lat pull downs vs pull ups

[teirrah]

Err, yes. Have a feeling this could come under the category of what you say at the end of your replies Bikinimom, about our most tragic decisions being based on fear...

I do goodmornings with minimal minimal weight though, but deadlifts make me nervous.. however what do you think about starting with no weight only a bar and having someone watch over me to check form? Its just struck me as I am typing this that one of the really great things about Elite is that now thanks to people's replies to my first post, I feel am on the cusp of conquering my fear of deadlifts. Thanks all round.

 

[vinylgroover]

I agree, deadlifts will do more to strengthen any weakness in your back than any other exercise. USE a belt, particularly if you have back problems, and do them on leg day or some other day rather than back day, until you develop sufficient strength there. Doing them on back day may overload your lower back initially.

Using a belt will not significantly restrict your muscle development, but will greatly reduce the risk of injury. The belt does not lift the weight, it simply supports you. I find it ridiculous when people say it restricts your back development. The nly ting that restricts back development is poor form.

Incorporate barbell rows. You shouldn't need any more than pull-ups, barbell rows and deadlifts for your back. They are the meat and potatoes for your back.

 

[JJFigure]

I LOVE deadlifts. Its my favorite lift, and IMO the best back developer out there. I just wasn't sure to bring them up - some women are turned off on the idea of deads. If you can, find someone at your gym who can help you with the form. You also need to get the bar at the right level to begin with; basically, the same level the bar would be at with 45 lb. plates on it while sitting on the floor. You can usually adjust one of the power racks to get close to this level. I don't recommend just jumping to 45 lb. plates (like I did the first time); you'll need to work your way up and get the form down. Once you find proper form and can start using some poundage, I think you'll fall in love with them too. It's an awesome lift (and another gym stopper when women are doing it). Plus, it forces you to focus on getting and keeping a strong lower back.

 

[w84me]

I totally agree with JJFigure. Use the aerobics bench to lift your weights up to better height initially.

 

[teirrah]

Thanks for the advice on this, looking forward to putting it into action, too bad I just trained legs today but think I will slip in some starter deadlifts tomorrow.