deadlift question/bar length

[Brianne]

I have been using the risers from the aerobic steps to rest the bar on when I do my deadlifts, to make sure that the bar is at the proper height. Two questions:

1) as I move on to the "deadlift from box" do I have to use a step for this or would it be the same thing if I just didn't raise the bar up off the ground as much (i.e. fewer or no risers) ?

2) depending on how busy the gym is and what equipment is available at the moment, I will sometimes use the 45 lb olympic bar and add weight to it (currently I am at 85 lbs total) or other times I'll use one of the pre-set bars, which are shorter in length. Does bar length matter? Does it make it easier/harder/different if I am using the same weight but with a shorter or longer bar?

Thanks!

[Lisa~]

1. I think that putting it on the floor makes it qualify as a deficit dead. This is different from what the book says, but I can't see how picking it up and stepping back onto the box makes any difference if your goal is only to get it lower than you were getting your conventional dead. If Lou wants to clarify, he can.

This is the first movement we've come to where I don't like the photos in the book. I would not suggest you put your hips below your knees for any deadlift variation, even a deficit deadlift.

2. You're doing both. What do you think? What differences do you feel, if any, between the two bars? I'm not being coy. I've never deadlifted with the preset bars and I don't know the answer. I'm gonna guess that it doesn't make any difference.

[Brianne]

Thanks! The thing about hips staying above knees had not occurred to me--I'm glad you mentioned this.

As for the comparison between the 2 bars, it seems more manageable for me with the shorter pre-set bar, but I suspect this may be all in my head.

[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by Brianne

Thanks! The thing about hips staying above knees had not occurred to me--I'm glad you mentioned this.

Since we were on the topic, there is a good deficit dead video in this article: MUSCLE WITH ATTITUDE - Mastering the Deadlift: Part III.

And there are very good pictures from the side here: EliteFTS - Box Deadlifts.

As for the comparison between the 2 bars, it seems more manageable for me with the shorter pre-set bar, but I suspect this may be all in my head.

I wouldn't stress over it any. It's still the same load. Use what you feel most comfortable with. Maybe move to the Olympic bar just because it's the big boy bar.

[Brianne]

Thank you for the links!