trap bar ok for deadlifts?

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Text

my gym has something like this. it doesn't scrape the shins. I can do more weight because of that. my back has a more natural arch.

 

[presidentender]

I've seen these, but never used them. It changes your center of gravity and was invented to remove some stress from the lower back, so you shouldn't use it to the exclusion of barbell deadlifts.

 

[haffey]

They're fine and will probably decrease the chances of you throwing out your back.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: haffey
They're fine and will probably decrease the chances of you throwing out your back.

DL's done right have a low risk of that so please refrain from sounding like a dumbass in the future.

 

[brikis98]

Using a trap bar turns the deadlift into more of a partial squat, which is somewhat pointless. Either do a proper squat or do a proper deadlift. If you can't keep the proper arch in your back during a normal deadlift, you need to (a) use a lower weight at which you can keep the proper arch and/or (b) increase on your flexibility, especially in the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. The only reason I can see for using the trap bar (other than actually working your traps) is if you have some kind of back injury.

 

[presidentender]

Originally posted by: brikis98
The only reason I can see for using the trap bar (other than actually working your traps) is if you have some kind of back injury.

The link above mentions that that's why it was invented.

 

[conorvansmack]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
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my gym has something like this. it doesn't scrape the shins. I can do more weight because of that. my back has a more natural arch.

If you want to avoid scraping your shins, wear high socks. Chicks dig 'em.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: conorvansmack

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
Text

my gym has something like this. it doesn't scrape the shins. I can do more weight because of that. my back has a more natural arch.

If you want to avoid scraping your shins, wear high socks. Chicks dig 'em.

Or sweats if you're self-conscious in the socks

 

[haffey]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: haffey
They're fine and will probably decrease the chances of you throwing out your back.

DL's done right have a low risk of that so please refrain from sounding like a dumbass in the future.

Exactly. Not everyone knows how to do them right, and safer is always better, isn't it? You're the forum asshole, aren't you?

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: haffey
Exactly. Not everyone knows how to do them right, and safer is always better, isn't it? You're the forum asshole, aren't you?

Don't be a dumbass. Any exercise in the weight room is dangerous if not done correctly, including trap bar DL's. But no one here is advocating doing the deadlift (or any other exercise) without spending some time learning the proper way to do it. There are plenty of resources (books, videos, coaches, etc) to help you learn and the benefits of a properly executed DL are well worth it.

 

[haffey]

Originally posted by: brikis98Don't be a dumbass. Any exercise in the weight room is dangerous if not done correctly, including trap bar DL's. But no one here is advocating doing the deadlift (or any other exercise) without spending some time learning the proper way to do it. There are plenty of resources (books, videos, coaches, etc) to help you learn and the benefits of a properly executed DL are well worth it.

Any exercise? Does that include curls then? What about dips? Tricep extensions?

Although you're probably right, the OP will do his research and do them properly. Right OP?

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: haffey
Any exercise? Does that include curls then? What about dips? Tricep extensions?

Are you really arguing that weightlifting, when *NOT* done properly, isn't dangerous? Do you lack the creativity to see the myriad of ways someone can hurt themselves with just about any exercise if they don't know what they are doing (just like you suggested with deadlift)? You're the forum idiot, aren't you?

MANY people throw out their backs by doing curls improperly. You know the guy I'm talking about: he stands in the power rack, loads up the barbell with much more weight than he can handle, keeps his arms bent at a 90 degree angle, and then violently starts swinging his whole body back and forth to get the weight up. Yes, this IS dangerous.

I've also seen shoulder injuries from dips, especially from someone going gung ho on weighted dips. As for tricep extensions, it depends on the type. If you do them sitting upright with a dumbbell above your head, the potential for danger should be obvious. If you do them on a machine, they are likely much more innocuous, although working out in the rigid path imposed by a machine, if not done properly, often leads to repetitive stress injuries.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: haffey

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: haffey
They're fine and will probably decrease the chances of you throwing out your back.

DL's done right have a low risk of that so please refrain from sounding like a dumbass in the future.

Exactly. Not everyone knows how to do them right, and safer is always better, isn't it? You're the forum asshole, aren't you?

Only to people who post things that are completely irrational and over-generalizations. Driving a car can throw your back out since not everybody knows how to do that right. If you care enough to lift, you should care enough to know the form. If you do not research, you shouldn't do the exercises. If you do the exercises without the research, then you deserve an injury. That's why Darwin awards are handed out.

PS: Safe means safe. Safe doesn't mean accepting a poor substitute "just in case" an injury MAY occur at some point in time.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: haffey

Originally posted by: brikis98Don't be a dumbass. Any exercise in the weight room is dangerous if not done correctly, including trap bar DL's. But no one here is advocating doing the deadlift (or any other exercise) without spending some time learning the proper way to do it. There are plenty of resources (books, videos, coaches, etc) to help you learn and the benefits of a properly executed DL are well worth it.

Any exercise? Does that include curls then? What about dips? Tricep extensions?

Although you're probably right, the OP will do his research and do them properly. Right OP?

And are you really gonna try to compare these exercises? Yes, you can blow out a bicep tendon or strain your back if you're doing curls wrong. I've seen people with messed up rotator cuffs from dips. Why do you think tricep extensions are called "skull-crushers?" By definition, any exercise can be dangerous when done wrong. If you're gonna try to say that, don't call DL's out.

All of these exercises, when good form is applied, are beneficial to strength gain and hypertrophy. They are low risk if you care enough to make them low risk.

 

[gramboh]

I believe Rippetoe wrote somewhere about the physiological reasons why a trap bar deadlift mimics a partial squat. The other thing he doesn't like about it is stability at lock-out. Since the bar is not resting against your thighs, you are basically doing a super heavy static hold of a floating load at lock-out which could be dangerous. I've used the trap bar a few times, I always feel like I'm doing to hit my legs with it, didn't like it at all.

 

[FDF12389]

I don't like them either, I would just stick with the barbell.

 

[Eric62]

A lot of angry little experts up on this thread.
What's your purpose of deadlifting? If it's to become a better deadlifter than using the trap bar is mostly a waste of time. Throw in a few sets every few weeks for variety (along with stretch band deadlifts, chain deadlifts, reverse band deadlifts, rack lock outs, ect - anything to work the muscles slightly different than their used to), but don't center your deadlift training around it.
If you goal is bigger traps, then a trap bar MIGHT be of help. Trap bar will favor your quads at the expense of your hams. Trap bar will keep your torso more erect thus utilizing your spinal erectors less.
Personally I've used a trap bar maybe 5 - 10 times in the last 20 years - and have no further use for it, but if you like it, and get results from it, then use it.

RESULTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN THEORIES (including my theories) !!!

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Eric62
A lot of angry little experts up on this thread.
What's your purpose of deadlifting? If it's to become a better deadlifter than using the trap bar is mostly a waste of time. Throw in a few sets every few weeks for variety (along with stretch band deadlifts, chain deadlifts, reverse band deadlifts, rack lock outs, ect - anything to work the muscles slightly different than their used to), but don't center your deadlift training around it.
If you goal is bigger traps, then a trap bar MIGHT be of help. Trap bar will favor your quads at the expense of your hams. Trap bar will keep your torso more erect thus utilizing your spinal erectors less.
Personally I've used a trap bar maybe 5 - 10 times in the last 20 years - and have no further use for it, but if you like it, and get results from it, then use it.

RESULTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN THEORIES (including my theories) !!!

Sounds right to me.

I think the angry experts come out because of how touchy things like deadlifting and squatting are to those who are ignorant of lifting. I can't believe how many people I've heard say "I refuse to squat (or dead) because it's bad for your knees/back!" Which is just so absurd that it annoys me when I hear someone say it, too.