Group: Beginners to Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 970, Messages: 18927

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deadlifts

summerw18
summerw18
Posts: 8
Joined: 2003/01/22
United States
2003/02/06, 09:35 AM
being extremely flexible--when doing deadlifts, i do not feel the stretch in the hamstrings like i should. i was wondering if any other females had this problem, because i really like what this exercise does for the body, but i don't feel like i'm getting the benefits. any suggestions?
rev8ball
rev8ball
Posts: 3,081
Joined: 2001/12/27
United States
2003/02/06, 12:43 PM
Since you're talking about hams, I'm guessing you mean straight-leg deadlifts. If so, I've heard this from many female athletes, since women are ALOT more flexable then men. One thing I would check, though, before going heavier, is your form. Make sure that your back is perfectly straight, and that your upper body isn't pulling more than it's share, hence taking the stress off the hams.

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Michael
"Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2003/02/07, 06:48 PM
If you are that flexible you could try doing them on a step or squat box, but like rev8ball sez - check your form, if you aren't pushing your hips back and keeping your back in its natural position you won't isolate your hams and you will damage your back.
Also - try doing them with dumb bells if you aren't already - it changes the way your body has to balance and you might feel it more.
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2003/02/12, 11:34 AM
Straight-legged deadlifts isolate the hamstrings more, but also place your back in a riskier position. Make sure your form is good.