mikki88's Review Of Barbell Deadlift

Apr 9, 2011 7:21 PM: are these even good for you? when i do them it feels like im straining my back even though i can feel im using my legs to help support the weight.. i dont wanna put my back out or something... are these even good for you? when i do them it feels like im straining my back even though i can feel im using my legs to help support the weight.. i dont wanna put my back out or something...-See Less

Jun 11, 2011 12:29 AM: do rack pulls . or buy a belt do rack pulls . or buy a belt-See Less

Jun 4, 2011 3:43 PM: Maybe your legs are stronger than our back. Try backing off on the weight and let your back catch up. Maybe your legs are stronger than our back. Try backing off on the weight and let your back catch up.-See Less

Apr 20, 2011 7:45 PM: Post video on forum. Lots of knowledgable folks on there who can pick apart your form and tell you what, if anything, you are doing wrong. Post video on forum. Lots of knowledgable folks on there who can pick apart your form and tell you what, if anything, you are doing wrong.-See Less

Apr 13, 2011 9:11 AM: Mikki. Just as with any other exercise, if it doesn't feel good, don't do it. You may be doing it right, but if it still feels like something is not good, in my experience, that's your body telling you it doesn't like that. I am that way with the behind-the-back lat pull downs. I had a trainer check...+See More Mikki. Just as with any other exercise, if it doesn't feel good, don't do it. You may be doing it right, but if it still feels like something is not good, in my experience, that's your body telling you it doesn't like that. I am that way with the behind-the-back lat pull downs. I had a trainer check my form, it turned out I was doing it right, but it still felt wrong, so, I stopped. Just my $0.02. Be well.-See Less

Apr 10, 2011 8:27 AM: Hi Mikki, I am not a foremost expert on weight training, but I can help you with this question. There are several reasons why you may be feeling strain on your lower back during this exercise. The most obvious one being poor form, but that may not necessarily the case given that you are still pretty...+See More Hi Mikki, I am not a foremost expert on weight training, but I can help you with this question. There are several reasons why you may be feeling strain on your lower back during this exercise. The most obvious one being poor form, but that may not necessarily the case given that you are still pretty young (I don't know your genetic make up, but typically weight training SHOULD be utilized for more mature body types). Without writing you a story here are some tips on what you can do.

This exercise indirectly works your lower back as you transfer energy from a crouching position to a standing one. You ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT perform this exercise lifting with your lower back. You can cause permanent damage. Your primary focus should be to lift with your legs and keeping your back straight. This exercise is a full body exercise, not an isolation technique. It requires good form (as any weight training technique) to maximize its benefits. Have a knowledgeable person (coach, instructor, etc) first show you how to perform the exercise and then watch you do it so they can critique your form.

Another option for you is the hyper-extension bench which isolates your lower back. I use the machine that stands at a 45 degree angle. It is the machine where you face forward at 45 degrees to the floor, has a platform that holds your feet in position and thigh pads. Cross your arms in front of your chest and raise your back with as much range of motion that you can.

Other machines have you positioned so that when you extend your back you are parallel with the floor. This exercise requires a lot more technique, and if you are already feeling strain in your lower back; is an exercise that you should gradually move to.

Which brings me to one last thing, watch out how much weight you use when you start a new exercise. Your body must first acclimate to the form and technique required. I would suggest that before you start any new exercise to practice the technique with out the weight (basically using your body weight) to train your muscles so they can handle the new forces being acted on them. For example, before I bench press I stretch my upper body, and do a few reps at a light weight to prepare my upper body for heavier exercise.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions please ask individuals at your gym or a certified instructor on how to properly perform weight training exercises. No one wants you to get hurt :)-See Less