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PSA: do deadlifts!

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I've gotten up to 430 on a hex bar; haven't tried em on a standard oly bar in awhile. Which do you guys prefer?
 
What grip do you guys use for barbell DL? I've watched a vid vids that say to use overhand overhand because you can tear a bicep using heavy weight.

I feel like with that grip though I end up slipping or that I'd need straps. It feels more "secure" in my hands overall using overhand underhand grip.

Also, does anybody hook grip? I'm trying to avoid straps at all costs. I might pick up some chalk, too.
 
I've always just used overhand. I figure if the weight gets to a point where my grip becomes and issue, I need to strengthen my grip, not switch it. I've never used straps, but I have a friend who does. He actually starts with them, because he says if he doesn't, he won't be able to do his last sets. I think he is cheating, personally.
 
I've always just used overhand. I figure if the weight gets to a point where my grip becomes and issue, I need to strengthen my grip, not switch it. I've never used straps, but I have a friend who does. He actually starts with them, because he says if he doesn't, he won't be able to do his last sets. I think he is cheating, personally.

I agree. The only time I could see straps being justified if when you're lifting many times your body weight. I think I get sweaty hands easily, so the bar slips and I feel like each rep I need to set the weight down for a second and regrip..
 
I agree. The only time I could see straps being justified if when you're lifting many times your body weight. I think I get sweaty hands easily, so the bar slips and I feel like each rep I need to set the weight down for a second and regrip..

Chalk is your friend!
 
Chalk is your friend!

Do you know if BB.com sells it? I'll have to order more creatine in 3 weeks or so, I'd want to order it then.

Also to answer a guy above.. I kind of prefer a hex bar for dead lifting. Not sure if it's a mental thing but I've always hit my PRs on a hex bar.
 
i do the normal front overhand grip for deadlifts. i have to use straps when i start going heavier than 315lbs though. i don't use them for warmups but when i start doing working sets i use them. i use straps for shruggs as well, but again, it's when i go heavy. i shrug more than i deadlift.

it sucks in the winter time too because my hands are really dry and even with straps my dry ass hands still slip.

never used a hex bar and they have one at my gym. i have no interest in using it. the only people i really see using it are people who don't really know what they are doing. but with the hex bar you are holding at the sides as oppose to in front of you, so i'm sure it feels different. it seems like it would be easier because of that though because you can have more leg drive.
 
i do the normal front overhand grip for deadlifts. i have to use straps when i start going heavier than 315lbs though. i don't use them for warmups but when i start doing working sets i use them. i use straps for shruggs as well, but again, it's when i go heavy. i shrug more than i deadlift.

it sucks in the winter time too because my hands are really dry and even with straps my dry ass hands still slip.

never used a hex bar and they have one at my gym. i have no interest in using it. the only people i really see using it are people who don't really know what they are doing. but with the hex bar you are holding at the sides as oppose to in front of you, so i'm sure it feels different. it seems like it would be easier because of that though because you can have more leg drive.

It allows you to reduce moment arm (arcing) by keeping the bar in line with the path between your midfoot and head. Less moment arm, the better lift. That said, using a hex doesn't mean you will get perfect balance, you can create negative moment arm if the bar shifts back as you're lifting.
 
The only people I see using a hex bar are the old people at my gym. They are doing rehab with a trainer. In fact, I think I am the only person I've ever seen actually do dead lifts at my gym. =(
 
While only a mere 385 DLer myself, for me, i have found that i gain more out of them by doing less. Sets of 5+ and heavy singles fatigue my body for days and days in a way that nothing else can. I have 'stopped' trying to progress my DL for this very reason. Doing a set of 15x225 touch and go's or low reps at a higher weight where i reset...doesnt matter...the fatigue is still the same.

Deadlift is probably my favorite exercise to do for the fun factor, I just dont eat like a horse to recover in the way that you should from that kind of work. So when combined with a squat day particularly like in a 5x5/SS, i think it is too much work for me.

As far as core strength....i dont think it contributes to it either - or should i say, contribues minimally compared to the load given. I think standing overhead presses work the core more...or anything where a lever arm is created and the weight is further removed or out of line with your heels/hips. Kettlebell complexes for sure.
 
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Squats, deadlifts and bench press are the most important exercises, no matter what the latest craze or fitness articles say. Use perfect form. 🙂
 
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