The Deadlift
 

Hi all, thanks for all the info posted. A never-ending well of knowledge to absorb.
So much to read. My brain hurts from all the info. Keep it coming...

I have a big query about deadlifts.

When lowering the weight, do you allow the discs to touch the ground, as if to start again....or keep tension whilst squating and lift again.

I've read many articles on technique but haven't found info on this part of the lift.I don't know if it's good or bad for the lower back.
I have attempted the lift and found on my third set, my lower back starts to give in and I have to stop the excercise.

Please help....my back is at stake.

I don't touch the plates to the ground, they just hover above, and I've never had any problems with my lower back.

I put the weight all the way down and I only do 4-5 reps. Also, I only do deads once every 2 weeks. How often do you do them and how many reps/sets?

The reason why they are called deadlifts is because the weight comes to a "dead" stop on the floor.

I'd say I'm between a beginner and intermediate bodybuilder. Approx 12 months worth of training spread over 2 to 2 1/2 years.
I know alot of different excercies but through injury (stupidity and a car crash) my real time weight training hasn't been as great as what I would like.
This has mainly affected delt and back training. Both are coming good and am trying to become more dicsiplined and stick to my guns.
My deadlift consists of 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps (approx 40-50kg) depending on back soreness. I stop at that point (I don't like the idea of a wheelchair being my TV companion).

IMO deadlifts don't need to go over 8 reps and should be as heavy as possible. 15-20 reps is a lot. That rep range is more for strength endurance, not building muscle. If anything, that could be used for back width exercises such as pullups/pulldowns, ect. I understand that you're recovering, but try and keep the deadlifting heavy and within reason. 5-8 reps is good to go.

I drop them all the way to the ground. I find deads take some of the most intense concentration.

If i let them come in contact with the ground, i wont pick them up again :joke:

I like coming close but not contacting the ground. Its much harder to control the wieght then just let it hit and then pull. I assume i could do more wieght if i dropped them down, but thats not my style.

^^^^^^

same here

As X said, for me, Deadlift takes the most concentration. I have a tweak in my lower back from a long time ago and it's easy to aggravate with deadlift if I'm not careful.

That is one reason I put the weight all the way down. I really need to keep my form perfect and if I hold onto the weight it's easier for me to lose it. Putting it down gives me that second to make sure everything is where I want it to be. Similar to what hardgain said, it's much harder to control the weight when it doesn't touch down, which is the very reason I DO put it down.

There are all sorts of exercises I am less strict on, but I can't fool around with deads. But I love them!