One of the Most Underrated Strength Exercises You Can Do

[stef]

by Mark Rippetoe

​The deadlift is a very simple exercise that basically involves picking a barbell up off the ground and setting it back down. It’s a bit more involved than that – most everything is, and despite the fact that some fitness chains have decided to sell memberships by making fun of it, the deadlift is one of the most basic and useful strength exercises in the gym. ​

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[jkeiffer]

I have a basic question. I'm 47 and not very fit, but I'm not completely gone. I'd like to know if there is any reason not to do trap bar deadlifts instead of barbell deadlifts if I just want to get a bit stronger. I don't need to know about the other exercises you could do with a basic barbell, because those are a lot more skilled. I just want to pick up something heavy. I'm thinking about doing this a few times a week, and not even very many reps. Anything is more than I do now, so I figure whatever I add will be beneficial.

And one other question... I've heard that people should shoot to be able to deadlift twice their bodyweight. Is that for athletes though? What about the average person?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training | The Aasgaard Company

[m_sporkboy]

I have a basic question. I'm 47 and not very fit, but I'm not completely gone. I'd like to know if there is any reason not to do trap bar deadlifts instead of barbell deadlifts if I just want to get a bit stronger. I don't need to know about the other exercises you could do with a basic barbell, because those are a lot more skilled. I just want to pick up something heavy. I'm thinking about doing this a few times a week, and not even very many reps. Anything is more than I do now, so I figure whatever I add will be beneficial.

I am your exact age, and I was a mess when I started lifting. There's no need to go straight to "anything is better than nothing", when you can do something awesome. Go get the book. You can do it.

[Brodie Butland]

There's no need to go straight to "anything is better than nothing", when you can do something awesome.

I'm stealing this!

[m_sporkboy]

I'm stealing this!

That may be the first time an SSC thought I said something that wasn't stupid.