GRRHHHGG!! Deadlift or bust, my ass!!

[WonderWoman]

A few deadlift hints: sumo style works better for those of us with longer legs. I did find that keeping the weight close to my body helped with lessening lower back strain. If you ask competitive powerlifters/ olympic weightlifters about thier shins they will give you dozens of ways to avoid ripping the skin off of them. It is not uncommon to see lifters walk away from an attempt with bloody shins. Why? because the closer the weight is to your center of gravity (hips, butt) the less force it takes to move the weight. Simple physics. That in mind, your hips/legs/low back move the weight. Your traps/arms/rear delts act as the lever that the weight is attached to. Think of your arms as a length of pipe and your hands as hooks. Are you still with me?? Okay, think of your legs as pistons that drive the floor AWAY from the weight. Yes you heard that right , PUSH THE FLOOR AWAY FROM THE WEIGHT. If you do the weight will automatically rise off the floor. Your upper body muscles are stimulated by the fact that you can handle so much more weight using the "big movers" . Still a non believer? Try loading up a bar with 1/2 your body weight. Do this in a rack with the pins at mid thigh level. Grab the weight and stand up. Remember to keep lower back"locked" into a neutral meaning slight curve, position. Keep the chest elevated. This will help to activate the hips and legs to move the weight. Do this for 3-5 sets of 3-5 reps. I promise that your traps/rear delts/ will be screaming for mercy. The key is properly positioning the body to move the weight in the most efficient manner possible. Remember to start light if the above mentioned poundages are too heavy. If you can't squat 1/2 your bodyweight start with an empty bar and use the power rack to set the bar at a proper height. Another hint, start with rack pins at mid thigh. Next week move the pins down 1-2 notches. Befor you know it you'll be moving lots-o-pounds, injury free, with pristine form. My humble opinion only,y'all.
WW