Deadlift Question

[jbruno]

I've decided to start doing deadlifts and have a question.

Why do you grip the bar with one palm down and one up?

Also, do you alternate which hand faces which way every set?

I tried these for the first time yesterday with very light weight simply to get a feel for it. It was very awkward for me to alternate my palms. I ended up doing a few sets with both palms facing downward. Is this a big no no or O.K.?

Thank you,

 

[Fatty4You]

If you have one palm suppinated and one palm pronated, the bar will not roll out of your hands. It makes gripping the bar easier on your hands.

However, i find that it feels strange, and i would rather use a double pronated grip with straps.

As for alternating, i find this throws me off, and i feel weaker if i try to alternate every set. But with straps, dont got to worry about that.

-Fatty

 

[DrBones]

I felt awkward with the one hand pronated, one hand suppinated grip at first too... Give it a few weeks and it feels natural...
I used to have to use chalk with both hands pronated/suppinated but since switching to a mixed grip havnt had the need to use it since... Stick with the mixed grip... once you get into the heavy weights you will be happy you did

 

[gymtime]

Since you're just starting to do DLs, do what is most comfortable for you. I do the pro/sup grip and I don't ever change it. That works for me.

 

[DOM]

At light weights this grip doesn't matter. But as you start to go heavier you'll need to use the alternate grips because otherwise the heavy weight will roll your fingers open -- that leads to your grip giving out because the strength of your hands when they are closed tightly is much stronger than when they roll open like that.

With alternate grips each hand can counteract the weight rolling your fingers open in either direction.

 

[DrBones]

Also....
When the weight does start to slide out of your hand.. that is when you are going to start running into straining problems...
I've strained the shit out of my neck a few times from the weight slipping, but tryin desperately to still hold on...
Something else to think about.

 

[jbruno]

Thanks everyone for the great answers/comments. That's why I love this place.

Cheers,

 

[spatts]

I use right over left under....everytime. Feels natural to me.

 

[Citruscide]

Yea... I do left over right under... but as of the last 2 months or so... maybe even three? I hurt that fucking ligament in my left wrist... hence, I can't really grip anything without straps. Well, anything over 225lbs or so...

C-ditty

 

[makedah]

I used to always do right over, left under. Then, I read that using both 'over' could help my grip. So that's what I've been doing.