Why use alternating grip with Deadlift

[Iron_Machine]

Anyone know why one hand is supposed to be underhand grip and he other overhand grip.

I know I'm supposed to do it this way and I've been doing that for a while, but I was wondering why?

Also do you guys alternte this grip between sets, ie switch which hand is the underhanded and overhanded grip?


Thanks

[pretend]

You don't have to use the mixed grip. If you do it all overhand, then as you move up in weight you'll find the bar having a tendency to roll down your fingers. If your hands are facing opposite directions, it reduces that rotation as your grip starts to fail.

I only do it on heavier sets when not using straps. And yes, I alternate which hand is underhand between sets, as it tires the muscles differently.

[ironwill2008]

Powerlifters use a mixed grip to keep the bar from twisting out of their hands. It's generally considered the strongest option where straps are not desired/allowed.

Bodybuilders will generally use an overhand grip to help even-out the load across the upper body.

Grip is a matter of choice, and should be based on your particular training goal.










Something tells me this thread is going to go South fairly soon.

[bigBOSSguy]

so that you can hold the bar better in ur hands as it wont slip easily...but be careful about underhand grip because it can cause bicep tear.

im using overhand grip though.

[Anthony21]

Anyone know why one hand is supposed to be underhand grip and he other overhand grip.

I know I'm supposed to do it this way and I've been doing that for a while, but I was wondering why?

Also do you guys alternte this grip between sets, ie switch which hand is the underhanded and overhanded grip?


Thanks

Pick whick ever grip is going to benefit you during the lift. When moving up in heavier weight I find that when using the pronated grip my grip suffers doing the reps and I start thinking more about my grip then the actual lift.

When using a pronated and a supinated grip I control the barbell and weight a lot better and spend less time worrying about my grip and focus more on my form, reps, etc.

Just gotta see what's going to work for you and will provide the best comfort for you.

[Iron_Machine]

You don't have to use the mixed grip. If you do it all overhand, then as you move up in weight you'll find the bar having a tendency to roll down your fingers. If your hands are facing opposite directions, it reduces that rotation as your grip starts to fail.

I only do it on heavier sets when not using straps. And yes, I alternate which hand is underhand between sets, as it tires the muscles differently.

Ahh, well that makes sense. I guess I've never gone heavy enough on deads to have that happen! The reason I was asking was that I tweaked something in my left trap, and I could tell it was related to my grip. So I switched it up.

Thanks
PS I see you're from Edmonton, as am I. Where do you lift?

[Iron_Machine]

wow lots of good responses as I was typing!

Thanks guys for the input, I see from this that the grip really is more open that I thought.
Initially I was under the impression that it had to be that one way, now I see that both overhand is ok and more up to the person. Personally I find that way to be less strain on me, and yeah Like one of you pointed out, I was actuallly more concerned and focused on the grip that the actual lift.

Good stuff
thanks guys

[Ka0s]

wow lots of good responses as I was typing!

Thanks guys for the input, I see from this that the grip really is more open that I thought.
Initially I was under the impression that it had to be that one way, now I see that both overhand is ok and more up to the person. Personally I find that way to be less strain on me, and yeah Like one of you pointed out, I was actuallly more concerned and focused on the grip that the actual lift.

Good stuff
thanks guys

You will be able to hold considerably more weight with a mixed grip than a double overhand.

[pretend]

Ahh, well that makes sense. I guess I've never gone heavy enough on deads to have that happen! The reason I was asking was that I tweaked something in my left trap, and I could tell it was related to my grip. So I switched it up.

Thanks
PS I see you're from Edmonton, as am I. Where do you lift?

Hey, no problem. I go to World Health on Jasper ave, since I work 3 blocks away. It gets super busy after work, but it's just so convenient.