The quest an 800 (900?) deadlift and specialization

[BendtheBar]

I want your thoughts on deadlift specialization. I have been tossing this around for months and think I am to the point where I need to either "sh*t or get off the pot" with this idea. Primarily I am trying to decide if it's worth it.

Right now my raw deadlift is close to 675. I am fairly certain by year's end my raw deadlift will be around 700.

After this meet I am going to start using a suit and belt. I was talking with Jonathan Byrd and believe I can add at least 50 pounds with this combo. Looking at 2012 I have a chance of hitting 800 if I work hard. I plan on working hard with the gear, and moving up if I can, even if it's only for a chance at 10-20 more pounds.

My point in all this is that right now all I care about is the deadlift. Time is not on my side and I want to make sure I don't miss any opportunities. If I can get 800 at the age of 45, which I really believe is a possibility, I "might" have a real chance at 900 before age catches up to me. At least I will be making a run at it. Perhaps I will fail in an epic manner.

So, with all this said, do you believe specialization is worth is? It's not like I won't train heavy bench and squat, but I am simply wondering if limiting squat and bench heavy sessions to once a week would be of benefit in the long run?

[gaspers04]

Brother you do what you feel is best. Now I know that you will never truly kick those other to lifts to the curb completely and will always push numbers better then the above average populace. So by all means suit up and chase that dream of 8 or 9 hundo Brother! SFW!!!

[Kuytrider]

I say do what you love my man. You don't want to look back in 10-15 years and regret not going for it. You could break deadlift records in the future!

[Off Road]

Chase the dream.

[BendtheBar]

Well I don't know if specialization, or periods of specialization, is/are worth it, meaning I am not sure if it will help my numbers any more than my current routine.

I have been thinking about minor tweaks to my current programming, and while not dramatic, I wonder if they are any more beneficial than just doing what I am doing currently.

[Off Road]

Specialization probably isn't going to help a lot if your current methods are bringing fast progress, which it seems they are. Maybe wait until things seem like they are slowing down for you.

[JTurner]

I would agree with everyone else and say go for it! If you excel in a lift and you enjoy it take advantage and shift some seriously big weight.

[Fazc]

Btb your strength in the Squat and Deadlift are pretty balanced right? 575ish in the Squat, 675ish in the Deadlift. For a heavier guy I'd say that's about right.

If so some specialisation on one lift might not be a bad idea.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I have been thinking about minor tweaks to my current programming, and while not dramatic, I wonder if they are any more beneficial than just doing what I am doing currently.

While I think your current routine will keep your breaking PRs, there's no harm in looking at alternatives. What tweaks were you considering?

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

So, with all this said, do you believe specialization is worth is? It's not like I won't train heavy bench and squat, but I am simply wondering if limiting squat and bench heavy sessions to once a week would be of benefit in the long run?

In my opinion I wouldn't limit your squats to once a week, limit the volume and absolute weight used for sure but you don't want to ignore the synergy between the two lifts.

Something like Deadlift and assistance done prior to Squat work multiple times a week may work. I'd split it up in various categories and try and include as much work as possible during the week, starting each week off with a maximum pull.

Deadlifts: Deadlift, Deficits, Partials, Chains

Upper back: Chins, Rows, Shrugs

Lower back/posterior: GMs, RDLs, SLDL, Cleans

A bunch of that stuff done numerous times a week might be a good idea. I'm going to PM you some online logs which you might like the look of.

[Lerho]

I would concentrate on speed work in deadlifting and improving weak areas. What is your weak point in deadlift? If you really want to improve deadlift, dump or at least limit your bench press training. As for squat, its important for deadlift, BUT once again, what squat to do depends on your deadlift weak point.