deadlift form

[jaykay]

I was reading up on deadlift form, just to be sure I was doing it right because I had a bit of lower back soreness later in the day after lifting. I see that you are supposed to bend you knees. My trainer showed me to do it by having feet shoulder length apart, looking straight ahead, then bend over (back straight of course) and bring bar down to shins, rise, push hips forward slightly. But the thing is, I don't really squat down to the floor as I've read it described. So, I'm confused.

[gymgirl]

sounds like he was showing you straight, or stiff leg deadlifts? those are different then the traditional deadlift...both are good though!

[trainerty]

Yup stiff leg deads

Sounds like your pretty new to them. The low back pain can be from the form your trainer chose to put you through. It is not a low back dominant exercise...it is a hip dominant exercise. Few tips

-feet are hip width apart or further for new trainees. The hip dictates the feet not the shoulders.

- stick your butt out (this allows the hips to "hinge" properly to bear the load and keep your back neutral)

- Head follows the chest. So the head will face down as you descend. The head and eyes facing forward and up is really for those who lift extreme loads not really proper form.

Goodluck with it

[Lady C]

If your back hurt the bar was pushed out in front of you. You should keep the bar close to your body and push the butt out. It is more of a leaning exercise rather than moving the weight.

[jaykay]

Thanks guys!

[LiftGirl]

Like gymgirl said, your trainer taught you straight-legged deadlifts. Knees bent and squatting down is the "conventional" dead lift. Both are great exercises. The straight-legged one that you learned targets the hamstrings. You should feel the hammies doing most of the work. You will feel it in your lower back, too, but the hammies should be the primary mover.