Replacing Deadlifts?

[Kwello]

They really hurt me badly. I'm not sure why, but they just really take a toll on my body. I find I can really only do 2-3 sets of 10 reps with only like 160lbs before I can't bare the thought of doing one more.

Most exercises I enjoy a lot. In fact I almost enjoy every single one other than deadlifts. My form is fine, I watch myself in a mirror from front and side angles to make sure of that... there's just something about the motion that I don't enjoy.

Is there any exercise or set of exercises that I can get away with in lieu of the deadlifts? I know that compound lifts are always best, but as I said, just the thought of a set of deads hurts.

 

[mrRuckus]

Well um you dont need to do more than 2-3 sets of 10.

Does your gym have the special girls only room?

 

[Warboss Alex]

How about doing 2 x 5 or 3 x 3 for a while. Deadlifts are the most gruelling exercise you can do and take a toll on your recovery/CNS more than any other lift including squats.

But if you don't like doing deadlifts there's alternatives, though not as good.

Incidentally if deadlifts are hurting you I'd check your form. Post up a video or describe how you do them..

 

[shaunuk]

What sort of pain is it? It could be more of an endurance thing that appears as pain. EFFORT has me doing 20rep rack deadlifts, and after about 15, I'm wishing the set was over, and after 20, I'm wishing I didn't have to do another fvcking set (2x20, lol).

So try doing lower reps like Alex said. Obviously you'll be going heavier but the set is quicker and you're pulling for a shorter time.

Alex, I'd be interested to hear what alternatives there are to deadlifts just for the sake of it?

-shaun

 

[BluEyes]

Only alternative I can think of off the top of my head are Hypers..

 

[Warboss Alex]

well, nothing will ever replace the effectiveness of a floor deadlift but you also have: stiff leg deadlifts, sumo deadlifts, rack deadlifts from various heights, trapbar deadlifts, hammer strength deadlifts (do deadlifts on the hammer shrug machine) and also good mornings and row variations.

If you don't do a deadlift variation then you should combine a heavy good morning with a row/chin and also add direct trap work. it won't work 100% the same but close enough

But unless you have certain injuries, not doing ANY deadlift variation is holding your progress back bigtime.

 

[Throttle]

i agree, drop to 2x5 and see how that feels for a few sessions.

also, be sure to distinguish between pain and soreness. the latter is fine, though avoidable at least to some extent (see current thread). anything resembling acute pain is a different story.

 

[Skilla_Staz]

Form?

 

[spesmilitis]

look up the article 'the deadzone' at t-nation.com

 

[Call_Me_Daddy]

They really hurt me badly. I'm not sure why, but they just really take a toll on my body. I find I can really only do 2-3 sets of 10 reps with only like 160lbs before I can't bare the thought of doing one more.

Most exercises I enjoy a lot. In fact I almost enjoy every single one other than deadlifts. My form is fine, I watch myself in a mirror from front and side angles to make sure of that... there's just something about the motion that I don't enjoy.

Is there any exercise or set of exercises that I can get away with in lieu of the deadlifts? I know that compound lifts are always best, but as I said, just the thought of a set of deads hurts.

Cleans, clean and jerk. And rowing machine + squats or T-Bar row with squats.