arching your back on DL question??

[Nikster]

Hi all,

Thought I would ask some men and women about arching back on the DL. I do a C-DL, switched from the R-DL from a few weeks ago. I don't see a huge difference in the lift, nor did I change the weights all that much. I try REALLY hard (mostly after reading threads on here, etc...) not to let my lower back arch. I did some power lifting in college so I know pretty good form I think--but I could only learn them as well as my coach was teaching them right??? However, my back DOES sometimes arch on my LAST sets of my heaviest lifts.

My question is, is this really that bad and how bad does it have to arch before you are asking for trouble? I have never (knock on wood!) had back problems and the lifts dont' bother my back. I know most who have had injuries would probably say, "don't let this happen or you will hurt it like mine"...but what about those with no back injuries or problems? Just thought I would ask. So far I have been pretty careful though....

[missjane]

Your back is supposed to remain arched during your DL's.

This thread might help you, too:

difference between romanian DL and regular DL

[Bytsi]

You mean curl (not arch), right? As in your lower back is going the opposite of its natural curve (kinda hunching over instead of being nice and upright)?

Any time you hunch over instead of keeping that "good posture" back while lifting heavily, you risk injury. I would say that any time you can't maintain good SAFE form on a lift, you've hit failure and need to stop that set.

Hope that helps!!!

[Nikster]

Yes, I think I am not getting the answers I am looking for because I am not asking the question correctly and also I can't see some video feeds that are posted by Lisa on my computer (for some reason?)
I will have to look into that but for now, just reading the articles and will look it up on youtube.

When I was writing the question, I was thinking of cat stretches and how you "arch" your back but in the lift, it really would be better described as "rounding", just the opposite of what I was trying to say. haha

[jvernacchio]

Originally Posted by Nikster

Yes, I think I am not getting the answers I am looking for because I am not asking the question correctly and also I can't see some video feeds that are posted by Lisa on my computer (for some reason?)
I will have to look into that but for now, just reading the articles and will look it up on youtube.

When I was writing the question, I was thinking of cat stretches and how you "arch" your back but in the lift, it really would be better described as "rounding", just the opposite of what I was trying to say. haha

"Rounding" happens a wee bit when you are doing MAXIMAL load lifting (90% of your 1 rep maximum) but it should be happening in the upper back (between the shoulder blades) and only slightly. It just happens when you lift at near max loads and is just mechanics. Don't confuse the two though.

Lower back rounding should never occur and you should avoid it at all points if it is happening lower the weight and work on form.

Here is an excellent 3 part series on Dead lifting should answer any questions you might have.

TESTOSTERONE NATION PT1

TESTOSTERONE NATION PT2

TESTOSTERONE NATION PT3

[Lisa~]

What jvernacchio said.

In a competition you might see some form breakdown for that max attempt to win. The goal in that situation is different. It's winning, not improving your fitness or health. For those of us who exercise to improve body composition and health, lower back rounding would not be desirable. Use the heaviest loads you can lift with good technique.

[Nikster]

Thanks everyone! I also was asking since I am my sisters' "trainer" too and I want to make double sure when someone is asking ME for advice! haha
thanks again!!!
Nik~