When I tell my weightlifting friends that I regularly perform deadlifts, they always respond the same way be saying that I’m crazy and that I’m going to blow out my back and be crippled for life.  Then I tell them that I don’t use a lifting belt, even when performing max lifts.  Most will then just shake their heads and end the conversation.  I’m here to tell you that I’m not crazy and have benefited greatly since deciding many years ago to employ the deadlift as a regular part of my workouts.

The deadlift, or health lift as it was once called has always been a staple lift for any serious powerlifter or weight trainer.  It’s popularity amount the average fitness participate has been virtually non-existent though giving way to the isolation type lifts and the wussy machines that are so popular today.  It’s no wonder so many people experience lower back injuries as a result of picking up a back of groceries or lifting a child from the floor.

The deadlift is most certainly not an isolation lifts as it targets a large percentage of the muscles in the body as well as the major joints like the knees, hips and ankles.  If you are looking to get strong and add mass, heavy deadlifts elicit a hormonal training response that contributes greatly to greater gains in hypertrophy than any other exercise with the possible exception of the squat.  Even if you are not interested in adding mass, the benefits from even light to moderate deadlifts are too great to ignore.

Increased flexibility of the hamstrings, hips and glutes, a resilient, injury resistant lower back and an iron like grip are also benefits one should expect to see with the addition of the deadlift.  Core strength is another benefit of this lift as the trainee should learn to breathe from behind the shield to help stabilize and protect the lower back during the deadlift.  Your kettlebell lifting will also benefit from learning proper deadlifting form as most kettlebell exercises begin with the bell on the floor requiring you to bend over to pick it up.  In fact, the kettlebell swing and the deadlift are very similar in technique.

As far as the chances of getting injured, I have been deadlifting heavy for almost 20 years and in that time have only experienced minor strains, not unlike those experienced be anybody who workouts in the gym.  Never have I been severely injured performing deadlifts, even though I never use a lifting belt.  The deadlift is like any other lift in that you must learn and adhere to proper form at all times to minimize the chances of injury.

My suggestion to you is if you are not currently performing the deadlift, begin by learning proper technique, especially breathing behind the shield, and then adding this movement to your routine performing light lifts for a month while you continue to hone your technique.  If you are somebody who has past issues with back injuries, consult your doctor before adding this lift and if necessary, it is acceptable to wear a lifting belt, but only if you have back issues.  If you have a healthy back without past issues, a lifting belt is not permitted.

Kill it!

Dennis

P.S. – Have a question about anything I’m doing, email me and I’ll be more then happy to answer it.  ironkettlebellfitness@gmail.com

Before entering into a fitness routine, especially one that incorporates kettlebells, be sure to consult with your physician or medical professional to be sure you are healthy enough to begin a strength and conditioning regimen.  Be sure to learn the proper way to perform each lift and complete each exercises in strict form employing a spotter when applicable.  In other words, if you hurt yourself, it’s your fault.

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