4 Simple Deadlift Tips
 

4 simple deadlift tips:

1) Squat more. This might involve slowly bumping your volume, frequency, intensity or all 3 over the next year or two. I have had many volume periods, and recently intensity periods. During my aggressive squatting periods my deadlift has also went up.

What you need - volume, frequency or intensity will depend on where you are at, and how things are going.

2) Deadlift 90% and under. I have never received any noticeable benefits deadlifting frequently above 90%. In fact, I often end of slamming my lower back too much as well as find myself needing longer recovery periods.

My best deadlift progress has always come from working hard for progression in the 70-90% range.

3) Get your upper back strong. I'm not talking 120 pound one arm rows here, I am talking 200 pound rows. Yes, you certainly CAN do these. If I can row 275x10 with decent form you can row 200x10. Make it a goal. Also get your Pendlay's to 315 for 5-10 reps.

You can never have enough upper back strength. If you can row a Herculean amount of weight, you will deadlift more. I guarantee it.

4) Strong quads. Quads are overlooked in many modern templates. I think they are one of the key reasons I pull close to 700 pounds raw. There is no downside to having freakishly strong quads, so don't ignore them.

I know this is going to sound a bit strange but I find around the 93% 1RM mark works for me, where deadlifts are concerned.

I would agree, though would state with #4 that if your hams and glutes are not strong, creating balance, you will find your back issues more frequent. While I have not seen or read any studies to support my hypothesis, I would argue strong overall leg development, quads, hams and glutes will improve your deadlift greatly.

Don't forget tip number 5. Get ANGRY!

I know from lifting with you and having you tell me, straps are fine on top sets for deads... What about barbell rows? Better off doing 175x 10 no straps, or going heavier and strapping up? I'm sure I could row more with straps to aid my grip.
Great tips by the way Steve!

Great post.

This is key. I channel my anger at my lack of a decent deadlift :)

Yes. Great addition. I tell everyone I meet that the deadlift more than any lift is brute force and will. Raw rage.

I literally work myself into a frenzy when I deadlift. I love the ritual.

I was actually just considering #3 at the gym this evening. My deadlift made the best progress when I was working hard at increasing my Pendlay rows! I have not done those in a while. Might be time to bring them back in!

agreed Steve

I like to squat and deadlift on the same day, i think that they complement each other

Get tips there BTB. These will come in handy.