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Proper Straight Leg Deadlift

dgjesu3 Posts: 104 Joined: 2006/11/13	2006/12/27, 04:40 PM Ok, obviously proper form during exercises is very important. So I have a question about the straight leg deadlift. I know what the form should consist of: feet about shoulder width apart, arms slightly wider than shoulder width apart, perform the exercie as a stretch, keep your head up and back flat, and don't lock your knees. Now the part with keeping your back flat and locking your knees is what confuses me. When I do the exercise, my back is always rounded. Is this normal? Also, I know you shouldn't lock your knees, and I don't. However, when I don't have them locked and they are slightly bent, do I still get the same stretch as I would if they were locked? Thanks.
wrestler125 Posts: 4,619 Joined: 2004/01/27	2006/12/27, 11:18 PM Don't lock your knees, and your back should have a tight (almost overexaggerated) arch. This is what gives your hamstrings the stretch. Stand up straight. Chest out and up. Belly out. Superman chest, buddha belly. Break at the hips sitting backwards. Unlock your knees, focus on keeping your shoulders back and your back arched. Feel a stretch? -------------- Iron and chalk.
dgjesu3 Posts: 104 Joined: 2006/11/13	2006/12/28, 02:14 AM Thanks. Yeah, after every time I do this exercise, the next day my hamstrings hurt really bad. I'm pretty sure I'm doing it correctly. What exactly do you mean by overexaggerated arch?
wrestler125 Posts: 4,619 Joined: 2004/01/27	2006/12/28, 12:15 PM As in stick your chest high and stomach out. As in a tighter arch than you would normally use. -------------- Iron and chalk.
lphitter47 Posts: 8 Joined: 2007/01/27	2007/01/27, 10:59 PM Yes because if you are arched over the bars and your back is loose you could become very uncomfortable in the lift and feel like your back will give out. And there is a chance that it even could give out an you could hurt yourself.
gangstershoes Posts: 641 Joined: 2005/05/27	2007/01/31, 01:52 PM the lower back arch that wrestler is talking about is really important. Don't roll your back and if you feel that you are losing form, drop the weight. It's not worth messing up your back and getting injured. good luck.
Velasca Posts: 441 Joined: 2006/10/26	2007/01/31, 08:03 PM its gotta be the deadlifts!!!! ty for refreshing my memory...gonna stop actually at 135# for a few weeks to get my form down...then keep adding on ..woot!