So I started training a new client at his gym today. He is actually in not too bad of shape...After some hip mobility prep work and activation, he got started on some deadlifts at 205 and then 225. Then we got stopped by a gym employee. (Mind you, this is his gym so I feel like a "guest").
So the staff person told us that "to not let the plates crash onto the floor during the exercise..we are startling the members". I thought no problem...I didn't feel like arguing and I was under some time contraints.
So I found the Hammer Strength Deadlift Apparatus. Has anyone ever used this and do you advocate its use for deadlift bar substitues? Thanks for your thoughts.
Dude, I can't see the image - but I think I know what you're talking about. If it's the same HS apparatus that we use for grip training, than well, it's better than nothing.
It ain't the same as pulling good old fashioned deadlifts from the ground, but it's better than nothing.
What is up with gyms that don't have a good deadlift platform? Just one platform!
Edited to add: Ah, okay I see the pic now. And yeah, it's the same. Heh - gotta also add that at the prior gym we trained at, they had just one platform. Often, while we'd be deadlifting or even performing Oly lifts, people (idiots, all), would do things like crunches or stretches at the end of the platform. It was awesome if it was max effort day for deads. We'd simply make sure that there was an extra "boom!" at the drop of the weight. That way, the people would move (they never listened to us when we'd politely ask them to move).
I cant see why someone would actually buy that thing.. I mean, why spend the money on that when a barbell is so cheap. Looks like you couldnt 'lean back' with the deadlifts.
That 'quiet' deadlift thing is stupid. I am a fan of dropping weights and bouncing deadlifts.
I have this in my gym and it's not a bad machine. I've also used it for split squats, both on the floor and Bulgarians (there's a bar across the back to rest your foot on). The machine itself is the weight of a bar without any plates on it.
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I cant see why someone would actually buy that thing.. I mean, why spend the money on that when a barbell is so cheap. Looks like you couldnt 'lean back' with the deadlifts.
That 'quiet' deadlift thing is stupid. I am a fan of dropping weights and bouncing deadlifts.
If my gym were to have machines, I'd prefer HS over any other. And my gym has it all - but I'm one of the lucky ones.
We even have a platform and a couple squat racks. But some gyms don't. Hence, the no dropping. Yes, it's as insane as "no chalk" - but if it's all you got to train someone in, you have to deal with it. Another option is to invite the person to train at your gym if you have a platform and can perform conventional deadlifts.
The one good thing for this HS apparatus is for the person to become accustomed to heavier loads.
If my gym were to have machines, I'd prefer HS over any other. And my gym has it all - but I'm one of the lucky ones.
We even have a platform and a couple squat racks. But some gyms don't. Hence, the no dropping. Yes, it's as insane as "no chalk" - but if it's all you got to train someone in, you have to deal with it. Another option is to invite the person to train at your gym if you have a platform and can perform conventional deadlifts.
The one good thing for this HS apparatus is for the person to become accustomed to heavier loads.
I have no problem with hs stuff, infact I even use it sometimes.
But this product seems a little stupid. A deadlift is picking the weight up off the floor, there is no reason to use a machine to assist this.
Yes you could get used to heavier loads.. but something like a shrug of rackpull will probally be better for 99% of people.
But this product seems a little stupid. A deadlift is picking the weight up off the floor, there is no reason to use a machine to assist this.
Yes you could get used to heavier loads.. but something like a shrug of rackpull will probally be better for 99% of people.
Just like there's no real reason to have incline or decline bench HS machines - but there are.
The problem here is not the machine, but rather that John has to train this guy at this guy's gym where this is the ONLY option for deadlifts.
Now, I hate machines and prefer free weights all of the time. But sometimes, you have to work with the equipment you have to work with such as what John has to do here. As I mentioned before, the only other option would be for the guy to train at John's gym.
the problem is the sound when the weights hit the ground? metal plates? if they are rubber weights you can put the weight down softly and not make a big noise. I know, on max attempts and high weights its hard, but isent it better keeping the weight a little down than using a machine that by the looks of it, takes away some of that good old instability?
that's kind of rediculous... is this guy lifting in a library? I've never used the HS machine, but as said, I guess it's better than nothing.. One idea I could think of is maybe fold up some bath towels and put them on the ground so that the weights have a soft landing and don't make much noise
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Try just setting down some aerobic mats on the floor underneath the plates; it'll quiet things down quite a bit. Of course, you'll probably piss off some of the yoga people!
All my lifts are ninja quiet anyway....apart from the grunting....
I have seen that machine before at Fitness First in Belfast. I couldn't workout what the hell it was for.
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My Bally's has that but I've never used it since they have a cage and no one has complained to me.
Also, we have those exact plates too. I used to think they were some of the best, but when you're doing deadlifts and setting the weight down, the last thing you need is for one side to catch a corner and roll away causing you to twist on the next lift.
Quiet Deadlifts?
Linear Mode
