I'm nearing the end of stage 2, and more and more thinking I need to drop deadlifts all together from the workouts or replace with some type of variation.
I have arthritis in my right hand and elbow, and have been having a pretty bad flair-up in my right thumb since July. I'm treated with perscription strength ibuprophen, which helps for day to day, but lifting is a different story.
My left hand is stronger, but weak compared to where it should be. I simply don't have enough grip strength. I cannot get past 25 pound weights on the oly par, or my right hand will literally snap off the bar and I'll drop it. Gloves don't help, and I find straps really uncomfortable.
Any suggestions on vairations, or should I just accept that I'm simply always going to hit a max of 25 pounds and a deficit deadlift. I was thinking about breaking it up into an additional set and fewer reps per set, but I'm just not sure.
by 25 lbs on the bar - do you mean the bar + 2 25 plates for a total of 95 lbs?
I thought that's what you said - and then you seemed to say a max of 25 lbs like that was the total weight.
Have you tried RDLs where you could just take it from a rack and not have to break the weight off the floor?
You might be able to try some single leg variations where you'd be cutting the weight that you'd be holding down somewhat? Also - using a DB for single leg might let you hold your hand differently so it wouldn't bother you as much.
You might also try a sumo grip on a regular DL - the hands together in the middle on the inside of your legs rather than outside - it might make things more comfortable on the joints and help your grip.
I already start from the rack. I just can't get a grip from the floor. Since stage 2 has 2 sets of 10 reps, I am usually hanging on by the tips of my fingers on the first set, and have to put the bar back on the rack and reset my grip the second time around.
My real fear though isn't dropping the bar. I mean, it would make me feel stupid, but I think it would be ok. I am more afriad that I am going to hurt my back, since I am not paying attention to what I am doing since I am so focused on my grip.
I might try dumbbells. I can hold 20 pound dumbbells easier, since the grip is just all around different. But when I watch other women and my husband do deadlifts, it depresses me. I just cannot do it.
For deadlifts (even from a rack), you can reset your grip with EVERY rep, not just at the end of a set. Don't worry about a 1-2 second pause as you regrip each time... maybe that'd help??? I lift from the ground, but I set the bar down fully with every rep and, if needed, adjust my grip before lifting again.
If it is the 10 reps at 95 lbs that are fatiguing your grip, I think you will still be fine. 10 reps is a long set for DL. Once you get to a program where you are doing heavier sets of 3-5 and taking the time to regrip if you need to you might find that you can move up quite a bit in weight.
Do you have similar hand/grip issues on the longer sets of things like lat pulldowns or seated rows?
Yes, the pull downs are hell. I got to my highest weight on Saturday, only to practically lose the bar halfway through. I had to stand up, shake out my hands, and start over. I do better with upperhand grip than wide grip, but it's still difficult.
Rows can be a little easier, I think it's maybe better leverage? The wood chop is also difficult. Imagine the way you would hold on to a bar, then stick out your right thumb like you are the Fonz. That is generally what my hands look like by the end of anything requiring a tight grip, even with the dumbbells sometimes.
But I'll tell you, sometimes pushups even hurt, just the way my weight in on my hands. I mean, I don't let my kids hold my right hand. It's just the reality of arthritis. It's worse on somedays than others, and the weather is doing me no favors.
For pushups, some people can't take the palm-flat version - too hard on the wrist.
These people sometimes find relief by holding DBs for pushups (keeps the wrist straight) or doing knuckle/closed-fist pushups. Those do hurt at first as well but they do keep the wrist in line rather than the extreme extension of a normal pushup.
It sounds as if your arthritis is to the point where you are considering the use of some aids? Have you considered weightlifting hooks rather than straps? ( other models ). RA or OA?
I have thought of hooks, but the only ones I found so far (at MC Sports) were too big for my hands. I couldn't grip around them. But I suppose I could shop around some more, I've only been to one store.
And honestly, part of my problem is that I am a little too stubborn for it. Not my best personality trait, I know. But I am having a hard time allowing limitations due to arthritis. I'm only 35. And mine is no where near as bad as that of my 41 year old sister, who is in better shape than I have EVER been in.
Have you tried taking Glucosamine? I started having problems with my hands in my early 30's. I started taking it a few years ago, and I no longer have very many problems with it. When I stop taking it for a few weeks, the problems start again and get worse quickly. (I have trouble even holding file folders and putting them away) I'm fine when I take it though.
Deadlifts - just not happening
Linear Mode
