Am I doing deads wrong?

[NewbieChris]

I know that there are wide stance and narrow. I choose wide stance because I have poor balance. However, it seems like I use my legs more than others. I was watching some guys do them today. Their stance was narrow, but they didn't bend their legs too much, and seemed to be using mainly the lower back. They weren't stiff, e.g. focusing on hams. Also, one was complaining about how he kept hitting his knees, I took that as a sign they were doing it incorrectly. However, I would like to double check

This is a pretty good example of good form, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs-wOHN5tdw

[Stonecold54]

yeah the video is pretty accurate..the only thing I would do differently is put his feet a bit wider apart because if you notice his lower back is rounded when he starts. I like the more flat or banana curve. also I don't deadlift off the ground anymore...there is no need unless you are competeing IMO. I put bar stops about 3-5 inches below my knees.

[ROCKILLER]

I never do them off the floor either. And while we're on the subject. I always do deads with both of my palms out. I tried doing one in and one out and it seemed like my upper back and shoulders were all out of wack. What do you guys say?

[gymratin]

i do mine with both palms turned towards me (facing me)

[toolwtf]

yeah the video is pretty accurate..the only thing I would do differently is put his feet a bit wider apart because if you notice his lower back is rounded when he starts. I like the more flat or banana curve. also I don't deadlift off the ground anymore...there is no need unless you are competeing IMO. I put bar stops about 3-5 inches below my knees.

I think you should go all the way down. I've never understood the "don't do that unless you are competing". To me, that is just a way of telling yourself you are going to half-ass something.

This is a video of very good form shown in 3 angles for standard deadlifts:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/me...263&view=three

Here is a list of videos for ALL the variations of deadlifts:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/me...php?q=deadlift

[NewbieChris]

Hey Chris...You looking for strength or just train for decent size?

Strength mainly. Basically what I am trying to achieve is to change my body composition as well as getting stronger.

[Stonecold54]

I think you should go all the way down. I've never understood the "don't do that unless you are competing". To me, that is just a way of telling yourself you are going to half-ass something.

This is a video of very good form shown in 3 angles for standard deadlifts:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/me...263&view=three

Here is a list of videos for ALL the variations of deadlifts:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/me...php?q=deadlift

because your back is in the weakest position at that moment and its when most people hurt themselves. don't give me shit about "half-assing" something. I workout to build my body, if others want to just "lift weights" that is fine. there is a certain inherent risk we take in everything we do. I minimize where I can. and take away a few inches on a deadlift is fine by me if I am not crippled with lower back problems later in life. same with the grip. over under puts uneven strain on your back. so if you are competing and that is the way you will be doing the lift then by all means practice as you will be doing it but again I don't want to put myself in a position that will hurt me.

[Stonecold54]

I do DL's from the floor...One palm in and one out...You want raw power? It's the only way to do them...I see so many guys do them like mentioned above and have no power...They get the "assistance"...If your back is out or can't lift, then that's fine...But don't say "don't do that unless you are competing" crap...That's like saying don't lift heavy unless you want to compete.

so what is raw power as opposed to cooked power? I don't understand the abstract off "Raw" could put that in an equation? power to me is another way of saying using mometum to lift a weight. I consider strength to be able to lift a weight in a controlled manner throughout the entire movement, that is what is impressive to me, any one can throw around weights. and what is assistance?

[toolwtf]

because your back is in the weakest position at that moment and its when most people hurt themselves. don't give me shit about "half-assing" something. I workout to build my body, if others want to just "lift weights" that is fine. there is a certain inherent risk we take in everything we do. I minimize where I can. and take away a few inches on a deadlift is fine by me if I am not crippled with lower back problems later in life. same with the grip. over under puts uneven strain on your back. so if you are competing and that is the way you will be doing the lift then by all means practice as you will be doing it but again I don't want to put myself in a position that will hurt me.

I"m sorry man, don't want to argue, but I disagree with you. I also disagree with your theory of only working out 1 day per week. I don't feel that going all the way down with proper form is going to injure my back, if anything, for me, it strengthens my back.

[Stonecold54]

I"m sorry man, don't want to argue, but I disagree with you. I also disagree with your theory of only working out 1 day per week. I don't feel that going all the way down with proper form is going to injure my back, if anything, for me, it strengthens my back.

where the heck did you hear that I work out 1 day a week? it wasn't a theory I have either....feelings have nothing to do with facts so whether you feel or not you are not going to hurt yourself has nothing to do with reality. and I can't argue that it might strengthen your back at that point but as I stated i am not willing to risk my lower back on deadlifts with that range. I didn't say I don't strengthen my back in that range of motion.

[Bouncer]

so what is raw power as opposed to cooked power? I don't understand the abstract off "Raw" could put that in an equation? power to me is another way of saying using mometum to lift a weight. I consider strength to be able to lift a weight in a controlled manner throughout the entire movement, that is what is impressive to me, any one can throw around weights. and what is assistance?

now you know damn well that he cant answer that or even understand what your saying. :D

[Bouncer]

where the heck did you hear that I work out 1 day a week? it wasn't a theory I have either...

:rofl: probably from me teasing you.

[Mr I]

I take mine off the floor but tend to use my back a lil too much, the form on the vid looked good, easily done with only one plate a side, lil harder with 4-5

[NewbieChris]

Anyone think Sumo dead lifts are the wrong deads for back day?

[Nekrawulf]

Anyone who doesnt take dead from the floor is setting themselves up for failure later in life.

You can claim that you dont want to hurt yourself by lifting the weights.... but thats not what is going to throw your back out. Its going to be that one toy you pick up of your kids.

When your not balance training, or not traing full ROM movements you ARE hurting yourself.