Deadlifts and short arms

JKP · 11-16-2008, 02:07 PM

Hi everyone - I'm new to this forum, and approaching the end of stage 1.

I had a question about the deadlifts. I've watched the videos of Cass and Julie doing them about a billion times, and today I really tried to imitate the form, so in theory I understand what I'm supposed to do.

However...I'm only 5'2, and I'm wondering if having shorter arms affects my form. I feel like I'm squatting too much so that I can actually reach the bar. I guess i'm just wondering if this is going to do any harm and if I can still do what I need to do with having to squat a bit more.

I also think that on the way back down, my back is becoming too rounded. Is this something I should be concerned about? I was having a hard time correcting it today.

Thanks!

missjane · 11-16-2008, 03:30 PM

How much are you lifting? If you aren't lifting with 45 lb plates on each side of the oly bar, you want to elevate the bar to the height it would if you DID have 45 lb plates on each side.

JKP · 11-16-2008, 04:53 PM

I'm lifting 80, with a bar that is 'preset', I guess (as in, it's made to be 80 pounds, I can't add or remove weight). That makes it lower to the ground than it would be, I think.

nancysmithwp · 11-16-2008, 05:55 PM

It is easy to hurt your lower back if you let it round. It's very important to not lift so heavy that the lower back rounds. I lifted with the preset bars in the beginning also. But I like using the oly bar now.

missjane · 11-16-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKP

I'm lifting 80, with a bar that is 'preset', I guess (as in, it's made to be 80 pounds, I can't add or remove weight). That makes it lower to the ground than it would be, I think.

OK, then you need to raise that bar up from the ground as if there were 45 lb plates on it. I used to use the last rack for the safety bar in the squat rack. I haven't looked at the video from Cassandra and Tracy and Julie lately, but I think they showed the bar raised ...maybe using step platforms....can't remember.

JKP · 11-16-2008, 06:50 PM

Thanks for the replies. I may try to keep up with the 80 pounds since I'm starting fewer reps next week, but if I'm still able to get the rounding thing under control I'll lose some weight.

There was a video that did show a bar on some step risers. I hadn't thought of using the squat rack to do that, though. I can try that next time! Thanks!