deadlifts vs squats

rangers97 · 11-22-2004, 07:45 AM

if you had to choose either deadlifts or squats to put into your routine, which would you choose and why....and don't say "I would do them both!"

cause thats not the question

they appear to overlap certain muscles, obviously deads hit the lower back more and the squats hit the legs more. I just dont have the room in my current routine for both, so I am trying to decide which to use. One idea I had was to put deadlifts on my leg day, and do deads, leg presses, and calfs on that day, so I can concentrate on other back exercises on my back day.

Flex · 11-22-2004, 08:00 AM

they're only the 2 most important exercises in BB.

Hmmmm

i have an idea

do both

KarlW · 11-22-2004, 08:02 AM

If I could do rows for back then I'd choose Squats.

**P-funk** · 11-22-2004, 08:42 AM

If you don't have time to do both the cycle them. 4-5 weeks of squats then switch to deadlifts.

Flex · 11-22-2004, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

If you don't have time to do both the cycle them.

that's where i'm having the hard time.

why wouldn't you have time?

Deads on back day, squats on leg day

GIZmo_Timme · 11-22-2004, 09:49 AM

haha you are funny Flex

sabre81 · 11-22-2004, 09:56 AM

if i had to pick i would pick deadlifts. but since i dont have to pick one, i choose both on their respective days.

madden player · 11-22-2004, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

they're only the 2 most important exercises in BB.

Hmmmm

i have an idea

do both

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

Deads on back day, squats on leg day

...Professor Flex is in the house.

Really though, why not do both; I always have.

rangers97 · 11-22-2004, 12:26 PM

the question is if you had to pick one, which one do you think is better, and the answer to that should not be, "well why not do both" which is exactly what I figured everyone would write, which doesn't really help me in finding the answer I am looking for. So, no offense, but don't reply if you're going to say, do both......

**P-funk** · 11-22-2004, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangers97

the question is if you had to pick one, which one do you think is better, and the answer to that should not be, "well why not do both" which is exactly what I figured everyone would write, which doesn't really help me in finding the answer I am looking for. So, no offense, but don't reply if you're going to say, do both......

there is no better or worse in this case. It is a foolish question. they are two different exercises which, although the have some overlaping muscles, work different aspects of the body. It is like saying what is better a push up or a bench press. Both are great.....both are pushes in the trasverse plane. Both recruit your anterior delts, pectoralis major and triceps. Both use the lats (to internally rotate) and biceps (to stabalize). Is one better than the other....no neccessarily. they both have their place. train your deadlift and your squat on leg day since primarily (I look at them at least) they are hip extension. Choose one to focus on for a few weeks and then switch to the other. Or train both at different intensities for a few weeks (ie.....squat for strength at a high intensity and deadlift for power/explosiveness at a lopw intensity (65-70% of 1RM) and then after 4 or 5 weeks swap the exercises). Your body will thank you for the change of pace.

musclepump · 11-22-2004, 12:35 PM

Because of the overlaping muscles, I do both on leg day. I separate leg day from back day by a few so I'm good to go.

SugarDaddy · 11-22-2004, 01:13 PM

Being able to choose only one, I would pick squats. It is definitely more of a core strenth workout, and has more muscle groups involved than the deads. Do the squats properly! Don't let your ego get in the way! Lighten the weight and get the full motion rather than going heavy and cheating yourself. I sometimes load up and do partials to overload the muscle, but the regular part of the exercise is in full.

I don't quite understand how you are comparing one to the other, though. The squat will target your quads and glutes, with all kinds of stabilizers coming into play. The deadlift targets your lower back and hamstrings. I don't really see how you consider to put only one or the other in. Anyhow, that's not my decision.

If you decide not to do deadlifts, do something a little different...won't have the same results, but at least will work your back. I assume you do sets of situps for your abs. In between ab sets, do 'supermans'. Like I said, it won't make your lower back huge or anything, but it'll at least strengthen it. Remember, your body is a set of balances. If you work your chest too much without working your upper back, you get hunched shoulders. If you work your abs without working your back, things get unbalanced there too.

Robboe · 11-22-2004, 01:21 PM

If i had to drop one it'd be deadlifts, because i heavily rate squats for quad development, and i can make up for the loss of deadlifts with other exercises on back day.

However, i currently do squats on leg day on a Tuesday and rack pulls on back day on a Thursday.

**Dale Mabry** · 11-22-2004, 03:49 PM

Rack deads are sweet.

I would choose squat also, but if it were only due to time I would cycle them as P-fizzle mentioned.

Duncans Donuts · 11-22-2004, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Being able to choose only one, I would pick squats. It is definitely more of a core strenth workout, and has more muscle groups involved than the deads.

I don't know about that.

They are the two most important exercises in any good fitness program imo (athletics especially). Deadlifts are probably the most taxing exercise I do, with Squats a close second.

The question itself is ridiculous; how could you only have time for one? The only explanation is laziness...

Archangel · 11-22-2004, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncans Donuts

I don't know about that.

They are the two most important exercises in any good fitness program imo (athletics especially). Deadlifts are probably the most taxing exercise I do, with Squats a close second.

The question itself is ridiculous; how could you only have time for one? The only explanation is laziness...

I would have to agree!!! Why do you need to pick just one. They BOTH are just as important as the other!!! PLEASE, for your sake, fit them both into your routine!!!

Flex · 11-22-2004, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archangel

I would have to agree!!! Why do you need to pick just one. They BOTH are just as important as the other!!! PLEASE, for your sake, fit them both into your routine!!!

Please only respond if you choose ONE

Flex · 11-22-2004, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GIZmo_Timme

haha you are funny Flex

What, the way i talk? Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? How da' fuck am I funny? What da' FUCK is so funny about me? Tell me, tell me what's funny."

LAM · 11-22-2004, 06:20 PM

I would do squats hands down....

Du · 11-22-2004, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

What, the way i talk? Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? How da' fuck am I funny? What da' FUCK is so funny about me? Tell me, tell me what's funny."

Da Pesci

wtfzor · 11-22-2004, 07:36 PM

you'd be crazy if you don't do squat.

I do both, but if I MUST choose one, It would be squat.
I can spend all day listing the advantages of squat.

BoneCrusher · 11-22-2004, 07:56 PM

I am 44 and need to be very carefull about back injuries. Dead's keep me well while still getting legs done. JMHO.

SquatBenchDead · 11-22-2004, 08:05 PM

You can easily squat and deadlift on the same day. The first half of my training cycle I squat and deadlift in the same workout twice a week(And I train for strength).

**CowPimp** · 11-22-2004, 10:34 PM

Although I recommend doing both, I would choose squats if I had to pick just one. The main reason being that you have to stabilize the weight.

Flex · 11-23-2004, 08:03 AM

if i absolutely HAD to choose one with a gun to my head

, i would say deadlift.

Squats obviously work your quads, hams, glutes, and to some extent your lower back. But you can get nearly the same results from hack squats, leg presses etc.

On the other hand, deads give you a thickness in your back like no other exercise can, as well as also improving your traps and forearms greatly, and to some little extent your legs.

just my .02

FLEX

Flex · 11-23-2004, 08:05 AM

^but then again, i STILL don't see the problem with not being able to do both.

So do both.

View Poll Results: deadlifts or squats
deadlifts are better	28	39.44%
squats are better	43	60.56%
Voters: 71. You may not vote on this poll

11-22-2004, 07:45 AM	#1
rangers97 2006 Stanley Cup Champs! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York Posts: 245	deadlifts vs squats if you had to choose either deadlifts or squats to put into your routine, which would you choose and why....and don't say "I would do them both!" cause thats not the question they appear to overlap certain muscles, obviously deads hit the lower back more and the squats hit the legs more. I just dont have the room in my current routine for both, so I am trying to decide which to use. One idea I had was to put deadlifts on my leg day, and do deads, leg presses, and calfs on that day, so I can concentrate on other back exercises on my back day.

11-22-2004, 08:00 AM	#2
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	they're only the 2 most important exercises in BB. Hmmmm i have an idea do both
	You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

11-22-2004, 08:02 AM	#3
KarlW My Little Man Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sydney Oz Posts: 1,030	If I could do rows for back then I'd choose Squats.
	What this means is that when we drop a ball and it falls to the ground, it wasn't the ball that moved (down to the ground), but the ground that moved (up to the ball)

11-22-2004, 08:42 AM	#4
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,425	If you don't have time to do both the cycle them. 4-5 weeks of squats then switch to deadlifts.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

11-22-2004, 09:49 AM	#6
GIZmo_Timme tjwes, I can flex fat ;) Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 165 Photos: 8	haha you are funny Flex

11-22-2004, 09:56 AM	#7
sabre81 mmmm weights.. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Western New York Posts: 386	if i had to pick i would pick deadlifts. but since i dont have to pick one, i choose both on their respective days.
	Damn

11-22-2004, 12:26 PM	#9
rangers97 2006 Stanley Cup Champs! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York Posts: 245	the question is if you had to pick one, which one do you think is better, and the answer to that should not be, "well why not do both" which is exactly what I figured everyone would write, which doesn't really help me in finding the answer I am looking for. So, no offense, but don't reply if you're going to say, do both......

11-22-2004, 12:35 PM	#11
musclepump Celebrity PersonalTrainer Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,665 Photos: 128	Because of the overlaping muscles, I do both on leg day. I separate leg day from back day by a few so I'm good to go.
	Let's all join together and SPEAK ENGLISH IN AMERICA.

11-22-2004, 01:13 PM	#12
SugarDaddy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 27	Being able to choose only one, I would pick squats. It is definitely more of a core strenth workout, and has more muscle groups involved than the deads. Do the squats properly! Don't let your ego get in the way! Lighten the weight and get the full motion rather than going heavy and cheating yourself. I sometimes load up and do partials to overload the muscle, but the regular part of the exercise is in full. I don't quite understand how you are comparing one to the other, though. The squat will target your quads and glutes, with all kinds of stabilizers coming into play. The deadlift targets your lower back and hamstrings. I don't really see how you consider to put only one or the other in. Anyhow, that's not my decision. If you decide not to do deadlifts, do something a little different...won't have the same results, but at least will work your back. I assume you do sets of situps for your abs. In between ab sets, do 'supermans'. Like I said, it won't make your lower back huge or anything, but it'll at least strengthen it. Remember, your body is a set of balances. If you work your chest too much without working your upper back, you get hunched shoulders. If you work your abs without working your back, things get unbalanced there too.
	First Lesson: Go Big or Go HOME! Second Lesson: You are what you eat!

11-22-2004, 01:21 PM	#13
Robboe Designer Supplements Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Newcastle Posts: 5,151	If i had to drop one it'd be deadlifts, because i heavily rate squats for quad development, and i can make up for the loss of deadlifts with other exercises on back day. However, i currently do squats on leg day on a Tuesday and rack pulls on back day on a Thursday.
	Being held down by The Man

11-22-2004, 03:49 PM	#14
Dale Mabry Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 13,835 Photos: 10	Rack deads are sweet. I would choose squat also, but if it were only due to time I would cycle them as P-fizzle mentioned.
	If sense were common, everyone would have it. 4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge...

11-22-2004, 06:20 PM	#19
LAM Gym ratt/Part-time pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 7,384 Photos: 2	I would do squats hands down....
	Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov TBD ----------------------------------------------------- What you talking about Willis ?

11-22-2004, 07:36 PM	#21
wtfzor Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 245 Photos: 1	you'd be crazy if you don't do squat. I do both, but if I MUST choose one, It would be squat. I can spend all day listing the advantages of squat.
	Train beyond the pain...and death is your only release

11-22-2004, 07:56 PM	#22
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,544	I am 44 and need to be very carefull about back injuries. Dead's keep me well while still getting legs done. JMHO.

11-22-2004, 08:05 PM	#23
SquatBenchDead Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Monrovia, CA Posts: 44	You can easily squat and deadlift on the same day. The first half of my training cycle I squat and deadlift in the same workout twice a week(And I train for strength).
	Get Strong @ WannaBeStrong.com

11-22-2004, 10:34 PM	#24
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,405	Although I recommend doing both, I would choose squats if I had to pick just one. The main reason being that you have to stabilize the weight.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

11-23-2004, 08:03 AM	#25
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	if i absolutely HAD to choose one with a gun to my head , i would say deadlift. Squats obviously work your quads, hams, glutes, and to some extent your lower back. But you can get nearly the same results from hack squats, leg presses etc. On the other hand, deads give you a thickness in your back like no other exercise can, as well as also improving your traps and forearms greatly, and to some little extent your legs. just my .02 FLEX
	You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

11-23-2004, 08:05 AM	#26
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	^but then again, i STILL don't see the problem with not being able to do both. So do both.
	You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*