Hand position/back activation on deadlifts.

[davidodavid]

Hi,

recently moved to a Sumo Deadlift but am finding that my lats don't seem to be engaged in the same way as they do on a traditional "outside of shoulder " hand position.

I find it nearly impossible to retract my shoulder blades with the Sumo grip position.

Has anyone else noticed this and is this a concern in terms of getting the most out of the exercise?

Thanks,

david

[Ikan Twin]

Why are you retracting or want to retract yer shldr blades during a deadlift? I can't access t-mag from here at work, but search for dave tate's article "top ten deadlifting mistakes"...retracting shldr blades is one of the mistakes he lists (if i remember correctly).

remember to arch yer lower back, look upish, & spread the floor with your feet. sumo makes the traps/glutes/hammies grow...enjoy!

[DKing]

Yes I have noticed much less back activation with sumo deadlifts. If more back work is your goal, they might not be the best choice for you. Or you could just add in some snatch grip RDLs or high pulls to activate the back after the deadlifts.

Danny

[davidodavid]

Ikan,

that's interesting. I just assumed that in all back exercises the shoulder blades would be pulled back.

In fact, it helps me maintain a natural arch in my back.

I'll check out the article though, thanks.

Danny, may try that, thanks.

david

[Ikan Twin]

ok, here's the link:

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle....rticle=194dead

i tried for a long time to pull my shldr blades back & was never comfortable & seemed like i was going to fall forwards at the bottom. then i read this & now my pulls feels very natural. Dave Tate, in case you don't know who he is, is a CSCS who deadlifts over 700 lbs, so he knows what he's talking about.

hope the article helps!

[davidodavid]

Just read it, thanks.

Found the idea of rounding my shoulders/upperback while keeping and arch in my lower a little confusing, but I'll give it a shot this week.

david