mixed grip with deads?

[JDid23]

hey guys... i use a mixed grip for my deadlifts, but it's always left under/right over. I can pull 275 for reps with left under/right over, but with left over/right under, i can't pull nearly the same amount of weight. My question is whether or not it's worth sticking to my left under/right over, or doing double over/switching it up with less weight. I want to be able to handle the most weight possible, but i don't want to have imbalances in the future.

 

[ExtraMile]

if your that bothered learn the hook grip

 

[JDid23]

if your that bothered learn the hook grip

I'm not bothered by any means... I am just wondering if using the same mixed grip will lead to any imbalances down the road.

 

[Tblock1]

You could do your warmup sets or backoff sets with left over/right under, or you could do another set after your hardest set with left over/right under. I am the exact opposite, and I just switch it up when I get a chance.

 

[gstacker]

U have to switch it up ur gonna kink ur back an have one foraem bigger than the other, use the hook grip for as much weight as u can handle before using that grip...

 

[Steel-Spevenburg]

I sorta had the same problem and realized I was trying to muscle it up with my dominant bicep when that palm was facing out. Not sure if that's your problem but might be something to pay attention to next time.

 

[imafuturebodybuilder]

Do forearms workouts to strengthen your forearms and everything will be fine. OR get lifting straps, OR forgive me for saying this, whack off with your left hand.

 

[gstacker]

Do forearms workouts to strengthen your forearms and everything will be fine. OR get lifting straps, OR forgive me for saying this, whack off with your left hand.

Na u really do need to switch it up, doing forarms will do nothing for the strain on your back and a imbalance... At least imo

 

[Andalite]

Na u really do need to switch it up, doing forarms will do nothing for the strain on your back and a imbalance... At least imo

You are right on all your advice. I made the error of waiting till I was Deadlifting in the upper 380s before I decided to address my strength imbalance.

 

[zedhed]

I alternate my mixed grip each set. So far no problems, been at it about 5 yrs now, hittin 400-460 for singles.

 

[Andalite]

I alternate my mixed grip each set. So far no problems, been at it about 5 yrs now, hittin 400-460 for singles.

Thats the right way to go about it. I'm around the same range as you except I wasn't wise about this till I hit 380.

 

[SouthernLord]

I think not alternating a mixed grip is one reason whey my right lat is larger then my left. It's not too bad, but I definitely notice. Alternate your mixed grip, learn the hook, or even *gasp* use straps on your heavy work sets.

 

[SouthernLord]

straps? are you fucking gay or something?

No EM, I'm not gay. Sorry bro

I find using straps to be a hindrance to my pulling. I'd rather use a hook or alternate a mixed grip.

If you have no intentions on competing in a PL comp then sure strap up on your max set. Especially if it will prevent injuries and imbalances.

Even Rip says the same thing in SS. Not that his word is the gospel, but if he approves of strapping up, then by all means strap up.




*This is not an excuse to strap up on all your warm up sets. Use them sparingly

 

[Andalite]

I think it boils down to how much grip strength means to you. If you have no intentions of ever competing then by all means strap up. If you want to have a strong grip regardless of competition, don't. If you are going to compete don't strap up on max attempts because you need your grip to be strong.

Hell, you could even strap up and work on grip strength separately.

I, for one, love grip strength and for me it is important which is why I wouldn't ever use straps plus they're uncomfortable to me.

Each to his own. Straps are just one of a few tools to meet your goals. If they don't address them then it's not an issue. There's no need for anyone to get overtly passionate one way or another. It's all about meeting your goals.

 

[stephen4327]

very true andalite.. it's all about meeting your goals then setting higher ones.

 

[Andalite]

very true andalite.. it's all about meeting your goals then setting higher ones.

Exactly. People get very attached to tiny things like certain types of programming (5/3/1, 5x5, 10x10, etc etc) which defeats the purpose because everything we do - all these "tactics" are mere tools to help us reach our goals and should be treated as such. You just need to use the best tool for the best results for YOUR own goals.

 

[liffalot]

On a deadlift, whether youre doing sumo or traditional, doesnt matter, your arms should just be like ropes to pull the weight up. If youre actually using your arms to pull the weight, thats a problem.

Holding it is another thing. But based on this I wouldnt think your grip would make too big of a difference.

Its like trying to throw a football lefty........righty you could throw it 80 yards, lefty maybe 20........its just a coordination issue that you may never get.

 

[moya]

i use a mixed grip on all sets (right-over, left-under, never alternate and i dont feel it has caused any major problems... pulling tripple bw+...
i dont plan on changing it...

 

[b fold the truth]

I have pulled with a "different" grip only a few times in my life.

I have fairly decent body development for a non-bodybuilder.

I have a deadlift of over 800 lbs as well.

Don't split hairs of the little stuff...especially if you only have 285 lbs on the bar.

 

[JDid23]

thanks for the input everyone!! also a random question about deadlifts:

someone who is pretty dammm big watched my deadlift the other day told me my form was really good. However, he said i should deadlift with my head down, which i have never done. I did it on one set a few workouts ago and i honestly thought it went pretty well.

Any views on this ^^

 

[b fold the truth]

The only time(S) my head is down on a deadlift is when I'm reaching for the bar and as my hips go through at the lockout and I wait for the down signal. All other times I'm thinking "BACK BACK BACK BACK....!!!".

I have far from perfect form on deads but you can see my vids if you YouTube search "ClintDarden". I deadlift on Sundays...Event Training days.

 

[moya]

i keep my head forward at the initial pull, and as i lock out a near max i will look up high...
the body tends to follow the head...

 

[b fold the truth]

Couple of recent vids... Deadlifts are at the beginning.

 

[ExtraMile]

No EM, I'm not gay. Sorry bro

I find using straps to be a hindrance to my pulling. I'd rather use a hook or alternate a mixed grip.

If you have no intentions on competing in a PL comp then sure strap up on your max set. Especially if it will prevent injuries and imbalances.

Even Rip says the same thing in SS. Not that his word is the gospel, but if he approves of strapping up, then by all means strap up.




*This is not an excuse to strap up on all your warm up sets. Use them sparingly

Lol. Everyone has a differant view on it, Rippetoe says that but Jim Wendler says you shouldnt because:
1. Your grip will quickly catch up to your hip/leg/back strength.
2. Grip strength is essential in all sports, and in life.
3. For overall muscle growth, it’s best to train without the aid/support of equipment.
4. It’s also best to use as few "crutches" as possible when you train.

If forearm size and grip strength mean nothing to you then go ahead and strap up, but I still think if you cant grip the weight then its too heavy for you.

 

[Tblock1]

Lol. Everyone has a differant view on it, Rippetoe says that but Jim Wendler says you shouldnt because:
1. Your grip will quickly catch up to your hip/leg/back strength.
2. Grip strength is essential in all sports, and in life.
3. For overall muscle growth, it’s best to train without the aid/support of equipment.
4. It’s also best to use as few "crutches" as possible when you train.

If forearm size and grip strength mean nothing to you then go ahead and strap up, but I still think if you cant grip the weight then its too heavy for you.

Yeah but I like using straps sometimes, I would have been screwed without them the other day because I had that tendon injury in my finger and using straps helped me get the weight because it helped shift the weight off my fingers. All things in moderation....

 

[Hellawulf]

Chalk is a helluva thang!

 

[b fold the truth]

I don't let any of the guys that train with me use straps, and now it has no effect on their deadlifts. They even take as many of their warm up sets as possible with a double overhand grip.

I've never had an issue of a bar coming out of my hands.

 

[the_alcatraz]

grip should be however you're comfortable with...I dont believe I need to switch a grip if the current one works for me....IMO that's the way to go

 

[Landospike]

I agree. As long as the grip is anatomically correct, go with what you're comfortable with.

 

[bblazer]

I have pulled with a "different" grip only a few times in my life.

I have fairly decent body development for a non-bodybuilder.

I have a deadlift of over 800 lbs as well.

Don't split hairs of the little stuff...especially if you only have 285 lbs on the bar.

BINGO!

And when you are doing silver dollars for 1200 then you can think about straps.

Until then, don't worry about switching your grip. Or if the mere idea of it bothers you, just hook it like Brad Gillingham or Dimas. Your thumbs will love you for it.

And lets really cut to the chase. When we are talking about grips that can hold a bar with 500 and up on it, imbalances are a moot point.

B-

 

[b fold the truth]

BINGO!

And when you are doing silver dollars for 1200 then you can think about straps.

Until then, don't worry about switching your grip. Or if the mere idea of it bothers you, just hook it like Brad Gillingham or Dimas. Your thumbs will love you for it.

And lets really cut to the chase. When we are talking about grips that can hold a bar with 500 and up on it, imbalances are a moot point.

B-

Do you have to take anti-psychotics after you train with the crew that you do? Cause if you weren't crazy going in...

If your last name is Gillingham or Dimas, you aren't normal. Heck...there will only be ONE DIMAS ever... That man has all the respect I can give him...on and off the platform. You know his last OLY medal (wasn't freaking Gold) was with a broken hand? Can you imagine having 500+ overhead with a broken hand?

 

[bblazer]

Do you have to take anti-psychotics after you train with the crew that you do? Cause if you weren't crazy going in...

If your last name is Gillingham or Dimas, you aren't normal. Heck...there will only be ONE DIMAS ever... That man has all the respect I can give him...on and off the platform. You know his last OLY medal (wasn't freaking Gold) was with a broken hand? Can you imagine having 500+ overhead with a broken hand?

Agreed. I don't think Big Z could C&J 500 even with an intact hand. And yes, the Gillinghams are all nutz.

I used to take medication, but then I thought it would just be easier to join in, so I stopped, and now I see everything so much more clearly. It especially helped me understand Jason that much more.

B-

 

[b fold the truth]

Agreed. I don't think Big Z could C&J 500 even with an intact hand. And yes, the Gillinghams are all nutz.

I used to take medication, but then I thought it would just be easier to join in, so I stopped, and now I see everything so much more clearly. It especially helped me understand Jason that much more.

B-

And could he do it at 185 lbs and less? 165 lbs at times...insane. He gave up 10 years of his family life to do that. And retired...to be with his wife and children. You don't do what he did, with a broken hand, for the money. You have something inside, a different type of love that goes beyond the word passion, that other people just don't have.

The kind of passion and psychosis that has you screaming mad and crying at the same time after a PR...