Deadlift from box

[CaraBeth]

I've been reading in the FAQ's and some other threads about deadlifts from a box, and I'm hoping someone can help clarify some points.

My deadlift-from-box has never been as heavy as the "regular" deadlifts I was doing in Stage 1. I figured this was normal because:
a) the wide grip is supposed to make it harder
b) I'm not bringing the bar all the way to the floor and resetting my grip. I can't get it that far down without having too reach too far in front of my toes (otherwise, the bar would be on top of my toes, and the plates are not touching the floor at that point). I am using an aerobic step with no risers.

In some of the threads regarding this exercise it's noted that in a proper deadlift, your hips should not go below your knees when starting the lift. Well, I am pretty sure mine are (I never thought about this until toady but will now be paying closer attention in tonight's workout!). I also read somewhere that unless you are using 45lb plates, you are already considered to be doing a deficit deadlift (new term for me today) and therefore you don't need the box.

Finally, I'll say that I don't feel I am progressing very much in my deadlift because I find standing on the box to be somewhat awkward and holding the bar the whole time without ever resetting my grip seems to be limiting what I can do.

So, since I am still using plates with relatively small diameter (I'm still just using 10lb plates, up to 2 on each side for 85lb total) should I just ditch the box and do them from the floor?

[LisaS]

I'd do them from the floor if I just had 10# plates on there. If you want something between the floor & the step, you can stand on plates.

[missjane]

Ditto what Lisa said......if you do them from the floor, your are already doing a deficit deadlift. Conversely, if you are going to do regular deadlifts (non-deficit), then you want to make sure that the bar is raised to the height it would be if 45 lb plates were on it.

[CaraBeth]

Thanks ladies. I am kind of disappointed in myself for not progressing very far with them (I'm in Stage 4 now), and I think part of that is due to the move being pretty awkward from the box. Oh well, I guess that just means I still have plenty of room for improvement. I'm already looking forward to when I am finished with the program and ready to start over - there are some things (such as this deadlift issue) that I didn't pick up on frmo the beginning, and I think knowing all this stuff up front would have allowed me to progress further. Second time around should be better!