Adding deadlifts to my routine.

Hi gents. Ok so in an attempt to start doing more compound exercises I first started doing squats, had a very good affect on my legs. Now I have started to do deadlifts aswell. I did deadlifts on my back day, but seeing that it really does work the hammies aswell is it worth splitting my leg routine in two doing hamstrings with back or something in that sense?

The other question is- I have read alot of guys say "never without a belt"? How important is this?

pr0gr3s1v3 wrote: Hi gents. Ok so in an attempt to start doing more compound exercises I first started doing squats, had a very good affect on my legs. Now I have started to do deadlifts aswell. I did deadlifts on my back day, but seeing that it really does work the hammies aswell is it worth splitting my leg routine in two doing hamstrings with back or something in that sense?

The other question is- I have read alot of guys say "never without a belt"? How important is this?

what type of deadlifts aree you doing? Romanian deadlifts are ideal to build bigger hamstrings, while straight leg deadlifts work lower back and hamstrings at the same time. As for weight belt, I am a strong advocate for it, especially if you are not experienced with the movement. I am convinced that if i was using a weight belt, i wudnt be sitting with a herniated spinal disk today.

You have to do dead lifts... But if its pulling your hamstrings your not bending your legs enough.
Drive with your quads from low and then your back atomaticaly takes over.

If your doing back properly after dead lifts there will be no gas left in the tank for hamstrings. Keep legs with legs..
there both huge body parts and need a day of there own.

Good luck mate

GSP wrote:

pr0gr3s1v3 wrote: Hi gents. Ok so in an attempt to start doing more compound exercises I first started doing squats, had a very good affect on my legs. Now I have started to do deadlifts aswell. I did deadlifts on my back day, but seeing that it really does work the hammies aswell is it worth splitting my leg routine in two doing hamstrings with back or something in that sense?

The other question is- I have read alot of guys say "never without a belt"? How important is this?

what type of deadlifts aree you doing? Romanian deadlifts are ideal to build bigger hamstrings, while straight leg deadlifts work lower back and hamstrings at the same time. As for weight belt, I am a strong advocate for it, especially if you are not experienced with the movement. I am convinced that if i was using a weight belt, i wudnt be sitting with a herniated spinal disk today.

Uhm don't know I'm guessing its romanian? As its not straight legs!

Will invest in a belt:)

Ian79 wrote: You have to do dead lifts... But if its pulling your hamstrings your not bending your legs enough.
Drive with your quads from low and then your back atomaticaly takes over.

Thanx, yeah like I said, firts time ever, ok so I'll keep deadlifts on back day and perfect my form to work lower back and not so much hamstrings:!:

Doing deadlifts with a belt kinda defeats the purpose for me, feels like I'm cheating stabiliser muscles, etc. that would've been getting more benefit out of it.

But I agree, unless your technique is spot-on, rather safe than sorry

Straight leg (soft knees) is Romanian Deadlift
Bent knees and driving off the floor is a conventional deadlift.

I definitely don't believe in a belt for deadlifts or any lift for that matter, unless you're getting near your max. I hit 210 the other week without a belt, so providing you keep technique good and aren't maxing out your weight, leave it out.

i think bent over rows are better for damaging your lower back than conventional deadlifts.

Well I went and got one today, better safe than sorry! Will see how it goes!

cool belt. where did you get it from?

MRfeathers wrote: cool belt. where did you get it from?

I got it at our local sport shop, not a franchise or anything! Only had like two options:lol:

Without sounding like too much of dick, that belt isn't going to do much. Don't let that become a crutch to use on every set and if you are going to use a belt for supportive gear to protect the spine, increase abdominal pressure and increase your lift then a proper weightlifing/powerlifting belt should be used.

If you are new to deadlifts, which it seems like you are, then this belt is only going to drag you down. First of all if you are doing a deadlift properly your lower back should be fine, don't forget the lift is initiated with the legs, the arms/lats/back are merely stabilizers and used to finish off the lockout. Put a video up of your form and get it commented on to help you. There is not need for a belt unless you are hitting a 1RM or wear gear.

Just hit 100kg deadlift:D bliksem intense stuff veins everywhere.. loving it

Ok i have another question guys. When doing stiff leg deadlifts how much weight am i roughly looking at? (My body weight is 78kg) im just looking for a rough estimate? I did 50kg last week and my hams are still sore. Also does one want to train this till failure? Cant see it being to good for the lower back?

Any input would be appreciated.

This is a tough one ...use the belt weaken the lower back..dont use.. hurt the lower back so all about form and no belt and calculated weight on the bar..no jerky movements IMO..your lower back is strenghtened at the same time as upper so hammies should take strain before lower back on hammy days.

Im not using the belt on these as it limits the movement and i dont see a point to use it on stiff leg deadlifts as the point of bend is the lower back anyway, hence my concern about doing heavy and til failure.