Closed Stance Deadlifting

[wc33]

Hey Coach,

After seeing many pictures of the classic deadlifters with closed stances (feet ~6 in apart), I decided to try it today and it made the lift much easier. I was able to accelerate with the weight and my lockout felt stronger.

In the book you mention how some deadlifters keep their feet close together but you recommend against it. Why is that?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I don't think I recommend against it. I do think you should become a more careful reader.

[shizz702]

If I recall correctly he said that if one finds it more comfortable and beneficial deadlifting in a close stance that is really not an issue.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Closing up my stance and slightly pointing my toes out was the best thing I have done with my deads in a long time...after years of a medium stance with toes straight ahead. The extra quad and adductor activity was sufficient for a 25 lb PR without any other technique or programming changes.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Exactimundo, KSC. And where did you hear about this? From Uncle Rippy, that's right.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Yes. I forgot to plug the BB Seminar but this is indeed where I learned it. I also learned that my femurs where too long to be a great deadlifter, but Rip was unable to give me a solution for this. I also learned that Rip is a cheap bastard as I watched him haggle with the waitress about getting charged $0.25 for a little bowl of blue cheese.

[Locutus]

No doubt. And closing up my stance a bit makes deadlifting in oly shoes a reality, whereas before I was getting nothing out of them.

[Mark Rippetoe]

The bitch tried to cheat me. Why do you think I have all this money?

[BreezerD]

Does the closed stance favour a particular body type?

[Mucius]

I really SHOULD go to one of Rip's seminars or I'll keep missing all the fun! Damned be the fact that I already deadlift with frog stance...