Thread: Are dead lifts really necessary

DEFINITELY watch some videos on form. I see way too many guys pulling the bar from a foot in front of their feet, it puts too much stress on your lower back. That being said, nothing beats the feeling after a new dead PR. And if you're just starting them, you'll hit PR's VERY frequently.

PS don't let the back soreness the next day scare you, keep it up! LOL

Originally Posted by ajordana

I love Deads and haven't had a routine without them in a long time.. but for hypertrophy, ie gaining mass, they aren't a NECESSITY.. if you're powerlifting, they are. Bodybuilding.. not necessarily but they do help. I feel like there is no better exercise for back thickness. Doesn't so much for width bit guarantee your back will be thicker if you incorporate heavy deads

I've heard Reeves Deads (gripping the plates, not the bar) are great for width but doesn't make sense to me. Too damn awkward anyways haha

bullshit I have not did deads in years cause of degenerative disc and have won many shows it all depends on what your goals are

Deadlifts & Squats r definitely important for size and strength in my case; again some folks don't wanna bother with with work of setting it all up; loading and unloading etc., and not to forget there are some gyms that won't let you do them. But if you can use the proper equipment: belt (of course), the right kind of shoes (some do deads without shoes, I don't), gotta wear shorts not sweats (c'mon), chalk for the grip and talc powder to help the bar slide up the quads (again hopefully the gym will let you use it), and the proper form--you'd be surprised at the results. Don't forget which stance might suit you best, the sumo, which is the wide stance; or the narrow stance. Seems it depends on the person as to which is better with one or the other. I have never regretted doing deads, I hated them at first (like squats) now it's my best lift.

I think deadlifts are great for strength, but this isn't powerlifting this is bodybuilding. Bent over longbar rows have always worked better for adding thickness for me

If I didn't have a herniated disc they would be a core exercize for me.

Love 'em!

Have to agree with most of you .. Dead lifts really help the overall development of the back ...

That's why you do them so your back doesn't get effed up, proper form and the right routine you'll have a strong back and hummys