Am i failing at deadlift?

[Maximilian]

Im doing stronglifts 5x5 so ive only got to do 1 set of deadlifts but when i do them i cant do 5 reps in succession, i can do 1 then after ~20 secs another, the rest usually increases as i do more reps because its tough for me. Is this failing? Is the weight too heavy at this point?

Im deadlifting 90kg.

 

[Zivic]

weight is too heavy

 

[jaedaliu]

weight is too heavy

QFT

You're failing to follow the instructions. If you can't finish all sets, dial back the weights.

 

[RagingBITCH]

What version of 5x5 are you doing? Bill Starr's is 4x5. And what others said - if you can't do 5 in a row the weight is too heavy.

 

[Blackjack200]

What version of 5x5 are you doing? Bill Starr's is 4x5. And what others said - if you can't do 5 in a row the weight is too heavy.

4x5 deadlifts? Holy shit.

To the OP: Are you giving yourself enough rest after your other exercises (assuming you're not doing deadlifts first)

Squats take a lot out of your legs, and you should rest at least 5 min if not longer before starting deadlifts.

I also wonder if there might be a form problem. The limiting factor on deadlifts should be your back and your grip, your legs are tremendously strong in the correct position. I wonder if you're bending your legs too much.

 

[RagingBITCH]

4x5 deadlifts? Holy shit.

To the OP: Are you giving yourself enough rest after your other exercises (assuming you're not doing deadlifts first)

Squats take a lot out of your legs, and you should rest at least 5 min if not longer before starting deadlifts.

I also wonder if there might be a form problem. The limiting factor on deadlifts should be your back and your grip, your legs are tremendously strong in the correct position. I wonder if you're bending your legs too much.

Ramping up to 5 on the top (4th) set...the other 3 should be a "piece of cake".

 

[classy]

I am a pretty good deadlifter. I can do beyond 550 and have hit 590. I also know the pain of a sore back from deadlifting. The deadlift is quite abit different than any other power movement. Many will say that perfect form prevents injury, well unfortunately if you challenge yourself in deadlifting you will lose form, not if, just when. I have always felt that doing many reps is not necessary, unless you are competing. Depending on the competiton stamina will come into play.

I advocate keeping a moderate weight for reps and using singles to develop power.

 

[brad310]

Im deadlifting 90kg.

This is 'merca.

 

[Blackjack200]

This is 'merca.

Indeed, he should be deadlifting 900kg.

:biggrin:

 

[Phanuel]

Indeed, he should be deadlifting 900kg.

:biggrin:

Deadlift the gym, so the smith machine falls over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0WxyKGD7sU&list=TL_T0ua8wBePQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=74s

 

[mchammer187]

Indeed, he should be deadlifting 900kg.

:biggrin:

I think he was referring to use of the metric system

 

[Blackjack200]

I think he was referring to use of the metric system

 

[Maximilian]

Righto, well im definitely giving myself enough rest so ill keep the weight at 90kg and deload if i fail the next two workouts.

 

[Java Cafe]

I do deadlifts as a part of SL5x5. In Mehdi's videos, from quite some time ago, I have seen him do a deadlift, take his belt off, and walk away from the bar. Then, he comes back to do another deadlift in a little while. Granted that he is an advanced lifter (and certainly, 'light years' ahead of where I will ever be), but it did raise a question in my mind.

As I approach levels of deadlift that seem awfully close to my ceiling (especially while I continue my cut), do I continue to try an make it "one set of five deadlifts"? Or, is it OK to think of doing it five sets of single lifts?

I would truly appreciate hearing from the more knowledgeable among you. Thanks.

 

[Blackjack200]

I do deadlifts as a part of SL5x5. In Mehdi's videos, from quite some time ago, I have seen him do a deadlift, take his belt off, and walk away from the bar. Then, he comes back to do another deadlift in a little while. Granted that he is an advanced lifter (and certainly, 'light years' ahead of where I will ever be), but it did raise a question in my mind.

As I approach levels of deadlift that seem awfully close to my ceiling (especially while I continue my cut), do I continue to try an make it "one set of five deadlifts"? Or, is it OK to think of doing it five sets of single lifts?

I would truly appreciate hearing from the more knowledgeable among you. Thanks.

I'd like to see what Koing or SC think, but I believe there is a metabolic difference between doing a set of 5 vs. 5 sets of 1. I don't know who Mehdi is, but if he's doing heavy singles, his goals are probably different than yours if you're doing one heavy set of five. I use my training mainly for sports and I need to be able to express my strength on the field for longer periods of time than a single heavy deadlift or squat would train.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I'd like to see what Koing or SC think, but I believe there is a metabolic difference between doing a set of 5 vs. 5 sets of 1. I don't know who Mehdi is, but if he's doing heavy singles, his goals are probably different than yours if you're doing one heavy set of five. I use my training mainly for sports and I need to be able to express my strength on the field for longer periods of time than a single heavy deadlift or squat would train.

Mehdi is the creator of the StrongLifts lifting programs. There is a huge difference between one set of five and five sets of one. First of all, the metabolic demand is very different and you have to be able to maintain a high amount of constant tension on your legs, thighs, and back. It also requires a prolonged grip. If you have to switch to five singles, you are honestly working too hard. A set of 5 puts a much lower stress on the CNS (if you can do it) as opposed to you trying to do 5 singles. Mehdi's program and other programs (Starting Strength) create the program so you have to do a single set of 5 reps. If you can't do that, it's not your 5 rep maximum and you shouldn't be doing it for sets of five. If you continue to have issues, you need to lighten the weight and push forward. Perhaps you need to work on higher rep sets to improve your endurance.

 

[Java Cafe]

Mehdi is the creator of the StrongLifts lifting programs. There is a huge difference between one set of five and five sets of one. First of all, the metabolic demand is very different and you have to be able to maintain a high amount of constant tension on your legs, thighs, and back. It also requires a prolonged grip. If you have to switch to five singles, you are honestly working too hard. A set of 5 puts a much lower stress on the CNS (if you can do it) as opposed to you trying to do 5 singles. Mehdi's program and other programs (Starting Strength) create the program so you have to do a single set of 5 reps. If you can't do that, it's not your 5 rep maximum and you shouldn't be doing it for sets of five. If you continue to have issues, you need to lighten the weight and push forward. Perhaps you need to work on higher rep sets to improve your endurance.

Thanks. This is exactly the clarity I needed.

Now, one followup query (for clarification, please) . . . Between the reps of deadlift, I do have to release the bar, and alternate my mixed grip. Is that acceptable? It does give me a tiny bit of additional time relative to simply lifting, lowering the bar (which in my case is about 50% letting go of the bar), lifting again . . and so forth. Or, am I supposed to maintain the same tight grip on the bar throughout the set (and not loosen grip between repo? [Wow! That would be scary. ]

Also, very interesting . . . . the last paragraph of this article. I am not necessarily agreeing with it, but I just thought I'd point it out. Also, I do realize that the author is not advocating 5 sets . . . he is suggest suggesting "thinking" of it it in that way.

 

[Zivic]

Thanks. This is exactly the clarity I needed.

Now, one followup query (for clarification, please) . . . Between the reps of deadlift, I do have to release the bar, and alternate my mixed grip. Is that acceptable? It does give me a tiny bit of additional time relative to simply lifting, lowering the bar (which in my case is about 50% letting go of the bar), lifting again . . and so forth. Or, am I supposed to maintain the same tight grip on the bar throughout the set (and not loosen grip between repo? [Wow! That would be scary. ]

Also, very interesting . . . . the last paragraph of this article. I am not necessarily agreeing with it, but I just thought I'd point it out. Also, I do realize that the author is not advocating 5 sets . . . he is suggest suggesting "thinking" of it it in that way.

some people reset on each lift on the dead. Each person's reset varies. You aren't doing 15 reps, you are doing 5. You should be able to hold your grip for 5 reps... especially at 90 kg or less. heck, you will be doing much less then that considering you were basically doing singles before. when you drop to the appropriate weight, you should handle it just fine, in terms of grip.

 

[Java Cafe]

No. No. I have not been lifting 5 sets of one. I was only wondering if pausing just enough so as to be be able to alternate grips was acceptable. (Also, with a body weight of 62.7 kgs, and a height of 169 cm., age 57, my last dead lift (one set of five) at 109 kgs. While on a cut, I don't think I'll manage to go any further than this though.)