Is 400lb deadlift good for a novice?

[jdiz86]

Just curious if what I'm lifting, as someone who's now in his 4th month, is something 'special' or not..

I was doing my 1RMs last week and deadlifted 400lbs. I've only been deadlifting for 2 months, but haven't really pushed myself to lift heavy - more worried about getting form down and not pulling something. I think I could have lifted more that day, but think I would've passed out after completing a rep of anything heavier. It was weird... the muscles in my neck became constricted and my lungs were too; I was having a hard time breathing for about a minute after the lift..

Also did this (1RM):

215 - bench press
300 - squat
145 - military press
245 - bent over row

I've put on 25-30lbs since starting to lift consistently. I'm now 195lbs at 6'2. Are these lifts impressive for me, being a novice? or expected? Am I a genetic bodybuilding anomaly destined for greatness?

You think I could get up to a 500lb deadlift by the end of my first year?

[dday39]

I don't see anything special

[jdiz86]

I don't see anything special

so you're saying my mother was wrong all these years?

[hanger1989]

You probably have good genetics if your deadlifting 400 pounds so soon. Your other lifts are very good to. I've been lifting for 18 months and you already have a slightly better squat than me. The others your not to far behind me either.

I'm suprised a guy of your height can squat and bench what you can so soon after starting. As both exercises favour shorter guys.

[k9pit]

It's above average for a regular commercial gym like 24.

Surprised that the bench press is so low in comparison.

I don't know many people that can OHP 135lb+ but not be able to bench press 225lbs at least.

All of lift numbers are pretty good for 1 year of training though. You must work hard.

[MCheekCPA]

I would say you have pretty good genetics. Took me years to get to a 400 lb deadlift! Also, other lifts look pretty good too for a mere beginner. After seeing all the posts on BB.com you'd think everyone can have a 500lb dl, 350 squat, and 250 bench in less than a year of working out. For most people, this simply isn't the case. You'll still have to work hard OP. Just because your lifts are strong doesn't make you a BB master. You're simply more likely to win the Mr. O.

When I began lifting many moons ago, my lifts after a month of lifting were approx.: (1 RM)

Bench 100 lbs (1 RM)
DL 200 lbs (1 RM)
Squat 85 lbs (1 RM)

for some reason my squat was well below where most people say they start. My squat is still very weak compared to my other lifts.

[Rayzor84]

I don't believe the stats for 4 months lifting. Especially not the row. I'd love to see your form on these lifts.

[ironwill2008]

Just curious if what I'm lifting, as someone who's now in his 4th month, is something 'special' or not..

I was doing my 1RMs last week and deadlifted 400lbs. I've only been deadlifting for 2 months, but haven't really pushed myself to lift heavy - more worried about getting form down and not pulling something. I think I could have lifted more that day, but think I would've passed out after completing a rep of anything heavier. It was weird... the muscles in my neck became constricted and my lungs were too; I was having a hard time breathing for about a minute after the lift..

Also did this (1RM):

215 - bench press
300 - squat
145 - military press
245 - bent over row

I've put on 25-30lbs since starting to lift consistently. I'm now 195lbs at 6'2. Are these lifts impressive for me, being a novice? or expected? Am I a genetic bodybuilding anomaly destined for greatness?

Post a couple of vids of your max lifts. Whether they're 'good' or not will be determined by your exercise form.

You think I could get up to a 500lb deadlift by the end of my first year?

If you're not in a body cast from blowing out your spine due to piss-poor Deadlift/Row form, just about anything is possible for someone who is truly genetically-gifted.


Again, if you want real answers, post some vids.






There have been several yearlings post some good numbers in this forum; they were backed up with vids showing pretty good form.

[BenBlue]

I don't believe the stats for 4 months lifting. Especially not the row. I'd love to see your form on these lifts.

Repped. If you're actually hitting these numbers after only 4 months in, either your form is painfully horrible or you're blessed with some incredibly unbelievable genetics.

Videos, or it didn't happen.

[InspecktaDeck]

meh, its ok.

[jdiz86]

I don't believe the stats for 4 months lifting. Especially not the row. I'd love to see your form on these lifts.

Sweet! I'll take that as a compliment. My form is just fine, honestly; I work out with some guys that have been lifting for a couple years, plus I'm very cautious about form myself, and have done plenty of research - albeit, I realize I'm no expert. It took me a while to muster the courage to step up to the squat rack and to deadlift. I've incorporated deadlifts and squats in my routine for only the last 2 months.

I've always been pretty active and naturally muscular. Big legs from playing competitive hockey back in the day, but only lifted for 1 year back in high school, and haven't been in a gym since 4-5 months ago.

[jdiz86]

It's above average for a regular commercial gym like 24.

Surprised that the bench press is so low in comparison.

I don't know many people that can OHP 135lb+ but not be able to bench press 225lbs at least.

All of lift numbers are pretty good for 1 year of training though. You must work hard.

I'm certain I could do 225 on the bench. I almost had it that day, but the warm up sets and doing 205, and then 215 wore me out..

[mtownballer20]

Your dead is solid, since most people don't dead in normal commercial gyms you can do a lot more than them. Bench is fairly low, squat is okay.

[ThomasNielsen]

Good lifts considering the time you've been lifting! 500 will be a lot tougher than 400 though. Wheres 400 can be achieved within a reasonable timeframe, 500 usually takes a few more years, unless you're a big guy.

[TSBey]

I would definitely say that dead lift is impressive.

[THElabCHIMP]

They say the internet adds 100lbs

But SRS.
If you want genuine input as opposed to haters. Vids or it didn't happen.

It's certainly possible though. You can build good strength through other means of physical activity, not just lifting in the gym. Example, if you're a construction worker, chances are you have developed decent grip and core strength from work. (Speaking from experience)
I'm not saying everybody with a physical job can pull 400lbs. But it's usually an advantage

[TheShadowMan]

400 is pretty awesome for a deadlift if you ask me, especially given your bodyweight. With the weight differences between your deadlift and your other types of lifts, perhaps it's time to put more of your training time into your others now. In time maybe you'll get those other lifts on par with the weight you're pulling up for deadlift. Perhaps this chart will help show you where are, and where to go from here:

http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLi...Standards.html

[doughnut91]

I personally don't believe that genetics plays as big a role as people seem to think it does, they just don't want to acknowledge the hard work an individual has put in. As others have said, only videos will ultimately prove the numbers you've claimed, and the technique you've used to attain them. But good strength if it's legit; I wish I had gotten that strong in that time frame.

[jdiz86]

With the weight differences between your deadlift and your other types of lifts, perhaps it's time to put more of your training time into your others now. In time maybe you'll get those other lifts on par with the weight you're pulling up for deadlift.[/url]

Thanks. And I was absolutely thinking that my other lifts are lagging behind my deadlift... but maybe that's just where my inexperience shows. I have always stuck to a solid routine and never skip a muscle group. Don't skip anything, or at least haven't yet, so it's not from lack of discipline, but more so how my body is reacting to lifting. interesting.

I remember my first day at the gym, I couldn't even bench 135 more than once lol.. So at least there's progress.

[jdiz86]

I personally don't believe that genetics plays as big a role as people seem to think it does, they just don't want to acknowledge the hard work an individual has put in. As others have said, only videos will ultimately prove the numbers you've claimed, and the technique you've used to attain them. But good strength if it's legit; I wish I had gotten that strong in that time frame.

never posted a vid on a forum board before. but I understand, considering it's really just talk until you see it with your own eyes. I just wanted to hear what the bb.com community had to say. If people don't believe, then it's really a compliment. don't need to prove **** to anyone but myself lol.

[hitman79]

don't need to prove **** to anyone but myself lol.

WHats the purpose of this thread if thats the case?

[jcal1985]

I'd say that's damn good. But I'm probably a little bias as my current max is about 425.... I train at an LA Fitness and besides 1 or two others I've never seen anyone in there deadlifting over 300.....

[jk202]

Good job OP

[veggie530]

never posted a vid on a forum board before. but I understand, considering it's really just talk until you see it with your own eyes. I just wanted to hear what the bb.com community had to say. If people don't believe, then it's really a compliment. don't need to prove **** to anyone but myself lol.

"don't need to prove **** to anyone but myself lol"

*posts a thread on bodybuilding.com to ask others about whether or not my deadlift is awesome sauce*

[lee__d]

WHats the purpose of this thread if thats the case?

lol

[Malfurion]

Also did this (1RM):

215 - bench press
300 - squat
145 - military press
245 - bent over row

Yeah there is no way you have those lifts after 4 months unless you're either on high doses of gear, were already pretty muscular before you started lifting, and/or have incredible genetics

If this is legit you have the potential to be a world class powerlifter, it takes most people around 2 years to achieve those lifts

[zezi25]

Yeah there is no way you have those lifts after 4 months unless you're either on high doses of gear, were already pretty muscular before you started lifting, and/or have incredible genetics

If this is legit you have the potential to be a world class powerlifter, it takes most people around 2 years to achieve those lifts

I think you can easily achieve the first 3 on your first year, the BOR is a bit hard without some cheating.

[cirion0000]

I personally don't believe that genetics plays as big a role as people seem to think it does, they just don't want to acknowledge the hard work an individual has put in. As others have said, only videos will ultimately prove the numbers you've claimed, and the technique you've used to attain them. But good strength if it's legit; I wish I had gotten that strong in that time frame.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ x10000

Screw genetics. I am going to be one strong motha some day. Period. I'm not inclined to put on lots of muscle due to my genetics. But I ain't letting that slow me down in any way. Just makes the road to being strong and big that much more satisfying.

You can have the best genetics on the planet but if you don't consistently lift, or eat right, you aren't gonna get very far.

[TheShadowMan]

I think genetics gets a bad reputation as something of a curse. I hear various comments about how people can't do something because they aren't designed to become that person. You can choose to play towards your natural abilities, sure - but that doesn't mean you can't do something because there's talk that genetics dictates how things are going to go for you. No matter what, you do control your own life. Someone I know came to me recently and told me they are lazy because they are naturally unmotivated and have no energy. I told them that's not true! They're a couch potato who never even walks, eats junk food, has a poor sleeping schedule, drinks a 30 pack of beer every two days, and watches tv all the time. He's using this as an excuse to do what he wants. Now maybe it's me, but I don't think it's in anyone's dna to live that way, I think it's a choice.

[cirion0000]

I think genetics gets a bad reputation as something of a curse. I hear various comments about how people can't do something because they aren't designed to become that person. You can choose to play towards your natural abilities, sure - but that doesn't mean you can't do something because there's talk that genetics dictates how things are going to go for you. No matter what, you do control your own life. Someone I know came to me recently and told me they are lazy because they are naturally unmotivated and have no energy. I told them that's not true! They're a couch potato who never even walks, eats junk food, has a poor sleeping schedule, drinks a 30 pack of beer every two days, and watches tv all the time. He's using this as an excuse to do what he wants. Now maybe it's me, but I don't think it's in anyone's dna to live that way, I think it's a choice.

You have to want it. I mean WANT IT. But most people don't. The moment you tell them the work required they're like oh that's too much for me. Then they should quit complaining that they're fat, can't lose weight, etc. Lol.