deadlift question

[Tobes]

If I've yet to get to the point where I can do deadlifts with the bar and 2 45s for the required reps in a given program, should I just lift the barbell off the floor, even if I have to start a lot lower or should I start with the bar elevated somehow?

[Cynic]

Use what weight you can. There is no 135lb standard for the deadlift.

[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by Tobes

If I've yet to get to the point where I can do deadlifts with the bar and 2 45s for the required reps in a given program, should I just lift the barbell off the floor, even if I have to start a lot lower or should I start with the bar elevated somehow?

If you have a power rack, set the supports on the lowest position. That will put the bar about 1" (or less) higher than where it would be with 45s on the bar. You can pull in the rack from the bottom supports until your strength increases enough to put 45s on the bar.

Pulling the bar off the floor with smaller plates on it is more like a deficit deadlift. If your form is good that's no problem. It's just harder in that low bottom position. If you round your back to get that first pull off the floor, then pulling out of the rack would probably be a better choice.

[mhz]

My gym has these 5-pound plates that are perfect for deadlifts, as I have the same problem as you. They have the same diameter as a 45-lb plate, but are maybe 3/4-inch thick and are made of a lighter plastic. It made a huge difference once I started using them. I did a quick Google search, but didn't find anything. I'm sure you could find them with enough persistence.

[UpNorth]

If you don't have a power rack you could simply stack a couple of plates on the floor and set the weights on those to give you that lift.