Super tight hamstrings

[Lamneth]

Hi Rip,

When describing the deadlift, you mention that the back muscles and hamstrings are in a war for control over my pelvic positions, and the lower back must win. The thing is, my hamstrings are super tight, and my lower back simply cannot win the fight. At least not yet. I know I need to stretch them out and get them lengthened.

My question is, should I lay off deadlifts until I get this hamstring issue solved? I'm worried about hurting myself by lifting with a rounded lower back.

I'm 43, weigh 150lbs, just started lifting about a month ago, and I've progressed to the point where I can get about 200lbs off the ground. (I don't want to call what I do a deadlift, and insult a deadlift with proper form.)

Sorry if this has been asked before -- I did my best to search, but didn't find anything relevant.

[Mark Rippetoe]

http://startingstrength.com/resource...ad.php?t=39692