deadlifts....low reps or high reps?

[rangers97]

that is the question...you kow like a lot of people do 15-20 rep squats, should you do the same with deadlifts, or is it entirely different?

[crazy_enough]

I go super heavy low rep(8) on deads....but thats just me!

[P-funk]

both

[gopro]

Depends on your purpose for doing them.

[BigDyl]

Low weight, Low reps.

[rangers97]

Depends on your purpose for doing them.

What do you mean by that???

[P-funk]

What do you mean by that???

strength (low reps)
endurance (high reps)
power/speed (low reps/low intensity)
hypertrophy (6-12 reps)

etc...

[rangers97]

i know the rep ranges for those specific goals, I was refering to the deadlift alone....do you really want hypertrophy in the lower back area from doing deadlifts???


I was thinking more along the lines of will doing DLs in a higher rep range be more beneficial to your lower back "health" in the long run than using a heavier weight with lower reps....?

[Rocco32]

i know the rep ranges for those specific goals, I was refering to the deadlift alone....do you really want hypertrophy in the lower back area from doing deadlifts???


I was thinking more along the lines of will doing DLs in a higher rep range be more beneficial to your lower back "health" in the long run than using a heavier weight with lower reps....?

The Dead works a hell of a lot more than your "lower back".

[crazy_enough]

i
I was thinking more along the lines of will doing DLs in a higher rep range be more beneficial to your lower back "health" in the long run than using a heavier weight with lower reps....?

U know what, I never thought of it from that "back health on the long run" perspective....hum.... Makes me wonder....

[P-funk]

I was thinking more along the lines of will doing DLs in a higher rep range be more beneficial to your lower back "health" in the long run than using a heavier weight with lower reps....?

Well, if that is the case then why ever lift heavy?? Benching lighter with higher reps will be more beneficial to your chest and shoulder health in the long run as there would be less of a risk of tearing a pec or a rotator cuff than if you were trying to hit a single. But we still do it.

[rangers97]

i always assume that the lower back is the one area you dont want to mess around with...sure we lift heavy on everything, but how many people out there have chronic back pain/injuries as opposed to a torn pec muscle, or a strained shoulder. Once you screw up your back, aren't you done pretty much for the rest of your life with the back pain?

[Johnnny]

Dead lifts work just about every muscle, shoulders, bi's/tri's, legs, upper back, chest & traps.

They are great for overall mass & strength.

So it really does depend on what your goals are in regards to the purpose of doing dead lifts.

Once you figure that out, than you can determine how many reps you use.

Since I normally train for size & strength, I usually do 4-6 reps on my first set, & I gradually decrease the weight & increase the reps to get the full burn.

I do this for just about all exercises as well.

[P-funk]

i always assume that the lower back is the one area you dont want to mess around with...sure we lift heavy on everything, but how many people out there have chronic back pain/injuries as opposed to a torn pec muscle, or a strained shoulder. Once you screw up your back, aren't you done pretty much for the rest of your life with the back pain?

Most people have chronic back pain because they lead a sedentary life and never strengthen or exercise that part of their body. Most peoples backs are messed up from not working them at all and then trying to lift something heavy (like when you move to a new house or shovel snow). Use your head when you lift and mind your form and you should be okay.

[rangers97]

then how does one safely progress in the deadlift without hurting their back? I admit that I never did DLs until late last year, no reason why, just never did it, and I have worked myself up to 235lbs for about 5 reps. But the next day my back KILLS me, I can't imagine how people do 300, 400 and 500 lb deadlifts without breaking their backs. I believe I use very good form, if I dont then I wish someone in my gym would tell me, but man, it is a dangerous exercise