Another Dead Lift Question....

[gymbunnywannabe]

Okay, I am a week into stage 2- doing deadlifts on the box. Love them. But, in reading in the NROL4W and Beginning Strength (great book by the way) both authors talk about using straps when the weights get too heavy, but they both also advise not using them so that you can build your grip strength. So here lies my issue: My BB is loaded with 40lbs plus the bar itself- so 50- my legs and every other muscle involved can do more weight but my grip, especially in my left (my non-dominate) hand can barely make it the ten reps. Any advice? Stay with the 50 until my grip gets better or up the weight and use straps?

[missjane]

The bar weighs 45 lbs, so if it's loaded with 40 lbs, then you've got 95 lbs.

Try a mixed grip...one hand over and one hand under. Straps should not be necessary unless you are really lifting heavy.

[LisaS]

As missjane says, a normal Olympic bar is 45 lbs (with collars). If you think your bar is only 10 lbs - is it one of those old fashioned 1" iron bars? Even so, are you sure it is just 10 lbs?

Even so, it may just be that you have to stop and regrip the bar mid-set. That's OK too.

[gymbunnywannabe]

Okay, I guess I underestimated the bar weight, won't be the first time (I am terrible at guessing weights, measurements and what not) but it makes sense that the bar weighs 45 hmm.... so, as for the mixed grip, I am not real sure about using that. If you have read "Beginning Strength" he states that this grip can cause shoulder issues and recommends using it only in a competition setting where really heavy weights are used.

So, I guess my real question is...do I work on my grip and stay at this weight until it improves or do I go with straps and work the rest of me and find another move that works grip?

[missjane]

Are you coming to a "dead" stop and resetting your grip before each rep? I can see losing your grip doing RDL's where there is no chance to come to a stop and reset. But, with CDL's, you get to reset for each rep.

And, lots of people find the mixed grip is very helpful at higher weights. It's an individual preference I guess.

[Amblus]

I use a mixed grip on my heavy DL sets and it really helps a lot. I haven't had any shoulder issues, Also, I switch which hand is over and which is under for each set.

[Melly]

If you keep lifting without the straps, I think you'll find it won't take long for your grip strength to catch up. That will be useful with other dumbbell exercises, too.