Fixing rounding issue on deadlifts once and for all.

[joelk511]

Hello Mark,

I am pretty sure that you would rather people post form checks elsewhere but this is an issue I have been trying to fix and deal with for quite a while and I wanted your opinion on it once and for all.

Anyways, Ive always had trouble maintaining a neutral spine in the deadlift. I was able to deadlift a very rounded 520 x 1 at one point by letting form creep and ignorance get the best of me for quite a while. After a minor low back tweak, I decided that I was over my laziness and ignorance and that I would relearn and rebuild the deadlift from scratch.

After starting with 265 x 5, Ive finally worked up to 325 x 5 and I wanted to get your thoughts on it. I feel like I still can't keep my back in extension to the degree that you advise on the deadlift in Starting Strength or to the degree that you demonstrate in all of your pulling videos on youtube (rack pull, halting, 500 DL, ect). Any thoughts or suggestions on finally fixing this rounding issue moving forward?

I have also added a second video of a single where my deadlift is starting with my hips even higher in case that is one of the suggestions. As you will be able to see, my back is still not as extended as it probably should be. I should probably add that my squat is at 325 x 5 x 3 as of today.

Deadlift Set of 5 - http://youtu.be/mRcCy4TcJBc
Deadlift Single with Hips Higher - http://youtu.be/myp4uOxJqeE

Thank you for your help and time.
Joel

[Mark Rippetoe]

I see no problem with your lumbar extension in either of these videos. What do you think correct spinal extension looks like? Post a video of someone doing it "correctly."

[mrflibble]

His glutes probably got too big. Most likely from making the rookie mistake of using too much muscle to lift and not enough bone.

[joelk511]

His glutes probably got too big. Most likely from making the rookie mistake of using too much muscle to lift and not enough bone.

I don't get it... Don't you want to use your musculature to move the weight?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Joel: The Video.

[joelk511]

Hello Mark,

For example: here I see one of your athletes keep much better extension throughout the entire back than I am in my video.

http://youtu.be/0LrH7uHRGxI?t=6m33s

[Roland Conde]

I don't get it... Don't you want to use your musculature to move the weight?

It's a joke, Joel.

[Mark Rippetoe]

For example: here I see one of your athletes keep much better extension throughout the entire back than I am in my video.

Better, but not MUCH better. He's stronger than you, and as you get stronger, you'll keep it flatter. But again, your very close to perfect, so put the pistol down.

[joelk511]

Thanks Mark! Guess its time to add some weight!!!

Although I had backed off from 520 and restarted from 50-60% I think it is best to keep the 5 lb per workout progression and not jump right back to where I was before I reset to ensure I keep this form moving forward.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Video of 520?