pretty hot on a really warm day.

Seriously sweaty in 102 heat at Pleasanton....bleech. But otherwise, I see no real drawbacks.  If you're a little leery about strapping on a thick weight belt, try this.

See Craigs post, too.  Makes total sense to me.