Anyone here gain good size without doing deadlifts?

[MuscleGainer]

I've been training for around 8 years but seldom did deadlifts. Deadlifts put too much strain in my lower back once I go over 135 lbs when I lower the bar below kneecap level. I probably did deadlifts for 3 weeks and then quit and then went back to them for 1 week and then quit. I try not to let the bar touch my knee caps and shins when doing the exercise but sometimes the bar hits my shins and it hurts and once it hit my kneecap on the way down. I have no problem doing deadlifts on the free motion step up cable machine since the handles can be at my sides during deadlifting but I already maxed out the 200 lb stack and the handles aren't low enough so it's more like a rack pull than a standard deadlift when I'm using that machine. Is not deadlifting holding me back from gaining weight?

[gonna_be_big]

I've been training for around 8 years but seldom did deadlifts. Deadlifts put too much strain in my lower back once I go over 135 lbs when I lower the bar below kneecap level. I probably did deadlifts for 3 weeks and then quit and then went back to them for 1 week and then quit. I try not to let the bar touch my knee caps and shins when doing the exercise but sometimes the bar hits my shins and it hurts and once it hit my kneecap on the way down. I have no problem doing deadlifts on the free motion step up cable machine since the handles can be at my sides during deadlifting but I already maxed out the 200 lb stack and the handles aren't low enough so it's more like a rack pull than a standard deadlift when I'm using that machine. Is not deadlifting holding me back from gaining weight?

you dont NEED to deadlift.

just make sure your doing another exercise that works your lower back to prevent injury when squatting etc.

[Scho77]

I've been training for around 8 years but seldom did deadlifts. Deadlifts put too much strain in my lower back once I go over 135 lbs when I lower the bar below kneecap level. I probably did deadlifts for 3 weeks and then quit and then went back to them for 1 week and then quit. I try not to let the bar touch my knee caps and shins when doing the exercise but sometimes the bar hits my shins and it hurts and once it hit my kneecap on the way down. I have no problem doing deadlifts on the free motion step up cable machine since the handles can be at my sides during deadlifting but I already maxed out the 200 lb stack and the handles aren't low enough so it's more like a rack pull than a standard deadlift when I'm using that machine. Is not deadlifting holding me back from gaining weight?

I havent done deadlifts,,, until 2 weeks ago.
I have gained size, strength, and endurance without deadlifts.
dont need it, but it is a good exercise.
thats about it.

cheers

[MuscleGainer]

you dont NEED to deadlift.

just make sure your doing another exercise that works your lower back to prevent injury when squatting etc.

I don't barbell squat anymore either because of the pressure from the bar but I do the v-squat machine as a substitute. I already do other exercises for my lower back.

[BFJ]

there certainly is no rule that says you have to deadlift. that said it is an excellent mass building exercise because of all the muscles it involves and because you can move a lot of weight on it. one option to prevent the shin/kneecap issues is to wear pants or high socks. that issue alone shouldn't stop you as it is easily worked around, although i suspect the lower back issue is related to improper technique/a strenght deficit in some muscle(s) in your core. trap bar deadlifts might be a nice alternative for you, you are not bending down quite as low when lifting which should stress your back less and the bar's not rubbing on your legs. good luck, train hard either way.

[MuscleGainer]

I don't think my lower back is weak. I can do reverse hyperextensions for 20 reps easily with a 25 lb plate held against my chest. I can also stiff-leg deadlift 165 lbs for 5 reps and that is without going to failure.

[gonna_be_big]

I don't think my lower back is weak. I can do reverse hyperextensions for 20 reps easily with a 25 lb plate held against my chest. I can also stiff-leg deadlift 165 lbs for 5 reps and that is without going to failure.

reverse hyperextensions are where you use your legs... i dont think your doing them.

if your doing stiff-leg then theres no need for a normal deadlift.

[LI GUY 1]

A SLD with 165 for 5 reps is nothing to boast about, at all. It in no way means you are not weak in the movment. The fact that you are even saying this probably means you are weak in the movement and should work on it, or work those muscles through other training.

My opinion is that you do not NEED to deadlift, but you should. It is awesome for your back and traps in terms of looks/strength. I persoanlly love the deadlift.

[Conversion]

you dont NEED to deadlift.

just make sure your doing another exercise that works your lower back to prevent injury when squatting etc.

u NEEEEED it!!!
argh

[kittyboy]

I've been training for around 8 years but seldom did deadlifts. Deadlifts put too much strain in my lower back once I go over 135 lbs when I lower the bar below kneecap level. I probably did deadlifts for 3 weeks and then quit and then went back to them for 1 week and then quit. I try not to let the bar touch my knee caps and shins when doing the exercise but sometimes the bar hits my shins and it hurts and once it hit my kneecap on the way down. I have no problem doing deadlifts on the free motion step up cable machine since the handles can be at my sides during deadlifting but I already maxed out the 200 lb stack and the handles aren't low enough so it's more like a rack pull than a standard deadlift when I'm using that machine. Is not deadlifting holding me back from gaining weight?

I'm one of those who believes that no lift can replace the deadlift for overall mass and strength gains. It sounds like you have numerous form issues; your kneecaps should never interfere with the lift. Learn to deadlift correctly, and they may become your favorite lift.

Study the first clip in this thread; it'll teach you all you need to know:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=112127931

[Spaghettii]

[theapexxxx]

This^^^^

I also wanted to have this picture up again

[disbeast57]

Beezy would be disapointed in you!


You should deadlift, yes there are other movments to build mass. The big 3 are there for a reason, they place the most stress on your muscles thus being used to build more mass.

I only stiff leg these days, seems to hit my back a little better than full DL.

[ironwill2008]

No. Deadlifts and squats are primarily what took me from 130 pounds to 200. Learn how to deadlift properly, and get away from using machines so much.

[Uk Lifter]

Although deadlifts aren't a necessity at gaining a well rounded physique i don't think there's any good reason (besides injury) to not do them. They are extremely effective at building lower back strength, conditioning both your body and mind at lifting extremely heavy weights and make you look like an all round badass when you load up 4 or 5 plates on each side and rip it off the floor. Right i'm off to do some deadlifts and look atleast 10 times as hard as i really am

[theapexxxx]

Give every exercise all that you can
You will see strength gains
You will see gains in size
You will see more vascularity
You will be happier
You will more confident

Deads or not, give every exercise your all.

[disbeast57]

This^^^^

I also wanted to have this picture up again

By that picture i would deadlift everyday all day long....

[spirit3530]

I paused @ 8 years training... Because I was distracted by the sig. Not sure if trolling?

[DJAuto]

Rack pulls are probably more beneficial if you train bodybuilding.

[CLK-GTR]

i havent done deadlifts for a few months and havent noticed much difference, but i do A LOT of back squats, front squats, bb rows, cleans, snatches etc. i think id lose quite a bit of grip and core strength otherwise.

[D.Piddy]

LOLZ!

...and true...

[Ka0s]

I don't barbell squat anymore either because of the pressure from the bar but I do the v-squat machine as a substitute. I already do other exercises for my lower back.

Sounds to me like you had terrible form for the squat and deadlift.


Learn how to do them, then try again

[spirit3530]

Sounds to me like you had terrible form for the squat and deadlift.


Learn how to do them, then try again

yes ^^^^

[nevergain]

I know your form is off because you said you try not to let the bar touch your shins. This is probably why your back hurts. The bar shouldn't be hitting your shins, it should be dragging on them. Learn how to do the exercise properly. To prevent shin scrapes wear long socks or pants. If it still hurts too much wrap yourself in bubble wrap and never leave your house.

[chris.tan]

I never understood why so many people hit their shin or kneecap when deadlifting. The simple solution is...don't hit your shin or kneecap. If for some reason your mechanics makes the bar come very close as I've had happen before, just put your thumb in between the bar and your legs as a buffer. Back extensions will never replace deadlift.
At 5'4 and deadlifting 400lbs, this is THE workout that separates me from 95% of the people in my gym. I'm sure if youre back is hurting from deads you really need to check your form. Yes your back will be tight or you'll have DOMs from deads, but it should never hurt. Get back into deads, your physique will thank you years down the road when you build up that thickness. Best of luck
Tan

[Duperman]

Does anyone use the mixed hook grip while deadlifting? One arm pronated, one supinated, both with thumbs hooked? My grip is pathetic and I can't hold on to too much weight without doing this, but I do worry for my thumbs.

[lancs_hotpot]

One thing ive found is when i do heavy deadlifts i definitely get bigger and stronger overall.

[spirit3530]

I never understood why so many people hit their shin or kneecap when deadlifting. The simple solution is...don't hit your shin or kneecap. If for some reason your mechanics makes the bar come very close as I've had happen before, just put your thumb in between the bar and your legs as a buffer. Back extensions will never replace deadlift.
At 5'4 and deadlifting 400lbs, this is THE workout that separates me from 95% of the people in my gym. I'm sure if youre back is hurting from deads you really need to check your form. Yes your back will be tight or you'll have DOMs from deads, but it should never hurt. Get back into deads, your physique will thank you years down the road when you build up that thickness. Best of luck
Tan

So everyone has the same structure and leverage points?

Laughable

[bigvin73]

I have to say deads will at times strain my lower back but I am also 6 foot 6 inches tall (long long way to move the bar). I tend to do sumo deads now that I am older, less stress on my lower back. I have made gains with and without deadlifts but i feel much more powerful when I am deadlifting. As for the scrapes, I kinda get a kick out of bleeding shins. does this make me sick?

[Tyrbolift]

Although deadlifts aren't a necessity at gaining a well rounded physique i don't think there's any good reason (besides injury) to not do them. They are extremely effective at building lower back strength, conditioning both your body and mind at lifting extremely heavy weights and make you look like an all round badass when you load up 4 or 5 plates on each side and rip it off the floor. Right i'm off to do some deadlifts and look atleast 10 times as hard as i really am

1. Your job involves 8 hours of heavy compound and/or endurance compound movements similar to deadlifting

2. History/age/genetics (predisposition to back problems)

3. You participate in a sport (either professionally or recreationally) where regular deadlifting would conflict with practicing or performing, both in scheduling and over-duplicating movements.

4. You hate them and probably wouldn't lift at all if you HAD to do them.

It's more important to do exercises you enjoy with consistency than doing exercises you hate.