I was doing squats, I don't squat a lot of weight, I was doing around 8-10 reps with 195, so one guy starts looking at me, telling me that I might seriously hurt my back If I don't use a belt.
I don't use a belt because I want to strenghten my core, my lower back muscles. And the only time I use a belt is when I want to go heavy, near my max.
I gotta note that this guy was pretty big, and seemed to know what he's talking about
Do i need to wear a belt at while lifting this kind of weight

you don't need a belt. A lot of people use one when lifting near their max (usually 90% and up of 1RM)

Just remember to keep good form and you won't injure your back.

Karky is right. For normal workouts, you should not be wearing a belt, since belts help stabilize/support, and will indeed rob you of core development.

but power lifters and those performing a 1 rep max...the belt is a good idea then, since you're operating at higher weights than the body is used to and thus more susceptible to injury.

Thanks for the advice. I probably need to work on my form. when I do squats, My lower back does more lifting then the legs. I'll ask the trainer at the gym to help me improve my form.

Belts actually make you use more of your lower back, I posted a study a while ago. The only reason to wear a belt is to prevent a hernia, and that's it.

nice avatar

Just make sure to wear it every workout every time. There are guys in my gym wearing belts on arms day. Like the belt is supposed to make you look like a serious lifter or something.

There is a guy in my gym who does that. He's not even that big, just wears that belt around like its a badge of honor or something.

Yea i see many do this. Although i read up something about Ronnie Coleman, and he stated that he began to wear his belt constantly when working out, so that it would help prevent the 'bloated' look whilst on stage

My partner who i usually train with, his dad (who goes to same gym), he's big n that n he stopped us whilst squatting and told us to wear a belt everytime with squats. I knew i didnt need to, but i dunnoooo.....

You could always use a belt and knee wraps and put 20-30 pounds on your max.

Yeah I know, most people get the belts and do lat pulldowns and curls with them. When they enter the gym they put on the belt and and wear it throughout the whole workout. It's pathetic ... what are they thinking