Originally Posted by Markus

Texas Method for Weightlifting

Could one utilize the Texas Method for gaining back strength for the olympic lifts?
Something like

Power Snatch
power clean
Clean Pull
OH Squats

3x a week? going 5x5 (ramped), 2x5 @ 80%, and for a 1,2,3,4RM?

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

Oh, I don't see why not. I've never used that specific one, but there is no reason why it wouldn't work. Lots of these types are things are best experimented with for yourself, and permission is not necessary for that.

Originally Posted by Dave76

Mark,
Ass to grass squatting seems to be all the rage these days. There are many people who believe that you teach ATG squatting. Could you comment, please?

David...

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

Dave:

Thanks for bringing this up. Squat depth is critically important, but so is correct form. ATG-level depth most usually requires that the lumbar muscles relax the lordosis and that the hamstrings relax before extreme depth can be reached. It doesn't sound like a good idea to me that anything be relaxed in a deep squat, since doing this kills your good controlled rebound out of the bottom and risks your intervertebral discs. Those rare individuals that can obtain ass-to-ankles depth without relaxing anything might be able to get away with it, but as a general rule you should squat as deep as you can with a hard-arched lower back and tight hamstings and adductors. This depth will be below parallel, but it will not usually be "ATG".

Rip

Originally Posted by Serpens Aeon

Conventional vs. Sumo Deadlifts for the Injured

Hi Mark,

I have a question regarding my deadlift form.

This past February I herniated a disc (L4 or L5, I believe) and as a result I've been out of commission since April due to pain, and what not. My orthopedic specialist has had me confined to trunk exercises for the last month or so, while I've been getting tri-weekly traction treatments from the chiropractor. Thus far, progress has been good, although my ability to pull still feels somewhat dodgy. Nonetheless, I'm itching to train again soon. So, onto my question...

I've always been a conventional-form deadlifter, as sumo-style deadlifts felt somewhat awkward, but now that I really need to watch out for my spine, would they be the better option to allow me to keep pulling? I realize you're not a medical practitioner, but I figure you've ideally got some experience with such a predicament.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Greg

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

In all honesty, I have had so little experience with sumo deadlifts that I am really not the guy to ask about this. In theory, sumo lines up the spine more vertically, so that there is less shear, but if the erectors are strong enough to hold the spine rigid there is no shear with a conventional deadlift, or even a goodmorning. I'd say that the Elite guys are the ones to ask about this, not me.

Originally Posted by Serpens Aeon

Understood. Nonetheless, thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.

I'm not sure, however, who you are referring to in regard to the "Elite guys."

Originally Posted by Misanthrope (Matt)

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I was of the mind that the body style of lifter was an important factor in determining whether conventional or sumo deadlifting would be preferable. My understanding was that a lifter with shorter arms and legs in relation to the torso might be more comfortable with sumo style. I have fairly long legs and arms, but I'm about average height for a male. My back is almost horizontal when lining up for a sumo pull, and I'm not able to get any power from legs. It doesn't "feel" right at all; thus, I don't do it. However, using the conventional style I can line up perfectly, albeit with a fairly narrow stance. It feels much more natural for me to pull conventionally.

It seems to me that if sumo pulling felt "awkward" to you before, it wouldn't be any better of an idea do it after a back injury. But what do I know?

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

Matt:

There is an extensive treatment of anthropometry in the new book. It is probably the most commonly misunderstood aspect of coaching correct technique, and we hope to help clarify the situation.

Rip

Originally Posted by Kyle / Fortified Iron

Upcoming Book

I know we spoke about this on the phone but I'd like to let everybody here see some stuff on it.

When will it be released and what will be the basic outline of the new book? I believe you mention its Starting Strength Second Edition, with added information. How much new stuff? Where can we order from?

Kyle

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

The new book is Starting Strength 2nd Edition: Basic Barbell Training. It contains all the original material from SS and about 50% more, in the form of new analysis of the five lifts and a big chapter on the legit barbell assistance exercises. We are preparing the final draft now and it should go to the printer before 8/10 and be back by mid-September.

When the pdf leaves here for the printer, we will post a pre-sell special on our website. Watch for it starting next week.

Thanks for your interest.

Rip