Belts and Sleeves

Definition

Equipment used to increase intra-abdominal pressure (belts) or provide joint support (sleeves), because sometimes human engineering needs an upgrade.

Example Usage

He wore a lifting belt for heavy squats to maintain spinal stability.

Origin

Used in strongman and powerlifting sports, research-supported in the 1980s

Fun Fact

Lifting belts actually allow you to lift 10% more weight safely by increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

Source: Powerlifting and Strength Sports

Related Terms

Beginner

working sets

The actual challenging sets in a workout after warm-ups, where you use your target weight and rep scheme. These are the sets that count toward your gains and your bragging rights, in that order.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

pacer

A designated runner who maintains a specific pace to help others hit time goals in races or track workouts. Part metronome, part therapist, all martyr.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

workout

A scheduled torture session where you voluntarily subject your body to physical strain in the hopes of looking better in jeans. Can range from a light jog to an intense CrossFit session that leaves you unable to sit on the toilet for three days.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

lightweight

A specific weight class in combat sports (boxing, MMA, wrestling), typically ranging from 130-140 lbs depending on the sport—not light on skill, but definitely light on the scale.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

conditioning work

Energy system training designed to improve work capacity, usually involving high-intensity intervals or circuit training. What happens when someone decides cardio wasn't quite miserable enough.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

muscle confusion

The controversial theory that constantly changing exercises prevents adaptation plateaus by 'confusing' your muscles. Muscles don't have brains and can't be confused, but this hasn't stopped fitness marketers from selling programs based on outsmarting your biceps.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Translate This Term

See “Belts and Sleeves” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Advanced

rank and yank

A ruthless performance management system that ranks all employees against each other and automatically fires the bottom ...