Deadlift modification for the obese?

[teebob21]

Hi guys -

I've just started up (again) on SS and I am trying to coach my wife. (I need a lifting partner to stay motivated) She, unfortunately, has the general torso shape much desired in beach balls and grapefruit. Is it acceptable to modify the start position for her DLs to the front of the foot, in order to permit a vertical bar path throughout the lift? Making her drag the bar up her shins results in a lateral movement at the top, like an inverted L.

Put a gut and short arms on the "bad" lifter from pg 114 of SS:BBT3 if you need a visual.

[Adam Skillin]

Can or can she not lock out the bar over her mid-foot? If she can lock it out there, and begin with it there, the shortest path to get it from point A to point B is.... (wait for it)

(Not an upside-down L).

[tmcnulty]

It's the lifter-barbell system that stays balanced over the mid-foot. It might look weird with a higher lifter-to-barbell ratio. If she's just starting out, and there's not much weight on the bar, well, there you have it.

[teebob21]

Can or can she not lock out the bar over her mid-foot? If she can lock it out there, and begin with it there, the shortest path to get it from point A to point B is.... (wait for it)

(Not an upside-down L).

Locking the bar over mid-foot at this point requires the bar to pass through the abdominal cavity. Not happening.

It's the lifter-barbell system that stays balanced over the mid-foot. It might look weird with a higher lifter-to-barbell ratio. If she's just starting out, and there's not much weight on the bar, well, there you have it.

This is a good point. Reviewing her lifts in my mind, there is plenty of mass behind the bar to center the overall weight of the system with a more forward start.

The ugly fact is that she's got a gut that comes below her pelvis. Call it what you will (you can find the non-PC acronym in the E&P forum) but we're working on it.

[tmcnulty]

Best thing is to stay positive. Build compliance. Celebrate every PR. Help her enjoy the process.

[Adam Skillin]

Locking the bar over mid-foot at this point requires the bar to pass through the abdominal cavity. Not happening... The ugly fact is that she's got a gut that comes below her pelvis. Call it what you will (you can find the non-PC acronym in the E&P forum) but we're working on it.

Okay, now I'm following. I think I'd have her still start with the bar over mid-foot, if she can achieve the position. If it has to diverge forward of vertical at the top due to current proportions, so be it.

[scwot]

Just throwing this out there but would it be better to perform a halting deadlift to the point where the bar path would diverge. Similar to how someone might perform a rack pull if they were unable to get into the starting position of a conventional deadlift. Over time the range of motion would increase to full lockout.

[Adam Skillin]

It's a pull from the floor, and I know some people will say "bullshit", but is a trap bar something you have access to? It could be a feasible option here.

Now we're getting into nitties and gritties. Does the lady squat?

[teebob21]

She is doing the program. She squats like a boss. We've modified the stance wider to allow the torso to clear the thighs to reach proper depth.

A trap bar is not available - we work out at home.

[teebob21]

After today's workout we're meeting in the middle. We're focusing on a strong setup with a semi-sumo stance until the anthropometry will allow a correct stance by the book. As Adam said, if she has to diverge from vertical at the top, so be it. It will teach her good habits locking the knees and getting the bar up all the way.